Vaginismus
Definition[edit | edit source]
Vaginismus is a penetration disorder in which any form of vaginal penetration is painful or impossible. It has traditionally been referred to as an involuntary contraction of the pelvic floor muscles due to actual or anticipated pain associated with vaginal penetration. It causes women to feel pain, fear and anxiety with penetration attempts.[1]It is often associated with psychological problems, leading to poor sexual quality of life (SQOL).[2]
Prevalence and Incidence[edit | edit source]
It affects about 1-7% of the female population worldwide.[1]
Quality of life[edit | edit source]
This condition influences the quality of life, in the most serious form it can result in an unconsummated marriage, sterility and thus further results to couple leading a separate life . [1]It is correlated with poor sexual quality of life[2] and even the male partners may have important effects on the development, maintenance, and exacerbation of vaginismus ( in lifelong vaginismus -LLV).[3]
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
These symptoms are defined accordingly given by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM, the American Psychiatric Association), fifth edition(DSM-5)[4]-
(1) Difficulty having intercourse
(2) Genito-pelvic pain
(3) Fear of pain or vaginal penetration
(4) Tension of the pelvic floor muscles.
Classification[edit | edit source]
Management[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Laskowska A, Gronowski P. Vaginismus: An overview. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2022 May 1;19(5):S228-9.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Psychological predictors of sexual quality of life among women with vaginismus, Velayati A, Jahanian Sadatmahalleh S, Ziaei S, Kazemnejad A. Psychological predictors of sexual quality of life among Iranian women with vaginismus: A cross-sectional study. International Journal of Sexual Health. 2022 Jan 2;34(1):81-9.
- ↑ Turan Ş, Sağlam NG, Bakay H, Gökler ME. Levels of depression and anxiety, sexual functions, and affective temperaments in women with lifelong vaginismus and their male partners. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2020 Dec 1;17(12):2434-45.
- ↑ American Psychiatric Association DS, American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5. Washington, DC: American psychiatric association; 2013 May.
