Vaginismus is an automatic reaction to the fear of vaginal penetration. Whenever penetration is attempted, the vaginal muscles and/or pelvic floor muscles tighten up or get into a spasm.
It can be the cause of pain and difficulties when having sexual intercourse or when one inserts a tampon, for instance. Mind that women don’t have control over the muscle spasms.
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Vaginismus doesn’t necessarily affect arousal, but of course, when it’s thought that spasms, tightening and subsequent pains will happen it can lower the will or desire to have sex.
The exact causes for Vaginismus are largely unknown, but it’s thought that bad sexual experiences, fear of the vagina being too small, unpleasant past medical examinations, shame around having sex, (painful) medical conditions, and sensitive pelvic floor muscles contribute to the condition, among others.
Treatments typically address managing feelings and thoughts around penetration, relaxation exercises, artificial lubricants, and massage therapies.
There are a range of massage modalities that are thought to be able to resolve Vaginismus, such as Chi Nei Tsang Massage, Karsai Nei Tsang, Maya Abdominal Massage, Transvaginal massages, Perineal Massage (Perineum Massage), Yoni Massage, Thiele’s Massage, and Pelvic Floor massages and exercises.
