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Vaginismus, also called muscular vaginal spasm, is a problem that may affect many women, regardless of age. This is a condition that can be bothersome and affect the comfort of everyday life. In this article, we will discuss what exactly vaginismus is, its causes, symptoms, and what treatments and exercises can help relieve it.
What is vaginismus?
Vaginismus, or muscular spasm of the vagina, is a condition characterized by excessive tension of the pelvic floor muscles, including the ischiopubic muscles. This problem can affect both young and older women, although it is usually more common in the latter. Vaginismus can lead to a variety of symptoms and discomfort, so it’s important to know how to deal with it.
Vaginismus – causes
The causes of vaginismus can be diverse and multifactorial. Most often, these are the effects of aging of the body and a decrease in the level of hormones, especially estrogens, which are responsible for the flexibility and elasticity of soft tissues in the vagina. Other risk factors include:
- Natural births, especially those that were difficult or multiple
- Menopause
- Obesity
- Smoking tobacco
- Excessive physical activity
- Chronic cough or constipation
It is worth remembering that not every woman exposed to these factors will develop vaginismus, but it is an important context for understanding this condition.
Vaginismus – symptoms. what does a vaginal seizure look like?
The symptoms of vaginismus can be varied and vary in each woman. However, there are some common symptoms that are worth knowing:
- Pain or discomfort in the vaginal, perineal or pelvic area
- A feeling of pressure in the vagina
- Problems with urinary continence
- Difficulty with bowel movements
- Increased frequency of urination
- Pain during sexual intercourse
Vaginismus may occur suddenly, for example when sneezing, coughing or lifting heavy objects, making the symptoms more bothersome and unpleasant.
Vaginismus – treatment
Treatment of vaginismus depends on the severity of symptoms and the individual needs of the patient. There are several different treatments that may be effective in relieving the symptoms of vaginismus:
- Kegel exercises are one of the basic methods of treating vaginismus. These exercises help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve their flexibility.
- Physiotherapy – a specialist can help you select appropriate exercises and relaxation techniques.
- Medications – sometimes your doctor may recommend the use of hormonal medications in the form of creams or tablets that help restore the elasticity of vaginal tissues.
- Manual therapy – a specialist may massage the vaginal muscles, which can help loosen tight tissues.
- Surgical procedures – in more advanced cases, when other methods do not bring results, surgical procedures such as vaginoplasty may be considered.
The choice of treatment method depends on the individual needs of the patient and her health condition. It is worth consulting a doctor to choose the appropriate therapeutic strategy.
Vaginismus – exercises
Kegel exercises are one of the key elements of vaginismus therapy. Here are some simple exercises you can do every day to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles:
- Start by relaxing your muscles – preferably in a sitting or lying position.
- Then try to concentrate on your pelvic floor muscles and try to tighten and relax them.
- Perform a series of repetitions, starting with a few and gradually increasing the number.
- Exercise regularly, preferably several times a day.
Doing these exercises regularly can help strengthen your vaginal muscles and reduce the severity of vaginismus symptoms.
Your suggestions
If you have any questions or suggestions about treating vaginismus or vaginismus-related conditions, it is a good idea to consult your doctor or women’s health specialist. Every woman is different, so it is important to adapt the therapy to individual needs and situations.
Recommended articles
If you want to learn more about women’s health and other pelvic health conditions, we recommend reading the following articles:
- “Healthy diet and vaginal health”
- “Prevention of pelvic health in women”
- “How to take care of your intimate health during menopause”
Remember that intimate health and the comfort of everyday life are important, so do not underestimate the symptoms of vaginismus and always try to consult a doctor in case of any doubts.
This article aimed to provide basic knowledge about vaginismus, its causes, symptoms and treatment methods. The final decision regarding therapy should be made in cooperation with a specialist.