Vaginismus is a common but painful condition that causes the pelvic floor muscles to spasm and tighten involuntarily, making sexual intercourse with a partner extremely challenging. If you think you have vaginismus, it's important to get a diagnosis and treatment plan from a trusted medical professional as soon as you can.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jaime Schwartz is an expert in vaginismus and has helped countless women overcome their pain through minimally invasive solutions. Read on to learn about this condition, its causes, and how our compassionate team provides relief through vaginismus treatment options in Beverly Hills, CA.
WHAT CAUSES VAGINISMUS?
There is no one correct or specific answer to this question, as vaginismus can develop for a number of reasons. Some cases are attributed to psychological factors like anxiety or fear. Others are the result of physical trauma to the vagina or pelvic floor.
Vaginismus may be present from the first time a woman uses a tampon or attempts sexual intercourse. This is called primary vaginismus. Women who have never experienced discomfort during sex may suddenly discover pain due to a serious health condition or after an event like childbirth.
Because muscle spasms are involuntary, women with vaginismus cannot "relax" their way out of the condition. It feels impossible to insert a tampon or participate in intercourse without feeling pain or discomfort. Treatment from a professional is necessary so the pelvic muscles can be retrained to relax.
DO I HAVE VAGINISMUS?
Vaginismus is diagnosed after a gynecologic exam and a thorough review of your medical history in Beverly Hills, CA. Dr. Schwartz begins by asking about your symptoms and when they started. This includes asking about any previous pain with tampon use or sexual intercourse. Our professionals offer a safe space where women can be transparent about their issues.
CAN VAGINISMUS BE TREATED?
Yes, there are several effective treatment options available for vaginismus. When applicable, therapy is a great way to address any underlying anxiety, fear, or trauma that may contribute to your condition. We can make recommendations about how to move forward with therapy during an assessment.
Dr. Schwartz also uses neuromodulators to relax the pelvic floor muscles and break the cycle of pain. BOTOX injections are a simple in-office procedure that takes just minutes to complete. Treatment works by paralyzing the muscle spasms that occur during sex.
Approximately ten days after your initial BOTOX treatment, dilators may be used in conjunction with physical therapy to help relieve vaginismus symptoms. Dilators are devices that gradually stretch the vaginal opening and help retrain the muscles, so they soften and relax.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN TERMS OF RESULTS
Dr. Schwartz works with each patient on an individual basis to develop a plan that meets their needs. Our vaginismus treatment options have helped many patients wear tampons comfortably and enjoy a fulfilling sexual relationship. In most cases, women significantly improve their symptoms after just one session. Our clinic boasts a 97% success rate through neuromodulators like BOTOX, physical therapy, and dilator use.
TREAT SYMPTOMS OF VAGINISMUS
Pain during sexual intercourse should never prevent you from enjoying your life. If you think you have vaginismus, do not hesitate to reach out to board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jaime Schwartz in Beverly Hills, CA. His experience and compassionate bedside manner will put you at ease while he creates a treatment plan that works for you.
