Can You Develop Vaginismus After Sexual Trauma?

Unsilenced
May 23, 2023
3 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

In this blog, we discuss vaginismus and pelvic floor dysfunction resulting from pediatric VCUG.

From eating disorders to PTSD to dissociative amnesia, a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) can have lasting health impacts on young patients. While some side effects of VCUG are temporary, others can result in chronic illnesses and ongoing challenges in adulthood.

Keep reading to learn more about the risk of vaginismus and pelvic floor dysfunction after VCUG trauma.

What Is Vaginismus?

Sexual trauma can take a tremendous toll on a person’s body and emotional well-being. One effect that many women experience after sexual abuse is a medical condition known as vaginismus.

Vaginismus is a complex condition that affects the muscles surrounding the vagina, causing involuntary spasms and tightness. It is characterized by the involuntary contraction of pelvic floor muscles surrounding the vagina. This can make any form of vaginal penetration painful and, in many cases, impossible.

Vaginismus is not a conscious reaction to sex, but an automatic bodily response in anticipation of pain or discomfort. This is because vaginismus is rooted in the brain’s limbic system, which is responsible for governing emotions, behavior, long-term memory, and motivation.

A staggering 3 in 4 women will experience pain during sex at some point in their lives, but only 1-6% of women with vaginismus are properly diagnosed.

Vaginismus Symptoms

Vaginismus doesn't just affect sexual intercourse, but can impact many aspects of everyday life, including visits to the OB/GYN and using menstrual products like tampons.

Women with vaginismus can experience a range of symptoms, including:

Pain or discomfort during intercourse, tampon insertion, or gynecological care.
Inability to insert a finger, tampon, or any other object into the vagina.
Feelings of anxiety, fear, or panic related to vaginal penetration.
Tightness, burning, or stinging sensations around the vaginal opening.
Muscle spasms or a sensation of "closing up" during attempted penetration.

Risks of Vaginismus

Vaginismus can have substantial impacts on a woman’s life, such as:

Strained relationships and intimacy issues – The pain and difficulties associated with vaginismus can lead to emotional distress and strain on relationships, causing frustration, guilt, and a decrease in sexual satisfaction.
Psychological distress – Vaginismus can contribute to feelings of shame, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It may also lead to avoidance of sexual activity or intimate relationships altogether, resulting in isolation and reduced quality of life.
Delayed diagnosis and treatment – Due to the sensitive nature of the condition, young women may feel embarrassed or reluctant to seek help, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. This can make it more difficult for women to comfortably express and explain their symptoms, let alone resolve them.

What Causes Vaginismus?

While experts are still unsure about the exact cause of vaginismus at this time, there are definite risk factors associated with women who develop vaginismus. These include:

Sexual trauma or abuse – Experiencing sexual trauma, abuse, or any form of non-consensual sexual activity can have a significant impact on a person's relationship with their body, leading to fear, anxiety, and muscle tension during sexual encounters.
Psychological factors – Vaginismus can also be influenced by psychological factors, such as anxiety, fear of pain, negative beliefs about sex, and past negative sexual experiences.
Lack of education and awareness – A lack of knowledge about female sexual health, anatomy, and sexual functioning can contribute to misconceptions and feelings of shame or guilt surrounding sex, which may exacerbate vaginismus symptoms.
Physical factors – In some cases, physical conditions such as infections, vaginal dryness, or medical procedures involving the pelvic area may contribute to vaginismus symptoms.

How Is Vaginismus Treated?

Vaginismus can be a distressing condition that affects the physical and emotional well-being of young women who have experienced sexual trauma. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of vaginismus or chronic pain after VCUG or sexual abuse, it’s important to seek help from a medical professional you can trust.

Turning to a psychiatrist, mental health specialist, psychologist, or other trusted physician with experience in sexual trauma and women’s health can help address underlying physical or psychological causes that may be present to alleviate your pain. They can also help you develop a treatment plan that you feel comfortable with, and help you explore options tailored to your unique circumstances.

Generally, treatment for vaginismus entails a combination of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), pelvic floor physical therapy, gradual desensitization exercises, and relaxation techniques.

Join the Unsilenced Movement

The Unsilenced Movement was built by former patients who experienced VCUG trauma in childhood. Help us hold the medical community accountable for protecting future generations of children from preventable harm during VCUG. Because kids deserve better. #MoreThanATest