Concerns that many women face but dare not tell anyone because their private genital organs contract tightly, causing problems with unsatisfactory sexual intercourse or many endure pain without happiness. No matter how hard they try, it doesn’t work. Let’s get to know and solve this condition together with Dr. Wanchat Komol, Obstetrician-Gynecologist specializing in Female Pelvic Medicine
and Reconstructive Surgery, Women’s Health Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital
Understanding “Vaginismus” – Vaginal Muscle Spasm
It is a condition where it is difficult to insert the male genital organ or other objects such as tampons or during internal examinations due to a tight spasm of the pelvic floor muscles that prevents insertion into the vagina. In some cases, attempts to force insertion cause the vagina to lock, making it impossible to remove the male genital organ, resulting in tears
or bleeding, which can be severe enough to cause infection or hemorrhage. Most cannot endure sexual intercourse until completion due to unbearable pain. The inability to have sexual intercourse may also affect the relationship between partners.
Checklist of Vaginismus Symptoms – Vaginal Muscle Spasm
- Unable to insert during sexual intercourse
- Even when trying to insert the male genital organ, insertion is not possible
- During internal examination, instruments cannot be inserted
- The patient may not be aware of the muscle spasm, as it occurs automatically
- The body does not command and cannot control the spasm of the pelvic floor muscles or muscles around the vagina
What Causes Vaginal Muscle Spasm?
The exact cause is unclear, but it is indicated that it may arise from physical and psychological conditions. Physically, some cases may involve infections, pain, or inflammation in the vaginal area causing involuntary tightening or spasm of the vagina. It may also result from negative experiences related to sexual intercourse or prior insertion of objects into the genital area, such as severe pain during intercourse, sexual assault, or early sexual activity, which later causes vaginal spasms during insertion.
Who is at Risk of Vaginismus – Vaginal Muscle Spasm?
It mostly occurs in individuals with factors that promote vaginal locking or muscle spasm.
- People with anxiety
- Those with certain underlying conditions, such as abnormal pelvic floor muscle spasms
- Injuries after childbirth, pelvic or vaginal surgeries, and resulting trauma increase the risk of vaginal muscle spasm
- Those with negative sexual experiences, pain, or many tears may develop vaginal muscle spasm in the future
Treatment Methods for Vaginismus – Vaginal Muscle Spasm
Treatment is divided into two main approaches:
- Physical therapy to reduce excessive pelvic floor muscle spasms and strengthen muscles to relax. The exercises are similar to yoga poses that promote expansion, combined with topical medications such as anesthetic creams to reduce pain during intercourse or internal examinations.
- Psychological support to relieve anxiety, reduce worry, practice inserting vaginal dilators into one’s own genital area, and involve understanding with the patient’s partner to foster cooperation in treatment.
Dr. Wanchat Komol
Obstetrician-Gynecologist specializing in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery
Women’s Health Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital
