The painful condition that affects millions of women

Dr Geetha Venkat says many women have vaginismus, a common but rarely discussed condition.

The disorder causes the vaginal muscles to involuntarily tighten and is often dubbed 'vaginal panic attacks'. 

It affects a woman’s ability to engage in any form of vaginal penetration, including sexual intercourse, insertion of tampons and gynaecological examinations. 

It is estimated that millions around the world suffer from it, but Dr Venkat, from the Harley Street Fertility Clinic, says women should not suffer in silence.

She told MailOnline: 'Vaginismus is such a personal issue and for many women it impacts on their confidence and makes them feel like a failure. 

'But statistics show that vaginismus is not rare and is highly treatable with the right care and support.'

'Seeking treatment is vital if you want to start a family, as gynaecological examinations are a part of life and should not cause distress.'

Vaginismus is the result of an involuntary reflex contraction of the pubococcygeus muscle, which supports the vagina.

This reflex causes the muscles and tissues in the vagina to tense up suddenly, which makes any kind of vaginal penetration, including sexual intercourse, extremely painful and sometimes it is impossible.

'Usually the underlying cause of vaginismus is a combination of physical or non-physical triggers that cause the body to anticipate pain,' explains Dr Venkat.

'Reacting to the anticipation of pain, the body automatically tightens the vaginal muscles, bracing to protect itself from harm.

'Sex becomes uncomfortable or painful, and entry may be more difficult or impossible depending upon the severity of this tightened state. 

'With attempts at sex, any resulting discomfort further reinforces the reflex response so that it intensifies more.'

She adds that many of her clients who suffer from the condition were raised in 'rigid, conservative environments, in which female virginity is prized and sex is considered dirty'.

'These "life lessons” are hard to unlearn and can deeply impact on your psyche,' she says.

Treatment usually includes seeing a sex therapist or a cognitive behavioural therapist to find the triggers behind this problem. 

'Spending more time getting to know your body and being intimate with yourself is imperative,' she adds.

'Using a vaginal dilator set is also an effective treatment to try out in the privacy of your home, while a natural lubricant (such Sylk, a plant based intimate moisturiser) mimics your bodily fluids, which can help you to relax and "adapt” gradually to sexual activity.'

While the condition can never be cured completely, it does improve with treatment. One recent development is using Botox injections to relax the muscles in the area.  

Dr Venkat adds: 'Vaginismus can be dealt with in a reasonable time frame. Motivated women without significant complications usually find that six weeks is adequate to resolve their sexual pain or penetration problems. 

'And research has shown that even two-week time frames are potentially realistic where there is an intense effort, professional assistance, and no significant complications.'

(dailymail.co.uk)