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Vaginismus symptoms

Menopausal (secondary) Vaginismus

Menopausal (secondary) vaginismus is characterized by the gradual onset of penetration difficulty after having enjoyed many years of normal, pain-free vaginal function.

Diagnosing Secondary Vaginismus

Lisa, a 60 years old professional lady in a happy marriage for the past 30 years, arrived for her appointment quite distraught: “It started 8 years ago with a burning sensation after vaginal intercourse, and got worse and worse over time. After 2 years it became so bad that penile penetration became impossible; now I can’t even insert an applicator with lubrication, and gynecologic examinations are horrible! What is going on?”

Secondary Vaginismus Treatment

The woman with menopausal vaginismus will not need training for what vaginal penetration is all about, but rather a solution to the interruption. She will be cognizant of the need to restore vaginal penetration for prompt medical care in addition to sexual activities.

The course of treatment for secondary vaginismus will depend on the severity of the vaginal restriction, the duration (how long) of penetration difficulties, and her suitability for vaginal Estrogen replacement.  Intervention is short-duration – about 4-9 sessions – and the prognosis is typically excellent.

Suffering in pain or giving up on sexual intercourse should never be a ‘given’ in menopause.  The sense of relief, and the feeling of ‘being normal again,’ are empowering.

Related posts:

  1. Understanding and Overcoming Secondary Vaginismus
  2. 9 Steps to Overcoming Vaginismus
  3. Can Vaginismus Be Cured? Yes, It Can, and Here is How
  4. Navigating Life with Vaginismus

About The Author

vaginismus specialist Dr. Ditza Katz team member Women's Therapy Center

Ditza Katz

Ditza Katz, PT, Ph.D., is the founder of Women’s Therapy Center, a practice specializing in urogynecologic rehabilitation, treatment of female sexual dysfunction, breast & female cancer rehabilitation, and management of somatic disorders. Dr. Katz holds an undergraduate degree in Physical Therapy, a Master’s degree in Pastoral Psychology & Counseling, a doctorate in Clinical Sexology, and clinical training in manual therapy and urogynecology. Dr. Katz is a Diplomate with the American Board of Sexology, Professor at the American Academy of Clinical Sexology located in Orlando, Florida, and the only physical therapist in the USA who is a clinical sexologist.
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  • Salima July 6, 2019 at 4:04 pm / Reply

    I’ve been suffering with the same issues and finally resigned to the fact I will always have this issue. None of the research or articles googled provide the resolution to this incluing this article.. What does it mean 4-9 sessions? of what? I am very curious. Thank you!

    • Ditza Katz July 8, 2019 at 6:04 pm / Reply

      There is no reason to live with such pain. Contact our office to discuss treatment options: doctors@womentc.com or 516.576.1118

  • Amy Marks August 17, 2015 at 2:35 pm / Reply

    You women are so kind and caring. My dermatologist, rheumatologist, and internist are thrilled for me as is my very grateful husband! I have been singing your praises to everyone. I was suffering both physically and emotionally but no more! Now I can start to work on other things without the dark cloud over me. Thank you does not seem adequate.

    • Ditza Katz August 17, 2015 at 4:23 pm / Reply

      Thank you, Amy Marks! We are delighted at your well-deserved success.

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