Vaginismus is one of the most common sexual dysfunctions among women. Its treatment should be planned individually. With the right doctor, the correct treatment plan, and patient trust, the success rate is quite high.

90% of the problems causing vaginismus stem from anxiety in the mind. In the remaining 10%, physical problems either congenital or acquired may be involved. For psychologically based vaginismus, treatment methods involve cognitive-behavioral sexual therapy approaches. However, the method should differ for each patient.

Additionally, supportive treatments such as hypnotherapy, EMDR, acupuncture, neural therapy, biofeedback therapy, and botulinum toxin injections are also applied. Thanks to accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment methods, the success rate of vaginismus treatment today is quite high.

What is the Cognitive Approach in Vaginismus Treatment?

Information about people’s sexual identity begins to form in the mind from around ages 3-4. This age is quite important because fears and prejudices related to sexuality develop then, and breaking these thoughts later on is quite difficult.

For example, many women believe that the hymen covers the entire sexual area and that sexual intercourse causes serious damage, pain, and tears. The hymen, a ring-shaped membrane with a hole in the middle at the vaginal opening, does not cause pain during intercourse.

The cognitive approaches in vaginismus treatment include correcting false and exaggerated information about the vagina, hymen, and the first night, along with providing accurate information.

Vaginismus Exercises

Behavioral approaches within vaginismus treatment lead to successful results. Vaginismus exercises include the following:

• Mirror exercise,
• Massage,
• Kegel exercises,
• Pelvic floor rehabilitation,
• Finger exercises,
• Dilator exercises.

These exercises are completely tailored to the individual. The cause of vaginismus is involuntary tightening of the pelvic muscles surrounding the vagina. These muscles are normally under voluntary control. Through pelvic muscle control, a person can start and stop urination or control bowel movements.

Women who involuntarily contract these muscles due to psychological reasons cannot engage in sexual intercourse. The most important goal in vaginismus treatment is to transfer control of the involuntarily contracting muscles during intercourse to the woman. Working with the right doctor and correcting negative perceptions about sexuality are among the most important aspects.