On 29/3, Doctor Pham Minh Ngoc, Deputy Director of Hanoi Center for Sexual Medicine at Hanoi Andrology and Infertility Hospital, reported that a patient suffered from grade three vaginismus due to increased pelvic floor muscle tone. The condition caused physical pain and became a significant psychological barrier, making sexual intercourse impossible for the couple.

Initially, the couple attributed the issue to psychological stress and inexperience. Over time, fear led both to avoid intimacy, leaving the wife feeling self-conscious, tormented, and worried their marriage would dissolve.

"Vaginismus is a relatively common female sexual dysfunction that is treatable, yet many people do not recognize it, often ignore it, or are hesitant to seek medical attention," Doctor Ngoc explained. The prognosis for patients is generally very positive. Clinical practice shows that over 95% of patients with vaginismus due to increased muscle tone can recover and have normal sexual intercourse if they adhere to the correct treatment protocol.

The doctor advised the patient to practice pelvic floor muscle control and use a vaginal dilator set as prescribed. This method helps the wife gradually become accustomed to penetration, eliminate involuntary spasm reflexes, and improve pain.

Doctor Ngoc consults with the couple. *Photo provided by the hospital*

Vaginismus is a condition where the pelvic floor muscles involuntarily contract, preventing any insertion into the vagina. This syndrome is easily diagnosed through patient history and physical examination, without the need for expensive tests. Common forms of vaginismus typically involve increased pelvic floor muscle tone, nerve proliferation, or psychological factors.

The condition is classified into 5 grades, ranging from the mildest (grade 1) to the most severe (grade 5).

The doctor advises women who experience difficulties with sexual intercourse, pain during intimacy, or unsuccessful attempts at intercourse to seek medical attention for early treatment. Beyond vaginismus, these symptoms could also indicate other serious conditions in women, such as cancer or infections.

Thuy An