Vaginismus |
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Ask A Doctor
My doctor diagnosed me with vaginismus. What is that?
A hysterectomy can trigger dyspareunia, which is painful intercourse. One form of dyspareunia is vaginismus, which is an involuntary tightening of the pelvic floor muscle group. Vaginismus can have a range of symptoms from impossible penetration to intercourse with discomfort, pain or burning. It is a combination of physical and non-physical triggers as your body anticipates pain. If left untreated the cycle of fear of pain may cause you to entirely avoid intimacy.
The cycle leading to vaginismus can be described as follows:
- You may be fearful or anxious about intercourse.
- Your fear and anxiety triggers involuntary muscle tightening.
- The tightness causes pain
- The pain causes you to become more fearful and anxious
- The next time you attempt intercourse the fear and anxiety from the previous pain causes you to tighten and brace more so the next encounter may be more painful than the last experience.
A uro-gynecologist or other gynecologist experienced in vaginal pain may be able to diagnosis vaginismus. They may prescribe Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy. This therapy should be conducted by a therapist trained in pelvic floor rehabilitation.
This content was written by a member of HysterSisters.com as a non-medical professional based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.
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Vaginismus
Recommended for Hysterectomy Recovery
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Melanie Bone, M.D. 5301 S. Congress Ave. Atlantis FL 33462 561-548-8600 |
James Kondrup, M.D. 161 Riverside Drive Suite 109 Binghamton NY 13905 607-770-7074 |
Molly Senokozlieff, M.D. 9279 A Medical Plaza Dr. North Charleston SC 29406 843-569-2900 |
Wilfredo R. Ramos, M.D. 5301 F Street, Suite 210 Sacramento CA 95819 (916) 453-3440 |
Ken Sinervo, M.D. 1140 Hammond Dr., Ste. F6220 Atlanta GA 30328 770-913-0001 |
Debra Richardson, M.D. Gynecological Oncology Clinic - SW Med 2201 Inwood Road Suite 106 Dallas TX 75390 214-645-4673 |
Marshall Bovelsky, M.D. 200 Banning St Suite 320 Dover DE 19904 302-674-0223 |
Megan Daw, M.D. Western Carolina Women's Specialty Center 2100 Ridgefield Blvd Asheville NC 28806 828-670-5665 |
Aram Bonni, M.D. 25108 Marguerite Parkway Suite A-259 Mission Viejo CA 92692 949-916-2100 |
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