Vaginismus is treated through various approaches. The aim is to reduce muscle tension and address underlying psychological factors. These approaches may include:

Sex Therapy and Counselling: The patient undergoes counselling sessions, either individually or with their partner. These sessions can help address any underlying psychological factors such as anxiety, fear, and negative beliefs. The counselling also includes providing education about sexual anatomy and function. It helps develop communication and coping skills for sexual intimacy.

Progressive Desensitization: The woman will be encouraged to gently touch the area near the vaginal opening daily, progressing closer each day without causing discomfort. Once she feels comfortable with this, she will be guided to touch and gently open the vaginal lips, or labia. The next step involves gradually introducing a finger into the vagina. With each step, the goal is to reduce fear and discomfort associated with penetration.

Vaginal Dilators: The woman will receive guidance on gradually using a dilator, starting with the smallest size and progressing as tolerated. If pain decreases during this process, she may be advised to attempt intercourse with her partner. However, if pain persists or if the patient struggles with the dilator, alternative approaches will be suggested.

Physical Therapy: For women having difficulty using dilators, pelvic floor physical therapy can be beneficial. Physical therapists specializing in the pelvic floor will teach relaxation techniques and guide on using dilators.

Topical Therapy: This involves using numbing creams or gels, such as lidocaine, to help reduce pain during penetration by temporarily desensitizing the area. This method is mostly used alongside other treatments.

Botox Treatment: This involves the use of botulinum toxin, a muscle relaxant, to address the involuntary muscle-causing contractions.

• During the procedure, the muscles that are prone to excessive contraction are identified, through a pelvic examination.
• The treatment is usually administered under local anaesthesia, although general anaesthesia may be used for patients who are sensitive to needle discomfort.
• The dosage of botulinum toxin is determined based on the size and severity of the target muscles.
• It is injected into specific areas of the pelvic floor muscles, avoiding the urethra and rectum to prevent unintended side effects such as incontinence.

Botox treatment for vaginismus in hyderabad is generally safe and effective, but it is not suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions that may increase the risk of complications, such as myasthenia gravis or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Surgery: This option is very uncommon and only considered when there’s an underlying issue with the vagina that resembles the symptoms of vaginismus.