Vaginismus can arise from varying possible factors, and these can be grouped broadly into physiological causes and psychological causes.
Likewise, approaches to treatment can also be roughly categorized in this manner, based either on an approach to curing or minimizing the symptoms through treating the body or the mind.
A psychological approach to treatment will often approach one or more of three factors in a woman’s perceptions that may be contributing to the problem:
- A belief that the act of sex is either wrong or shameful
- Fear of painful sex
- Traumatic experiences in early childhood
Medical and psychological professionals will often be particularly attentive to the psychological aspects and possible causes of the condition when primary vaginismus is involved (the patient has never experienced vaginal penetration without pain).
It can also be important to examine some psychological conditions that may co-exist with, be correlated with, or made more severe by vaginismus. These can include depression and self-esteem issues.
A physiological or physical approach to treatment will focus specifically on the physical muscular spasms that are creating the pain.
Examples of treatment techniques include sensate focus exercises and desensitization. Botox has also been used in the treatment of vaginismus, with some success.
Tags: Vaginismus