Vaginosis ... what is it?

Vaginosis, (Latin for Vaginismus), also known as Marion-Sims syndrome, is a sexual dysfunction that involves independent contraction around the vaginal entrance, thus causing closure of the entrance and an inability to have sexual intercourse, perform a gynaecological examination or insert a tampon. Psychological and somatic factors play a key role in it.

Many people confuse Vaginosis with dyspareunia, a sexual dysfunction manifested by pain during intercourse. Its main cause is a drop in oestrogen levels, which is observed among other things in menopausal women. Dyspareunia may also be caused by inadequate vaginal lubrication, conditions after gynaecological operations, intimate infections or anatomical defects of the genital organs.

Types

There are two types of Vaginosis: primary and secondary. The former occurs from the first sexual intercourse. It can affect teenage girls, women living under stress, women brought up with the idea that sex is wrong, victims of sexual harassment or rape, and people who have witnessed sexual assault. Primary Vaginosis sometimes also occurs in patients struggling with fungal urinary tract infections.

The second type of sexual dysfunction discussed is secondary Vaginosis. This affects women who have not previously experienced problems during intercourse and have not experienced any associated discomfort. Secondary Vaginosis can be caused by psychological disorders or fungal infections.

What are the ... symptoms of dysfunction

Vaginosis produces specific symptoms that appear when attempting to insert the penis into the vagina, during tampon application and when attempting a gynaecological examination. There is an abnormal reaction of the body manifested by a strong contraction of the muscles around the entrance to the vagina and the pelvic floor area and clenching of the thighs. This is accompanied by severe anxiety and fear. Sometimes a so-called vaginal seizure may occur, i.e. a sudden tightening of the vaginal muscles during intercourse, which can cause the penis to jam.

And what are the ... reasons

There can be many causes of Vaginosis. These include, but are not limited to, gynaecological lesions such as fissures or genital ulcers. These often cause contraction of the vulvar muscles, making penetration impossible. Vaginosis can also be caused by sexual readiness syndrome, i.e. abnormalities in the blood supply and innervation of the clitoris, or vaginal dryness caused by psychological blockage leading to mucus disorders. The sexual dysfunction in question may also be caused by neuralgia, i.e. paroxysmal clitoral pain accompanied by sexual excitement. Other causes of Vaginosis may include: aversion to sexual intercourse with a partner, lack of acceptance of one's own body, general neurotic disorders, genital dysfunction due to psychological factors, painful, scanty, heavy, frequent or absent menstrual periods, traumatic sexual experiences such as failed initiation or rape, fear of pain during intercourse, pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections, and feelings of disgust with male semen.

Diagnosis and treatment

In order to diagnose Vaginosis, an appointment with a gynaecologist should be made in the first instance. If a woman feels apprehensive about this type of examination, a consultation with a psychologist or sexologist may be necessary. In addition, a general blood and urine test, a hormonal panel and a microbiological examination are also recommended.

The method of treatment depends on whether one is dealing with primary or secondary Vaginosis. In the former case, the treatment is carried out by a gynaecologist and consists of eliminating the physical obstruction within the vagina.

In the case of secondary Vaginosis, psychotherapy is required to teach the woman to observe and accept her body and sexuality. Patients are advised to regularly use relaxation techniques to help them cope with stress.

Painkillers, decongestants and anti-anxiety medication may be helpful in the method of Vaginosis treatment. Special exercises to relax the pelvic floor muscles and stretch the vaginal walls are also an important part of the treatment. These may include holding urine while urinating for about three seconds, alternately clenching and relaxing the vaginal muscles and inserting a finger, dilator, vibrator or dummy penis into the vagina.

If you want to explore Vaginosis in more depth, it is worth taking an online training course organised by Webinar Academy. The Webinar Academy platform comprehensively explains issues related to sexual dysfunctions. The training platform contains all the necessary information on Vaginosis. Vaginosis is a sexual dysfunction preventing intercourse, which manifests itself as a painful, involuntary contraction of the vaginal muscles closing the vaginal opening. Its causes can be both psychological and biological. Treatment of Vaginosis includes topical methods and psychotherapy.