drst:
We all know what erectile dysfunction is but literally no one is ever taught what vaginismus is and it can cause people to feel extremely lost, broken, and cause people to take their own lives.
Raise. Awareness.
For the uninformed, vaginismus is when the vagina painfully tightens and spasms when faced with pressure, usually from anything trying to insert into the vagina. It’s the reason I can’t wear tampons, and why many people can’t have vaginal sex without severe pain.
There’s not a lot of treatments, and there isn’t a single one that is for vaginismus exclusively – they’re all medications or treatments to treat symptoms, but not the causes. In fact, for a long time doctors waved off vaginismus as a purely psychological disorder in cis women.
Seriously, this is so unaddressed and uncared for in medical circles. Please spread awareness, even if all it’s for is to let those who have it but don’t have a name for it finally be able to understand what’s happening to their bodies.
I’ve never even heard of this??
Me neither. 😦
Thank you for sharing bc I think I might actually have this but I thought it was just me. I can barely handle so much as a tampon. Will have to bring this up at my next doctor’s appointment.
So, there is a website dedicated to vaginismus which I suffered from for years and had no idea how to talk about it. I found this website ten or twelve years ago and bought some of their products which helped immensely. I know nothing about the medications, but the dilator set is probably the best you can do because it is a way to help widen the vagina on your own terms. I still have mine even though I haven’t needed it for years because it could come back later.
One thing I appreciated about this website is that it emphasized that this is not your fault. Another thing I learned was that one cause could just be, you know, being part of a culture that gives women extreme anxiety about sex. This resource helped me when I was a lot younger and terrified that I was broken.
Anyways, here’s the website. Please share it with everyone you know: x
Brent Weeks included a character with vaginismus in his fantasy series, The Black Prism. It’s plot relevant (she needs to consummate a political marriage–to a husband she sincerely loves, no less), and she’s treated as a well-rounded character who it’s just one aspect of, and Weeks included an author’s note that was like “btw, this is a real thing. Here are resources on the topic. You’re not broken and you can get help.”
Which, like, from a male author? That’s pretty neat.
Vaginismus is psychosomatic and often is caused by anxiety. It’s also very real and quite painful.
It can be caused by sexual assault, but it can also be caused by just plain lousy sex. In some cases there’s no apparent cause.
It can occur during sex and/or during pelvic exams. Some people (hi!) experience it only during pelvic exams or pap smears. (Mine was caused by an incompetent medical professional who didn’t pay attention and used a speculum that was too large). And, as mentioned, some sufferers can’t insert tampons. I’d imagine it’s not impossible for somebody to be fine with sex but have problems with tampon insertion. I’ve also heard of people being fine with a penis but not with toys and vice versa. (Lube, people. Lube).
Vaginismus is a major cause of dyspareunia (painful intercourse), but there are other causes, which can include:
* Not producing enough natural lubrication. This can be a result of insufficient/bad foreplay, but some people never produce enough and levels of lubrication can drop during and after menopause, after childbirth, and while nursing. It can also be a side effect of medication. Lube exists, and some people have to use it. Vagina owners should always use water-based lubes.
* Injury down there, often as a result of childbirth complications.
* Yeast or bacterial infection.
* Ezcema
* A deformed vagina (this is rare, but it does happen. It’s generally connected to a chromosomal abnormality or a condition such as AIS)
* Scarring from pelvic surgery.
* Stress.
* Ovarian cysts
* Pelvic inflammatory disease.
* Ectopic pregnancy
* Some STDs, such as genital warts
* Vulvodynia – pain in the clitoris, labia and vaginal opening. This one’s even worse…we do NOT know what causes it.
* Latex allergy if using condoms. If using lube causes more pain, you may be allergic to the lube.
* Cystitis
* Uterine problems such as fibroids or endometriosis
* Cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix)
Many of these can be treated or worked around. Sex is not supposed to hurt. And if it does, you and your partner need to address why. Many doctors actually recommend sex therapy as a couple if you have vaginismus. If you have an infection down there, it can be treated. If your vagina is too dry, you can use supplemental lube. But you need to talk to your doctor if at all possible.
Again.
It’s not supposed to hurt.
No, not even the first time.
Always reblog.
Beltainefaerie's Flights of Fancy 