Vaginismus is the involuntary contraction or tightening of the muscles around the vaginal opening, causing pain, discomfort, and/or burning. This condition can prevent the insertion of a finger, tampon, speculum, penis, or toy into the vagina and may naturally lead to a fear of penetration. There are two types of vaginismus: Primary vaginismus, where pain-free penetration has never been experienced, and secondary vaginismus, where pain-free penetration was previously possible but is no longer achievable due to various potential causes.
All of the different causes of vaginismus entail a hypersensitisation of the nerves of the vaginal area or of the nervous system but there are many different causes.

But why does it happen? Why me?

Exploring the Causes of Primary Vaginismus
Vaginismus can stem from various factors, each contributing to its development and impact on an individual's life:

1. Psychological Factors: Fear and anxiety associated with pain during penetration (e.g., inserting a tampon, undergoing a gynecological exam, or inserting a finger/toy/penis), often influenced by societal beliefs or past traumatic experiences, can trigger vaginismus. Fear of pain related to intercourse, often linked to, but not always related to, the misconception that the first sexual experience will be painful. General stress and anxiety can also play a significant role in some cases.
2. Cultural/Religious Beliefs: Cultural and/or religious beliefs that sometimes promote a sex-negative environment can also have a negative impact on the body’s physiological response.
3. Trauma : Trauma from various sources such as physical trauma (e.g., car accidents, falls), witnessing domestic or sexual violence, sexual assault or abuse, panic attacks, sudden loss of a loved one, or drastic changes in personal or family life.
4. Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions like endometriosis, autoimmune diseases, or recurrent yeast/urinary tract infections can contribute to vaginismus by causing discomfort or hypersensitization of the nerves. Tension in the muscles of the pelvic floor can also cause primary vaginismus.

Understanding Secondary Vaginismus
Secondary vaginismus may develop due to factors such as:

1. Pregnancy and Postpartum: Fear, apprehension or discomfort in regards to intercourse can be related to changes in the body during and after pregnancy such as: traumatic birth, painful recovery, painful/sensitive scars, hormonal changes, body image issues and expectations regarding intercourse.
2. Psychological Factors: Stress, anxiety, or unresolved trauma can contribute to the development of vaginismus, even after a period of pain-free intercourse.
3. Relationship Dynamics: Trust issues, unrealistic expectations, or stress within a relationship can manifest as physical tension, exacerbating vaginismus symptoms.
4. Medical Conditions and Trauma: Traumatic experiences and medical conditions, as noted above for primary vaginismus, can also cause secondary vaginismus in those who previously had no pain with vaginal penetration.

Seeking Support and Treatment
If you recognize yourself in these descriptions, seeking professional help is crucial. Consultation with a gynecologist can help rule out underlying medical conditions, while pelvic floor physiotherapy and psychological support offer effective treatment options. Remember, vaginismus is common and treatable, offering hope and solutions for those affected.

Conclusion
Vaginismus is a challenging condition that is much more common than you think, but with the right support, it can be managed effectively. While it may feel daunting to seek help, taking that first step with your first consultation can lead to understanding and relief. There are various healthcare professionals ready to support you on your journey to overcoming vaginismus!

Conseils supplémentaires et ressources
Pour des conseils adaptés à votre situation, vous pouvez consulter un(e) physiothérapeute spécialisé(e) dans le plancher pelvien, un(e) sexologue ou un(e) psychologue spécialisé(e) en santé sexuelle. Si vous êtes à Montréal, notre équipe chez Physiothérapie Solution Active est là pour vous accompagner. N’hésitez pas à visiter notre site web pour planifier un appel de découverte gratuit de 10-15 minutes avec l’un(e) de nos experts. Nous pourrons discuter ensemble de la prochaine étape qui vous conviendrait le mieux.

Stay tuned
In our next article, we'll explore how physiotherapy differs in addressing vaginismus and why it might be the right choice for you. If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure about your next steps, don't hesitate to reach out – we're here to help you navigate this journey.

Content written by : Olga Ramos da Silva Vieira

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