Even though discomfort during sex is common, it should not be a part of your everyday life. Vaginismus is a medical condition that is often overlooked or ignored. So what is vaginismus, and why do women avoid speaking with their doctors about it? Some people may feel too embarrassed or uncomfortable. However, getting diagnosed can open the door for treatment options to alleviate this pain or get rid of it for good.
At our clinic in Beverly Hills, CA, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jaime Schwartz can help women suffering from vaginismus or tight vaginal muscles. We have developed a treatment plan through the use of BOTOX® to relax the pelvic floor muscles and break the pain cycle. If you would like to enjoy a normal sex life with your partner once again, we encourage you to reach out for a simple consultation. We have seen a very high success rate following vaginal rejuvenation treatment.
WHAT IS VAGINISMUS?
Vaginismus can happen at any point in a woman’s life. It is characterized by the tightening of the pelvic floor muscles, making vaginal penetration very difficult or impossible. This condition makes it feel as if there is a barrier or wall to the vaginal canal. Women who suffer from this disorder may experience pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse or when inserting tampons. They may also have some fear or anxiety that causes them to withdraw from these situations.
Most individuals are unaware of vaginismus or a tight vagina during sex. Sometimes they blame their discomfort on inadequate lubrication or negative feelings about their partner. Although this may be the case in some people, it is important to get a medical assessment to see if vaginismus is the root of the issue. When you visit Dr. Schwartz in Beverly Hills, CA, we will review your medical history and ask questions to see if you could benefit from vaginal rejuvenation treatment.
WHAT CAUSES VAGINISMUS?
There are many factors that determine if a person is diagnosed with vaginismus. Primary vaginismus means that pain has always been present during all attempts at vaginal penetration. Secondary vaginismus occurs in women who have had normal sexual function in the past but can no longer have pain-free sex due to an outside event. This could include complications from vaginal deliveries, menopause, urinary tract infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, or physical trauma. There are also mental barriers that can cause a tight vagina during sex. Previous unpleasant sexual experiences, or feelings of guilt or anxiety may also lead to vaginismus.
WHAT GOES INTO VAGINISMUS TREATMENT?
You may be familiar with the use of BOTOX injections as a cosmetic treatment. It stops the muscles from contracting in the face to prevent the formation of smile lines and deep wrinkles. The ability to freeze muscles has led to the successful use of BOTOX in vaginismus treatment. Injections are administered into the vaginal muscles, making them unable to contract. As a result, patients experience a significant feeling of relief.
Dr. Schwartz believes that every woman should have the ability to experience sexual intercourse or place a tampon in comfort. To begin the BOTOX procedure, we will help you feel comfortable using a topical anesthetic on the treatment area. We then carefully mark and administer BOTOX into the specific muscles that cause pain during intercourse. Afterward, a member of our knowledgeable team will provide helpful instructions and guidelines for protecting the vaginal area at home.
WHAT CAN DOCTORS DO?
It's important to talk to your doctor if you have pain during sex. Although you don't have to be born with Vaginismus, it can still be developed at any point in life.
Doctors can only help you with the following methods if you talk to them about it. Don't assume they're going to use a speculum and do a painful exam - you can request that they don't.
They're there to help you, not hurt you.
TREATMENT OPTION 1: DILATORS
Do you know about ear gauging? It's when people stretch their ear piercing holes with gradually increasing plugs.
Using dilators is like that, except the hole is meant to stretch, and it won't look strange when you're eighty.
When you go to the doctor's office, they'll show you the dilators. It's a procession of dilators, like very small dildos, that you'll increase in size.
They start very small. You may feel some discomfort, but if you do your homework and relax, it shouldn't cause serious pain.
During your first appointment, the doctor will explain the process and a nurse will insert the first dilator. Then, you show them that you can do it yourself and take the dilator home.
At home, you practice using the dilator for 10-15 minutes a night. At your next appointment, you repeat the process with something a little bigger.
And on it goes. It can take months to a year to work up to a penis sized dilator.
Some people bring their husbands or partners into the therapy, turning the dilator into a sex toy of sorts. It can be a good way to make your partner feel involved, but it's still physical therapy.
OPTION 1.5: ANXIETY MEDICATION
If your doctor believes that your vaginismus is mental or from stress, they may suggest an anti-anxiety medication. This is used in conjunction with the dilator method to help women relax and accept the dilator.
Some women aren't comfortable with taking a medication that changes their mental state. It's not necessary to take anti-anxieties by any means, but it's an option you can and should bring up.
OPTION 2: BOTOX
Yes, you read that right. Doctors can treat Vaginismus with the same thing they put in superstar's foreheads. How does it work?
It relaxes the pelvic muscle, allowing it to function normally. It's not a magic fix, but most women can return to normal sexual activity with one treatment.
That means one shot could get you back to your sex life! If you find that you're still having trouble after your botox shot, it's safe to use in addition to the dilatory process.
The botox shot lasts up to four months and is likely covered by your insurance since it's not solely for aesthetic use.
It's safe to continue botox use throughout your life. You may find that your vaginismus lessens with treatment over time, even if it doesn't go 100% when the shot wears off.
OPTION 3: THERAPY
Good old behavioral therapy is a great step for women who experience Vaginismus and their partners. It can address and save psychological issues that could be behind the disorder.
If there aren't psychological causes, therapy can help the partner understand and not feel rejected from lack of sex.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER VAGINISMUS TREATMENT?
After treatment, the BOTOX injection may cause you to feel a little tender or sore for the remainder of the day. We suggest that you refrain from applying pressure to the vagina or participating in strenuous exercise to make sure the treatment is as effective as possible and does not harm your natural tissue. Even though the recovery time from BOTOX is very short, you still want to treat the area with care. Patients should be able to notice a relaxing of the vaginal muscles as a result of the procedure.
GET VAGINAL REJUVENATION TREATMENT IN BEVERLY HILLS, CA
If you struggle with issues of vaginal penetration, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jaime Schwartz can perform a medical evaluation and provide solutions in the form of BOTOX injections. Our clinic in Beverly Hills, CA, is proud to have developed a specialized technique that can be used alongside the care you may already be receiving from a primary physician or physical therapist. Most women who see Dr. Schwartz experience normal sexual intercourse after just one treatment. Learn more by scheduling a personalized consultation in our office today.