Sexual abuse is a part of many women’s sexual experience. Such abuse leads to many immediate medical consequences, such as pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, post-traumatic stress disorder, and self-abuse such as cutting. However, there are also long-term side effects that have a direct impact on a woman’s sex life. One such condition is vaginismus.
Vaginismus occurs when the outer third of muscles surrounding the vagina tense up and make penetration difficult and/or impossible. The origins of vaginismus can be traced to many sources: a childhood home where sex was a taboo subject that was never to be discussed, messages that sex is “dirty” and “bad”, or following the dicatates of a strict religion. A woman having her emotional guard “up”, as in the case of many survivors, can also spark the condition. Preventing penetration, even subconsciously, is a way of maintaining control, something the survivior often feels she does not have.
Vaginismus is highly curable, with a cure rate estimated at over 90 percent. Psychotherapy is key to helping women who suffer from vaginismus. Alerting health care professionals to ask about past abuse in a sensitive manner and referring them to the proper professionals can help her to face her fears about penetration and start exercises to control her muscles so she can allow and, more importantly, enjoy sexual intercourse.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. Recognize the link between the mental health and physical effects of female sexual abuse. 2. Identify the symptoms and causes of vaginismus. 3. Articulate a procedure for addressing and curing vaginismus
Keywords: Women's Sexuality, Mental Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.