Unraveling the Complexity of Vaginismus in Marital Relationship: A Case Series

Cureus. 2024 Nov 10;16(11):e73414. doi: 10.7759/cureus.73414. eCollection 2024 Nov.

Abstract

This article presents a case series examining the interplay between marital dynamics and the management of vaginismus. Vaginismus is a spasm of the perivaginal muscles sufficient to prevent penile entry or make it uncomfortable. Given the multifactorial nature of vaginismus, with psychological and relational factors playing significant roles, understanding these dynamics is crucial for effective treatment. The series involves three females, each experiencing vaginismus linked to poor marital adjustment, uncertainty about the relationship, and emotional disconnect. Treatment included psychotherapy and medication for anxiety, leading to varying degrees of symptom relief and improvement in marital satisfaction. These cases highlight how crucial it is to investigate sexual pain disorders like vaginismus using a bio-psychosocial approach. The biological realm alone is not necessarily the only reliable indicator. Rather, interpersonal and psychological factors are important predictors of vaginismus. Evaluation of women's psychosocial context may provide us with a deeper understanding of vaginismus and its impact on both women and their partners.

Keywords: management; marital relationship; psychological factors; sexual dysfunction; vaginismus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports