A vaginal cramp, which is also called vaginismus in the technical terminology, is an involuntary cramping or tension of the pelvic floor and the vaginal muscles that makes vaginal penetration impossible. This can be the insertion of a penis, a tampon or a gynecological examination by a gynecologist. The vaginal spasm is not defined in its cause, but can have both psychological and physical causes.
However, an important characteristic is that the woman has an explicit desire to make penetration possible. The vaginal cramp is therefore not a conscious defense mechanism against an undesirable action. Vaginismus is a sexual dysfunction.
In the coding system for diagnoses (ICD-10), vaginal spasm is listed under N94. – listed. This describes “pain and other conditions related to the female sexual organs and the menstrual cycle”. Psychogenic vaginal spasm, also called psychogenic vaginismus, is listed in the category of F-diagnoses, which includes mainly psychiatric diagnoses.
Causes
The causes of vaginal cramps are very diverse. First of all, one must distinguish between psychological and somatic causes. Furthermore, the distinction between primary and secondary vaginal spasm is common.
In primary vaginal spasm, the insertion of objects into the vagina has never been possible without pain. This form of vaginal spasm is usually diagnosed in puberty during the first gynecological examination. Secondary vaginal cramps are caused by a triggering experience, such as a painful birth, rape, but also painful sexual intercourse or a rough gynecological examination. However, vaginal cramps can also be caused by organic diseases, such as endometriosis or infection. These make penetration very painful, which can cause vaginal cramps in future penetrations.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a vaginal cramp is usually made by a gynecologist. In a gynecological examination, the gynecologist can first of all determine whether there is an organic cause behind the vaginal cramp. Endometriosis, for example, can be diagnosed by taking a specific sample and analyzing it.
In addition, smears can help to detect infections that may be one of the causes of vaginal cramps. Apart from the physical cause, it is very important to talk to the woman concerned in order to be able to make a diagnosis of vaginal spasm. Questions about the first occurrence, triggering events, type of cramp, accompanying symptoms, possible fears and thoughts are important to identify possible causes.
