1-What is Vaginismus?
The main feature of vaginismus is the repetitive or persistent involuntary movement of the perineal muscles surrounding the outer third of the vagina when sexual intercourse is attempted.
is that there are contractions. This
contraction is accompanied by contractions in the whole body, closing of the legs, fear, avoidance reaction,
the belief that entry will not be possible or will be in great pain.
2- What is the Cause of Vaginismus?
Vaginismus is much more common in our country than reported in western countries. In our country
it can be said that approximately 50% of women applying to sexual treatment units have vaginismus
. In Western countries, this rate is around 10%. Lack of sexual education, women
not knowing their own sexual organs, exaggerated importance given to the concept of virginity, sexual
experience not developing gradually but starting directly with sexual intercourse, taboos in our general understanding of sexuality
It can be said that it plays a role in this.
3- Common misconceptions accompanying vaginismus:
My vagina is too narrow, the penis is too big, it cannot enter, there is a wall-like wall at the entrance of the vagina. There is an obstacle, My
my genital organ is abnormal, disgusting, embarrassing, My hymen is thick, the penis will tear my vagina to pieces
It hurts a lot, I bleed a lot...
4-When does it occur?
Vaginismus usually occurs at the beginning of sexual life, from the moment sexual intercourse is first attempted
. It develops much less frequently after gynecological examination or similar
experiences. In fact, it is present from the beginning of sexual life, but the condition is not noticed when there is no attempt at sexual intercourse. Although sexuality has become a more talked about subject in recent years and this issue is discussed in the media, it is a sexual problem that is not well known in society. Most couples who encounter vaginismus think that this happens only to them. Learning that there are many people in their situation and that this is a recognized and correctable disorder gives them some relief.
5-What kind of problems does vaginismus cause?
This problem causes the woman to think that there is a deficiency in her own femininity and to It causes him to feel guilty towards himself
. In the man, it may cause him to experience resentment, difficulty in erection, and sometimes doubts about his wife's virginity, as he experiences anger, unwantedness and rejection towards his wife.
Sometimes it causes criminal cases, divorce, or attempted rape or physical violence. Many couples give up trying to have sexual intercourse after a while. This is a more positive situation for the couple's relationship, because
repeated attempts and disappointment each time lead the couple to move away from sexuality
and lead to fights. The fact that families know about the situation often aggravates the problem
or at least puts pressure on the couple.
6-What problems can vaginismus cause if left untreated?
Some of these couples go to gynecologists
after 3-5 years of marriage, either giving up hope that the sexual problem will improve
or hoping that the sexual problem will be resolved if they have a child. can apply for infertility treatment. A woman with vaginismus can become pregnant, although the probability
is low from sexual intercourse. However, before receiving treatment,
since the contraction at the vaginal entrance will not allow the baby to come out, normal birth is usually not possible, and a cesarean section is required. Neither pregnancy nor having a child eliminates the problem of vaginismus
. In fact, pregnancy, unlike other sexual problems, can be considered an emergency
indication for sexual therapy.
7-Where to apply when such a problem occurs?
Usually, the first physician consulted is a gynecologist. However, gynecological examination of these women is often difficult and sometimes impossible. Because when the vaginal entrance is approached during examination, reactions such as fear, contraction and closing of the legs often occur. When a gynecological examination
is performed and the woman is told that she is only "normal" or that there is nothing to be afraid of, the couple's desperation and arguments will increase. A woman with vaginismus is of course physically normal
but there is sexual dysfunction and involuntary contraction at the vaginal entrance
prevents sexual intercourse. is. For these reasons, it is necessary to first consult a psychiatrist for vaginismus treatment. If the psychiatrist you first consult
does not have training and experience in sexual disorders therapy, you can request that he/she refer you to a
psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist who is trained in this field.
8-How is vaginismus not treated?
Tightening at the vaginal entrance can occur with the use of gel, drinking alcohol, using psychotropic drugs,
during sleep, getting pregnant, using local anesthetics. It does not disappear with applications. Since it has nothing to do with the hymen, it does not improve after the hymen is removed by surgery. Antidepressant and/or tranquilizer drug treatment by psychiatrists or
physicians from other specialties
is ineffective, even affecting the woman's arousal and orgasm functions due to its side effects
It may cause sexual dysfunction and worsen the sexual problem. The effectiveness of treatment under hypnosis is very limited or has no effect. Not everything done during hypnosis is
treatment.
9-How is vaginismus treated?
Vaginismus is one of the most common sexual treatments. It is one of the funny sexual problems. However, in recent years, we have also seen that women who have received insufficient and unsuccessful psychotherapy and/or sexual treatment have become difficult cases, with low treatment motivation, who have lost hope for recovery.
For this reason, vaginismus treatment should be performed by a specialist who has received sexual disorders therapy training
and has sufficient experience in this field.
Sexual treatment of vaginismus usually takes 2-3 months, 6-8 therapies. It ends with a full recovery
session. While there are rare mild cases that improve in 3 weeks with 2-3 sessions, there can also be difficult cases whose treatment continues for 6 months with 15-20 sessions. In much less frequent cases of vaginismus that does not improve, there are most likely other additional problems.
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