OBGYN near me - To Resolving Vaginismus or the Inability to Have Intercourse.

As a sex therapist in private practice in Orange County and Riverside, I treat many women with vaginismus. Vaginismus is a frustrating and embarrassing condition that affects thousands of women, even though most women that have it feel very alone. A basic description of vaginismus is that the pelvic floor muscles are clenched, closing up the entrance to the vagina and making penetration painful or impossible.

Vaginismus happens for many reasons. OBGYN near me woman may be highly nervous about having intercourse, particularly for the first time; she may feel shame or guilt about sex, or she may have performance anxiety. Or, past trauma such as date rape may be to blame. Repeat infections, such as yeast infections, or dryness during menopause uncomfortable intercourse can also cause vaginismus.

OBGYN near me, such as cervical cancer, can also cause vaginal atrophy.

Because it can be so embarrassing, many women fail to talk to a physician about treatment. Unfortunately, even women that do mention the problem to a doctor often receive a pat on the knee and advice to "just relax." Of course, that is much more easily said than done. There is much more that can be done to help a woman and her partner overcome vaginismus, including the following steps:

Find a physician that specializes in sexual medicine. This is usually a gynecologist or an urogynecologist (an urologist that specializes in women's problems). You can ask your own gynecologist or general physician for a referral.

OBGYN near me with a psychotherapist who specializes in problems of a sexual nature. This may be a sex therapist, or it may be a marriage therapist who has some training in sexual dysfunction. Identify what makes you fearful, guilty, or shameful about sex, process it, and let it go.

Consider a program of dilator use. A dilator is a cylinder-shaped object that is inserted into the vagina to desensitize a woman to having something "in there." Dilators start with a small size and increase to something comparable to a man's penis. The physician or sex therapist can give you guidance on how to use them.

Try a program of overall physical relaxation. You can find many relaxation recordings online. Or do yoga, meditation, or other form of regular relaxation. Listening to relaxing music can also be helpful.

Learn more about sexual pleasure. You can learn a lot about your own body through self-massage. Let your partner know what you do and do not like when it comes to touch.

Always use lubricant for any type of genital contact. Water-based lubricants tend to dry out and need to be reapplied, but they can be used with condoms.

Don't give up on sex altogether. There are definitely couples that have a rich sex life that just doesn't include intercourse. (Often it is the wish to become pregnant that brings them into treatment.)

Women with vaginismus shouldn't give up on the desire to have "normal" sex with their partner. It may take some time and lots of encouragement, but with the right assistance most every woman can resolve the problem and enjoy sex.

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