What is Vaginismus ? 

Vaginismus refers to a condition characterized by the presence of tightness in the vaginal muscles, which can lead to various symptoms such as pain, burning sensations, cramping, potential bleeding, spasms, and challenges or even impossibility in engaging in vaginal penetration. Alongside these physical manifestations, women affected by vaginismus may also encounter feelings of fear, general anxiety, avoidance of specific activities, including sexual intercourse, and adopt protective behaviours to cope with the condition.

 

Casues of Vaginismus: 

The causes of vaginismus can vary and are often complex. They may include:

1. Psychological Factors: Emotional or psychological factors can play a significant role in vaginismus. Past traumatic experiences, such as sexual abuse or painful medical procedures, can contribute to the development of vaginismus. Anxiety, fear of pain, negative attitudes towards sex, or relationship issues can also trigger or exacerbate the condition.

2. Fear of Pain or Penetration: Fear of pain during intercourse or anticipation of discomfort can lead to involuntary muscle contractions and tightening of the vaginal muscles, contributing to vaginismus. This fear can be influenced by cultural, religious, or societal factors, as well as previous painful sexual experiences.

3. Relationship Issues: Difficulties within a relationship, such as poor communication, lack of emotional intimacy, or unresolved conflicts, can contribute to vaginismus. Stress or tension between partners can affect a woman's ability to relax during sexual activity, leading to vaginal muscle tightness.

4. Physical Factors: While rare, physical causes such as infections, hormonal imbalances, or structural abnormalities in the genital area can contribute to secondary vaginismus. It's important to rule out any underlying medical conditions through appropriate medical evaluations.

5. Learned behaviour: In some cases, vaginismus can be a learned behaviour. If a woman has experienced pain or discomfort during previous attempts at intercourse, the body may develop a reflexive response of tightening the vaginal muscles in anticipation of pain, even when the pain is no longer present.

Treatment for Vaginismus 

Treatment for vaginismus typically involves a multidisciplinary approach. Pelvic physical therapy, which includes dilator therapy, can help address the physical component of the condition. counselling and therapy, including behavioural therapy (CBT) and psychosexual therapy, can address the psychological and emotional aspects of vaginismus. The specific treatment approach depends on the individual's needs and goals, and a healthcare provider can provide guidance and support throughout the process.

 

Breathing Exercises for Vaginismus and Vaginal Pain

 

1. Set Up:

   • Find a comfortable lying-down position, placing pillows or a bolster under the knees to support the lower back.
   • Place one hand on the chest bone and the other on the stomach.

2. Diaphragmatic Breathing:

   • Breathe in slowly and deeply through the nose, allowing the stomach to rise while keeping the chest still.
   • Exhale gently through the mouth, allowing the stomach to fall.
   • Focus on the rising and falling sensation of the stomach as you breathe in and out.
   • Take slow, deliberate breaths and let go of any distracting thoughts or disruptions.
   • Visualize tension being released from your body as you relax.

3. Release Tension in the Feet:

   • Focus your attention on your feet.
   • Maintain the breathing pattern and clench your toes on both feet as hard as you can for 5 seconds.
   • Relax the toes completely.
   • Repeat, clenching the toes at 50% effort for 5 seconds, then relax.
   • Notice the difference in sensation between clenched and relaxed states.

4. Release Tension in the Gluteal Muscles (Buttocks):

   • Maintain the breathing pattern and clench your buttocks together as hard as you can for 5 seconds.
   • Relax the muscles completely.
   • Repeat, clenching the buttocks at 50% effort for 5 seconds, then relax.
   • Observe the difference in sensation between clenched and relaxed states.

5. Release Tension in the Pelvic Floor Muscles:

   • Maintain the breathing pattern.
   • Contract your pelvic floor muscles as if you were shutting off the flow of urine, clenching as hard as you can for 5 seconds.
   • Relax the muscles completely.
   • Repeat, clenching the pelvic floor muscles at 50% effort for 5 seconds, then relax.
   • Notice the difference in effort between clenched and relaxed states.

6. Release Tension in the Abdominal Muscles:

   • Continue breathing deeply into the belly.
   • Contract your abdominal muscles by pulling your belly button in toward your spine, holding for 5 seconds.
   • Relax the muscles completely.
   • Repeat, contracting the abdominal muscles at 50% effort by pulling the belly downward for 5 seconds, then relax.
   • Notice the sensation of relaxation in the muscles after they have clenched and then relaxed.

7. Release Tension in the Shoulders, Neck, and Jaw:

   • Maintain the breathing pattern.
   • Slowly press your head back and lift your shoulders toward your ears, holding for 5 seconds.
   • Relax the muscles completely.
   • Repeat, pressing the head back and lifting the shoulders at 50% effort for 5 seconds, then relax.
   • Notice the sensation of muscle relaxation.

8. Closing:

   • Continue deep belly breathing for a few more minutes.
   • Take note of the clenching patterns that may arise during times of stress, anxiety, or pain.
   • Aim to gradually decrease the clenching pattern over time.
   • With practice, your brain will become more aware of muscle tension and will learn to relax the muscles when they begin to clench.

 

To effectively address vaginal pain, vaginitis treatment, or pelvic exercises following gender affirming surgery, you can incorporate the following training program alongside the use of a vaginal dilation trainer. For high-quality silicone dilators, you can conveniently purchase them online at Urology health Store Canada. 

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