Vaginismus
You should see your GP if youhave symptoms of vaginismus .
They may be able tomake a diagnosis based on your symptoms, medical history and,if possible,a physical examination.
Your GP may need to ask you some personal questions to find out more about your condition. These might include:
A vaginal examination will be necessary at some point to rule out a physical cause of vaginismus, such as an injury, infection, or oversensitive nerves at the opening of the vagina (provoked Vulvodynia (persistent vulval pain) ).
This doesn't necessarily need to be done during your first appointment and it may be better to wait until you feel ready and comfortable.
You can request a female GP if you prefer, and they should explain exactly what they will do. The examination can be stopped if you experience discomfort at any point.
If your GP is not surewhy you find penetrationpainful or difficult, you may be referred to a doctor who specialises in vulval problems. This may be a gynaecologist(a specialist in treating conditions that affect the female reproductive system), a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinician, or a dermatologist (a specialist in skin conditions).
If vaginismus is thought to be the cause of the pain, your GP may refer you to a psychosexual doctor, sex therapist, or gynaecologist.
You may also need to be referred for counselling , and you may want to talk to your partner about them being involved as well.
Vaginismus is the term used to describe recurrent or persistent involuntary tightening of muscles around the vagina whenever penetration is attempted.
The main symptom of vaginismus is tightening of the vagina, which can make penetration difficult or even impossible.
There are many reasons why the vaginal muscles tighten against a woman's will. But it isn't always clear each time why this might have happened.
You should see your GP if you have symptoms of vaginismus.
Treatment for vaginismus will largely depend on what's causing it.