What Is Vaginismus?
Vaginismus is a condition that affects up to 10% of women worldwide. It causes involuntary tightening of the vaginal muscles, leading to pain and fear of vaginal penetration. This can occur during sex, the use of tampons, insertion of a medical speculum, or even with a finger or small vibrator.
Women with vaginismus often describe a strong sense of fear and apprehension before penetration. The body reacts involuntarily — legs may close tightly, the pelvis may lift to avoid penetration, and symptoms like a racing heartbeat or hyperventilation may occur. These reactions are not under conscious control.
Why "just relax" doesnt work
This fear heightens her apprehension and she responds in a manner that is completely out her control by closing in her legs, pushing off the offending device or person, lifting her buttocks and pelvis up to avoid the penetration and sometime it induces a sense of her heart beating quickly and even hyperventilation. This reaction is completely involuntary. It is almost difficult for her to rationalise why she reacts this way.
No amount of telling a woman with vaginismus, “just relax and keep practicing” is going to help her. This is counterintuitive. This is infact more detrimental to her.
Is Vaginismus Curable?
Vaginismus is curable, 100 % curable. It takes time and guidance and it takes an approach that addresses the issues that contribute to this. You cannot begin to treat vaginismus unless you address the physical, psychological and the
social problems associated with it.
Does the woman have tightened vaginal muscle? Is there scarring or additional dryness in that area? What were her past experiences with intimacy like? Was there strict upbringing? Does she obsess over control? What is her current
relationship with her partner like? Is she comfortable with touching herself? What has she been told about first time sex- that there’s going to be bleeding and pain?!
Treatment works best when physical, emotional and social factors are addressed together.
Forms of Vaginismus: Lamont Classification
Vaginismus is not the same for every woman. It can range from mild to severe.
The Lamont Classification is commonly used to describe the different forms:
1st degree vaginismus
as spasm of the pelvic floor that could be relieved with reassurance and the patient could relax for her examination.
2nd degree vaginismus
generalized spasm of the pelvic floor as a steady state despite reassurance, and the patient was unable to relax for the exam.
3rd degree vaginismus
the pelvic floor spasm was sufficiently severe that the patient would elevate her buttocks in an attempt to avoid being examined.
4th degree vaginismus
the most severe form of vaginismus described by Lamont, the patient would totally retreat by elevating the buttocks, moving away from the pelvic exam, and tightly closing the thighs to prevent any examination.
5th degree vaginismus
manifested by increased adrenalin output and resulting in any of the following: Increased heart rate, palpitations, hyperventilation, trembling, shaking, nausea or vomiting, crying uncontrollably, a feeling of light headedness and fainting, a desire to jump off the table, run away or even attack the doctor.
Seeking Treatment for Vaginismus in Singapore
If you are struggling with painful sex of symptoms of vaginismus, know that treatment is possible. Book a private consultation with us and we will guide you through every step of the way.