General Information About Vaginismus
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the situation where the muscles at the entrance of the vagina contract violently beyond the woman's own will during an attempt at sexual intercourse, a gynecological examination, or while inserting a tampon, creating a 'wall' and not allowing entry.
NO! This is the biggest myth in Turkey. In 99% of vaginismus cases, the hymen is completely normal. The problem is not anatomical, but psychologically based contraction. Therefore, having the hymen surgically cut (Hymenectomy) DOES NOT SOLVE vaginismus; on the contrary, it further increases the woman's trauma and fear.
Absolutely not. This is a reflex disease. The woman may love her partner very much, be sexually aroused, and want very much to have intercourse. However, because the brain perceives the vagina to be in danger (that it will tear, be shredded), it locks the muscles as a defense mechanism. Even if the woman wants to, she cannot relax that muscle.
The biggest reason is the false sexual myths that settle in the subconscious from childhood: scary stories like 'The first night it bleeds a lot, hurts a lot, it tears, you get locked and go to the hospital'. In addition, a strict/oppressive upbringing style, stories of sexual harassment/trauma, and beliefs that consider sexuality shameful/sinful directly affect the brain.
During a penetration attempt, the woman experiences palpitations, sweating, panic, crying fits, squeezing her legs tightly shut, and pushing her partner away with her hands/feet. If forced entry is attempted, a very severe, knife-like pain (dyspareunia) is experienced.
Applying local anesthetic creams or getting drunk (drinking alcohol) and trying is NOT THE SOLUTION, it does not stop the pain and contraction.
The Gold Standard Treatment is: Sex Therapy (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).
First, the Gynecologist proves to the patient through an examination that there is no physical problem. Then, accompanied by a specially trained Sex Therapist, the woman is taught to recognize her own anatomy, erase those frightening wrong thoughts in her brain, and most importantly, how to relax her own pelvic floor muscles (Progressive desensitization, breathing, and Kegel exercises). When the patient learns to command her muscles, vaginismus is completely defeated with 100% success and in an average of 3-5 weeks.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
