Management of Vaginismus

Eltantawy,W.

Vaginismus, pain, pelvic floor, dilators, penetration, anxiety

Vaginismus is a common and often underdiagnosed sexual dysfunction. It is the persistent difficulty of a woman in allowing vaginal entry of a penis, finger, or any object despite her desire to do so due to severe involuntary closing of the pelvic and vaginal muscles. It takes a multi-faceted approach to successfully diagnose and treat this disabling condition. Understanding the female client’s pre-existing social, psychological, and medical context is the key to successful diagnosis and treatment. Its management involves a multidisciplinary approach, with preferably a sensitive, understanding, and experienced gynaecologist examining the patient initially. Approaches to treatment include desensitisation, use of vaginal dilators and psychosexual therapy.

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