Vaginismus:Part 4

Kegel Exercises

Even though kegel exercise have been hyped up to be a cure for many pelvic and urological disorders in women, Kegel exercises only help less than 10% of women with vaginismus. These exercises can help relax the pelvic muscles and coordinate vaginal movements. Over time kegel exercises, do help one control vaginal muscles. However, many women lack compliance with kegel exercises because they do not believe it works

Vaginal Dilation Exercises

Vaginal dilation exercises are suggested using a variety of dilators. This exercise should initially be done under the direction of a sex therapist. Over time it should involve the partner. The treatment should also emphasize intimate contact and caring
Some women have a very tight vaginal orifice and may require gentle vaginal dilation exercises. These dilatation exercise can be done using the patients own fingers, plastic instruments called dilators or one may even use a dildo. The size of these instruments is gradually increased over time. One is also encouraged to perform kegel exercise with the dilators in the vagina. Use of dildos is highly recommended. Many women do improve with vaginal dilation exercises and incredibly prefer the dildo to the penis over time.

Once the patient is ready and feels relaxed, sexual intercourse can be attempted. While some women do respond to these vaginal dilatation exercises, others develop apprehension when a real penis is introduced. In these women, psychotherapy is encouraged, as the problem may be more emotional than physical.

Educational Treatment

While there may be a physical cause of vaginismus in some women, in the majority of women fear of the penis is a compounding problem. Thus, education and psychotherapy is vital. Women should be made to understand anatomy of the sexual organs and how sexual intercourse is attempted. The various taboos and myths about sexual and sexual organs have to be dispelled to enable one to enjoy sexual intercourse

Counseling

No matter how extensive physical treatments are undertaken, psychological counseling is a must in all these women. Psychological counseling can also help over come past sexual abuse or traumatic events

Prevention of Vaginismus

When a female finds sexual intercourse painful, it is important to seek help right away.The longer one delays help, the more agonizing the problem becomes for both partners.

Prevention of vaginismus starts in the bedroom. To help prevent vaginismus, it is essential that the female be honest with her partner and talk to him about her fears. Of course, it is essential that the partner be understanding and help out in the process. It is a time consuming process that can be overcome with support and understanding by both partners.

While exact numbers are not available, the majority of women can over come vaginismus. Ironically, some women do overcome the problem when they get a new male partner.