The symptoms of vaginismus can effect many facets of your life, including your sex life, your ability to use tampons and even your willingness to have gynecological exams. This condition, which causes the muscles of the vagina to tighten, can be brought on by conscious or unconscious fear of penetration.

The Side Effects of Living with Untreated Vaginismus

Vaginismus is considered to be the main cause of most unconsummated marriages. It makes intercourse difficult and painful, which only further encourages the body to protect itself. The walls of the vagina can clamp together with enough force to make penetration impossible. Women who are unable to be examined by their gynecologist may suffer from any number of issues ranging from painful periods to cancer.

The Causes of Vaginismus

While no one cause has been singled out, some have postulated that rape, molestation and other traumas are to blame. Strict religious upbringings where sex is seen as shameful or dirty can also be a factor. For some women, their vaginismus begins after a hard childbirth or other trauma that causes painful intercourse.

Treatment is Available

Women living with vaginismus don’t need to suffer alone, and there is no reason to keep it a secret. Treatments range from relaxation exercises, dilators and even Botox injections. Getting help is the first step to curing the condition and being able to have sex and be examined normally. For more information, visit VaginismusMD.com and learn how you can be freed of this embarrassing and limiting condition.