Having sex when you have a vaginal infection or inflammation can be uncomfortable. It can be frustrating to have a willing mind and an uncooperative body every time you try to have sex. Fortunately, knowing how to enjoy sex if you have vaginismus just means knowing your body, respecting its condition, and being willing to try new methods and strategies.
What is vaginismus and how can it affect sexual intercourse?
Vaginismus is a condition in which a woman’s vaginal muscles contract when something enters her. This can make sexual penetration difficult, if not impossible, in some circumstances. Causes of vaginismus can be sexual anxiety or even painful physical infections. Whatever the cause, women with vaginismus can have a lot of difficulty having sex.
Fortunately, there are ways for women with vaginismus to enjoy sex. Although the ways may vary depending on the cause of their condition: a woman with anxiety may need very different treatment to a woman with polycystic ovarian syndrome. However, the end goal is the same: a safe and pleasurable sex life. Read on to find out if these tips can help your situation.
5 Tips for enjoying sex with vaginismus
1. Try sex therapy
Yes, sex therapists do exist, and some treat people with vaginismus. You can search for a sex therapist in your area who can help you treat your condition on an individual basis.
2. Enlist the help of dilators
For many people, dilators are an important step in their treatment of vaginismus. Dilators can help women slowly get used to inserting objects. Dilators can start small and go up from there, and you can even use them in the privacy of your own bedroom.
3. Master Kegel exercises
Kegel exercises are often proposed as a possible solution to (almost) every sexual problem out there. Kegel exercises can help women with vaginismus learn to relax and tighten their pelvic floor muscles fully and intentionally. Moreover, these exercises can be done anytime, anywhere.
4. Try the sensitive approach
It may sound like a karate move, but trying the sensitive approach can help women with vaginismus enjoy sex. The basic idea is that you and your partner concentrate on cuddling and touching each other, and then gradually increase the intensity.
5. Try masturbation
Masturbation can also be a powerful tool for women suffering from vaginismus. Spending a few minutes a day touching in and around the area can help the body gradually readjust to sexual touch. This therapy can also be combined with dilators.
