Vaginismus Treatment & Therapy in NYC Tri-State Area

Vaginismus is a condition in which your pelvic floor muscles spasm or contract, making any kind of vaginal penetration difficult or impossible. Read on to learn more about the causes of vaginismus and how pelvic floor physical therapy can effectively treat the condition.

What is vaginismus?

Vaginismus is a condition characterized by involuntary spasms of your pelvic floor muscles in response or anticipation of any form of penetration. People with vaginismus typically experience pain and difficulty with any kind of vaginal penetration, such as during sexual intercourse, inserting and wearing a tampon, and during a gynecological exam.

What causes vaginismus?

The common causes of vaginismus include both physical and psychological factors. Some of the causes identified include:

• Medical Conditions: Conditions like urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and sexually transmitted infections.

• Surgeries: Any kind of surgery to the genital area or pelvic region.

• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes related to menopause, childbirth, or hormonal contraceptives.

• Childbirth: For some women, childbirth can result in vaginismus.

• Anxiety and Fear: Vaginismus can be linked to anxiety or fear associated with sex.

• Traumatic Experiences: Past sexual trauma or abuse, as well as other traumatic experiences revolving around sexual intercourse.

• Relationship Issues: Lack of trust in a partner, relationship problems, or feeling extreme self-consciousness about body image.

• Cultural and Religious Influences: Cultural and religious factors can create negative attitudes towards sex and also play a role in the development of vaginismus.

It's important to note that the causes of vaginismus can be complex and multifaceted, and vary greatly from person to person. Seeking help is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

What is primary vaginismus?

Primary vaginismus occurs when you have never been able to achieve vaginal penetration.

It is often discovered during the teenage years or early twenties and thirties, typically during first attempts at using a tampon or engaging in sexual intercourse. Causes typically include psychological factors like fear and anxiety, but some physical factors may also be a cause.

What is secondary vaginismus?

Secondary vaginismus occurs when you never had any difficulty with sexual relations and now you are unable to have penetrative intercourse or experience pain while inserting a tampon.

The cause of secondary vaginismus is usually physical, such as childbirth, cancer treatments, medication side effects, trauma, surgery, or menopause. These conditions affect the consistency of the tissues of your pelvic floor. 

What are signs of vaginismus?

Common vaginismus symptoms may include:

• Not being able to have sexual intercourse

• Painful intercourse

• Not being able to insert a tampon

• Not being able to tolerate a gynecological exam

• Pain or discomfort during attempted vaginal penetration

• Loss of sexual desire

How is vaginismus treated?

The best vaginismus treatment is to find the root of the cause and consult with practitioners who specialize in pelvic health and physical therapy.

It's important to note that successful treatment often takes time, and the involvement of a healthcare team, including a gynecologist, pelvic floor physical therapist, and possibly a sexual counselor, is highly recommended.

We highly recommend seeing a gynecologist or a pelvic pain physiatrist to discuss the cause of your pain. You may receive medication to relieve your pain, in addition to a referral for pelvic floor physical therapy.

Physical Therapy for Vaginismus:

Physical therapy, particularly pelvic floor physical therapy, is a widely recognized and effective treatment for vaginismus.

Our pelvic floor physical therapists can help reduce your pain and address the muscular components of vaginismus. After taking your history and completing a thorough examination, they will create a personalized vaginismus treatment plan to help you reach your goals.

Vaginismus therapy may include numerous treatment options such as:

• Manual therapy

• Biofeedback therapy

• Pelvic floor exercises

• Breathing techniques

• Vaginal dilators

Your pelvic floor physical therapist will show you simple techniques and exercises that you can do at home between visits to further relax your pelvic floor muscles.

Remember, vaginismus can be the result of a number of causes and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to treating vaginismus. If you are experiencing symptoms of vaginismus, don't hesitate to reach out to our team for guidance, support, and empowerment.