Vaginismus treatment in Hyderabad

Vaginismus is a condition in which the muscles around the opening of the vagina tighten involuntarily when penetration is attempted or anticipated. It can make intercourse, using a tampon or a gynaecological examination painful or not possible. The tightening is not deliberate, and it is not something a woman can simply decide to stop.

At Radha Hospital & Fertility Centre in Yousufguda, women who experience vaginismus are seen by Dr. Aishwarya Yerram, a woman gynaecologist with more than sixteen years in practice, in a private and unhurried setting.

What is vaginismus?

Vaginismus is a protective reflex of the pelvic-floor muscles. The body anticipates discomfort and the muscles close, often before anything has touched them. The experience of pain can then add to the expectation of it, which is one reason the pattern can persist over time.

Doctors sometimes describe it as primary, when penetration has never been comfortable, or secondary, when it develops after a period without difficulty — for example after childbirth, an infection, surgery or a distressing experience. Often there is no single identifiable cause. Vaginismus says nothing about a woman’s affection for her partner or the health of her relationship, and it is not imagined.

How common is vaginismus?

It is more common than is generally realised. Many women find it difficult to talk about, sometimes for years, so it is thought to be under-reported and reliable figures are hard to establish. Gynaecologists see it regularly, in women of all ages and backgrounds — including women who have been married for some time.

How is vaginismus assessed?

The first appointment is a conversation. Dr. Aishwarya Yerram asks what has been experienced, for how long and what has already been tried, and explains how vaginismus is understood. Many women say that simply being able to describe it is a relief.

An examination is not assumed. If one would help — for instance, to look for an infection, a skin condition or another cause of pain — the reason is explained first, and it takes place only with the woman’s agreement, at her pace, and can be stopped at any moment. Some women are not ready for an examination at the first visit, and that is respected.

Because pain during intercourse can have more than one cause, the assessment also considers other conditions that may need attention alongside vaginismus, such as infection, dryness related to hormonal change, or endometriosis.

How is vaginismus treated?

Treatment is usually a combination of approaches, planned around what is found at assessment and what each woman is comfortable with.