Many women ask why do they have pain during penetration (entry pain), but most often it is a question left unanswered.

1.Causes of vaginismus

To start with, there are many causes that can produce pain during vaginal penetration or dyspareunia.

• Not enough lubrication
• Injury, trauma or irritation
• Inflammation, infection or skin disorder
• A problem present at birth
• Vaginismus

We rarely talk about vaginismus, maybe because women are embarrassed to explain this problem to the ob-gyn doctor, or maybe because ,if any of the above are excluded, the doctor will most often recommend a better lubrication.

2.What is the mechanism of vaginismus?

Vaginismus is a condition that talks about the vaginal muscles spasm. Whenever we introduce something in the vagina, the vagina muscle has the natural instinct to contract, it is more like a defense mechanism. You probably noticed that is hard and painful for you to even wear a tampon. It may be related to a fear of penetration or fear of pain because of past painful intercourses or traumas.

3.Solutions for vaginismus

Vaginismus is in fact a problem that you can take control of and with patience and persistence, you can make the sexual intercourse pain free and enjoyable.

1.Tampons during menstruation

Yes, you heard it right. Using of tampons of progressive sizes helps the vaginal muscles get used to the presence of an object at this level. Thus, by progressively increasing the size of the tampons monthly, the muscle spasm will improve.

2.Silicon vaginal dilators

Using the same method, vaginal dilators are also an option. Begin dilation with the largest size silicone dilator that feels comfortable to you and then gradually increase to larger sizes over time. 

3.Longer foreplay

As vaginismus involves the spasm of the vaginal muscles, the activity before the sexual act itself is very important, since it introduces the body and the vaginal muscles into a state of relaxation. Make sure to use enough lubricants during penetration.

4.Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Vaginal spasm appears as a subconscious defense reaction of the body. This defense is mediated by the nervous system which is connected to the brain, so we can control the muscles through the power of thought from a cognitive brain activity.

5.Botox

This muscle relaxant can partially paralyze the muscles surrounding the entrance to the vagina. This means that the muscles which contract, are relaxed temporarily, allowing pain free penetrative sex. It is an in office procedure that can be done by the ob-gyn doctor.

6.Pelvic floor physiotherapy

A Women’s Health Physiotherapist will guide you on how to relax the muscles, with special methods, including manual therapy that will help you relax the pelvic floor muscles.

There are so many options that you can choose from, you don’t have to stress about it. It is a problem that you can solve in a short period of time and permanently.

You can check my other articles in the links below.Enjoy!

1.Exercise can treat depression

2.Easy and Effective Pelvic Floor Exercises

3.Menopause-Why Do I Feel So Bad?