The anatomical area where sexual intercourse occurs in women is called the vagina. Vaginal entrance muscles contracting involuntarily and preventing intercourse despite the woman’s desire is called vaginismus.
Another definition of vaginismus is the persistent or recurrent difficulty in allowing the penis, a finger, or any object to enter the vagina, even though the woman expresses a desire to permit vaginal entry.
Vaginismus may sometimes be accompanied by muscle contractions throughout the body or in certain areas, legs closing involuntarily, fear, trembling, and sweating.
These women often experience anxiety, fear, and panic. Believing that their hymen is too thick or their vagina is too narrow, they attempt to protect themselves due to the expectation of pain. Many women with vaginismus describe the sensation of “a wall” being present and believe that this wall cannot be overcome.
Like a self-fulfilling prophecy, the perivaginal muscles contract involuntarily under the influence of fear. The vaginal entrance, which consists of approximately 2 cm of muscle tissue, narrows, tightens, and makes penetration impossible due to these contractions—according to the patient’s incorrect beliefs.
In medical literature, it is classified as a sexual pain disorder under sexual dysfunctions. Painful intercourse is called dyspareunia. These two conditions may trigger each other.
Vaginismus is a problem of avoidance. Even if the person prepares mentally for intercourse during the day, at the moment of intercourse she withdraws and decides to try again later. The mind decides to proceed, but the body does not cooperate. Thus, days, months, or even years may pass.
What Are the Symptoms of Vaginismus?
The most immediate symptoms that come to mind regarding vaginismus are the inability to have intercourse and the sensation of pain during intercourse. There are some differences between vaginismus and first-night fear. Both originate from fear, but the degree of fear varies from person to person. Despite the reality of first-night fear, it is not possible to have intercourse with someone who has vaginismus. The patient cannot even touch her own genital area with her hands. During intercourse attempts, the legs close involuntarily or she pushes her partner away. All these reactions are involuntary protective responses of the body. When intercourse is attempted for the first time, the subconscious sends a message to the brain signaling danger. Vaginismus is not related to sexual desire or lack thereof.
What Are the Causes of Vaginismus?
Vaginismus is a sexual dysfunction arising from internal anxiety during sexual intercourse. Due to fear of sexuality, the body's protection response is activated, and the body does not allow sexual intercourse. The cause of vaginismus is entirely psychological. A prior negative experience may also create the belief that sexual intercourse is harmful.
There is no organic problem in the vaginal area. Since there is no visible physical issue preventing intercourse, this can be identified through a simple gynecological examination. Therefore, to determine whether there is an organic problem interfering with intercourse, the patient must first be examined by a gynecologist.
Vaginismus is a sexual dysfunction that can be treated. The most important step in treatment is listening carefully to the patient, because the root of the problem is psychological. By listening attentively, the source of the primary fear can be easily identified. Vaginismus can be treated through psychotherapeutic methods.
