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Patient education: Vaginismus (The Basics)

Patient education: Vaginismus (The Basics)

What is vaginismus? — Vaginismus is a condition that happens when the muscles around the opening to the vagina tighten up. This happens when something is about to be put in the vagina, such as a penis, tampon, or medical device. Vaginismus causes pain during sex. You might also have pain if a doctor or nurse does a pelvic exam.

Vaginismus can happen if you have anxiety about sex or pelvic exams. Or it can happen if you have had a bad experience with either of these things in the past. It can also be related to an infection or other medical condition in the vagina. Sometimes, it happens for no obvious reason.

What are the symptoms of vaginismus? — The main symptom of vaginismus is pain when something is put in the vagina. Sometimes, the pain is so bad that nothing can be put in the vagina.

Should I see a doctor or nurse? — If having anything touch your vagina is painful, see your doctor or nurse. They can look for the cause. If you feel pain during a pelvic exam or the pain is so bad that you can't start or continue an exam, let the doctor or nurse know when you feel it and where the pain is.

Is there a test for vaginismus? — No. There is no specific test. Your doctor or nurse should be able to tell if you have it by learning about your symptoms and doing an exam. They might be able to feel the muscles around the opening to your vagina tighten during an exam.

How is vaginismus treated? — Treatments include:

●Treatment for any medical condition that is causing pain, such as an infection or skin irritation

●Exercises to help relax the tight muscles

●Physical therapy to loosen the muscles around your vagina

●Devices called "dilators" – You place these in your vagina. They can help you get used to having something in the vagina. You can use numbing medicine when using the dilators so that they cause less pain.

●Vaginal estrogen – This treatment can help if you have dryness or thinning of the tissues near the vagina. This can happen if you are breastfeeding or going through menopause. (Menopause is when a person stops having monthly periods.) Vaginal estrogen comes in creams, tablets, or a flexible ring.

More on this topic

Patient education: Sex problems in females (The Basics)
Patient education: Pelvic muscle (Kegel) exercises (The Basics)

Patient education: Sexual problems in females (Beyond the Basics)

This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Jan 02, 2023.
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