What is vaginismus and why does it happen?
Vaginismus is a condition in which the muscles of the vagina involuntarily contract upon any kind of penetration. This contraction makes penetration extremely painful and uncomfortable.
Vaginismus primarily has psychological roots, and often results from fear of penetration, and at times from the taboos associated with sex and intimacy. The precursors of vaginismus often develop during childhood and early adulthood (as in the case of primary vaginismus), and these may be in the form of extreme stress during childhood, instances of childhood trauma, or conditions in which one may have felt unsafe or vulnerable. The feeling of ‘unsafety’ often plays a key role in the development of vaginismus, in which the body tries to protect itself by resisting and avoiding penetration.
Can vaginismus regress?
Can vaginismus come back after I have healed from it? This is a question that women may have after they have had successful attempts of penetrative and pleasurable intercourse. The answer is that it depends on a lot of factors. Women may notice regression of vaginismus when experiencing any pain, discomfort, or muscle contraction during penetration.
Some symptoms of vaginismus regression include:
- Pain or discomfort during penetration
- Involuntary muscle contractions during or before intercourse
- Feeling of tension or clenching in pelvic region
- Lack of interest in sex or foreplay
- Avoidance of emotional or physical intimacy
What can cause vaginismus to regress?
As we understand, muscle contractions in vaginismus are often involuntary, and they tend to be the body’s way of protecting itself. Regression of vaginismus may happen due to:
- Experiencing high levels of stress or distressing incidents
- Unsafety in the relationship or marriage
- Unhealed or unresolved incidents from the past
- Experience of pain near the vulva, pelvic region, or on other parts of the body
- Other factors that make one feel vulnerable or stressed
However, these factors don’t always necessarily lead to vaginismus regression, especially in the presence of protective (preventative) factors. Having a healthy support system, personal resilience, and healthy stress-coping skills can help prevent vaginismus regression. It is also important to remember that vaginismus regression can be treated and healed, and exercises and therapy may greatly help with it.
What does treatment look like?
Healing vaginismus or vaginismus regression involves addressing specific issues that may have led to the regression, while also helping the mind and body adapt to penetration painlessly. Treatment usually entails:
- Psychological therapy: Therapy in healing vaginismus regression focuses on helping identify and address issues or triggers that may have led to the regression. This involves learning healthy stress-management skills, healthy conflict-management skills, and resolving any past trauma, pain, or distress that still lingers.
- Physiotherapy and vaginal-training exercises: Working with the body is very important in treating vaginismus regression to help the body re-adapt to penetration while experiencing comfort and pleasure during it. This involves relaxing breath-work, pelvic-floor exercises, and vaginal-training using dilators.
- Self-work and lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes in the present are important to make and are encouraged. It is important to actively make healthy lifestyle choices which maximize on feelings of safety and comfort.
How can I ensure that I have healthy and pleasurable sex after healing vaginismus?
Here are some things which can be done to ensure healthy sex lives while also preventing vaginismus regression:
- Spend time with your partner building on safety and intimacy in your relationship.
- Engage in safe and healthy foreplay while focusing on mutual pleasure and comfort. Sharing intimate sexual experiences during foreplay creates healthy associates with sex, and can also help partners to explore their bodies together.
- Focus on maintaining healthy mental and physical well being. Engage in healthy stress-coping activities such as meditation, breath-work, and connecting with supportive people. It is also helpful to address any unresolved emotional issues through therapy.
- Celebrate yourself and your personal resilience. Acknowledge and celebrate your effort and dedication in overcoming vaginismus and recognize the progress you have made. Positive affirmations and a healthy self-image can play a great role in maintaining a positive attitude towards intimacy.
To sum it up, vaginismus regression is possible after healing vaginismus completely. It usually happens when one is going through high levels of stress, or is experiencing emotional or physical stress. However, vaginismus regression can be prevented and addressed by following healthy practices and exercises such as meditation, building on safety in the relationship, open communication, and maintaining healthy mental and physical wellbeing.
If you notice any signs of regression or if challenges arise, please don't hesitate to seek professional support from our team at Proactive For Her that specialises in healing vaginismus.