What Is Vaginismus?

Treatments

Treatments for vaginismus rely on a combination of medical interventions and mental health counseling. In cases where the underlying cause seems to be a mental block due to seeing sex as scary or shameful, it may be beneficial to get counseling to promote a healthier attitude towards sex. If the vaginismus is due to an infection or physical injury in the area, it is important to treat the physical problem as soon as possible. There are also many types of exercises and physical therapy that help to reduce tightness. Women can learn to practice Kegels and other pelvic floor muscle exercises to gain better control of these muscles. A doctor may recommend gradual exercises designed to help a woman feel comfortable with penetration. These include touching the area outside the vagina and moving closer to the vagina each day. Once a woman can touch the vagina without pain, exercises move on to dilation training, which involves inserting progressively larger dilators. These treatments can eventually allow a woman to have penetrative intercourse without pain.