Vaginismus is currently defined in the DSM 4 (2000) as a “recurrent or persistent involuntary spasm of the musculature of the outer third of the vagina that interferes with sexual intercourse. The disturbance causes marked distress or interpersonal difficulty these unintentional muscle spasms occur when something, a penis, finger, tampon or medical instrument attempt to penetrate the vagina. The spasms may be mildly uncomfortable or very painful.

What causes Vaginismus? Is it caused by sexual abuse?

The exact cause of Vaginismus remains unknown and unclear. It is usually not the result of sexual abuse but occasionally we see vaginismus in patients who have suffered from abuse

Can vaginismus miraculously disappear?

It’s unlikely that Vaginismus would go away on its own. Vaginismus is an involuntary tightness of muscles in the vagina. Since it is involuntary, Vaginismus can only be treated with dilation and Pelvic floor physical therapy. With the right treatment, it can nearly always be helped

What are the symptoms of vaginismus?

Difficult, painful or impossible vaginal penetration during sex or insertion of anything into the vagina, including sex toys and tampons Pressure in the vagina Burning at the vaginal opening

What are the types of vaginismus?

There are two main types of vaginismus. Primary This is when a woman has had pain every time something entered their vagina, including a penis (called penetrative sex), or when they’re never been able to insert anything into their vagina. It’s also called lifelong vaginismus. Secondary This is when a woman has had sex without pain before, but then it becomes difficult or impossible. It’s also called acquired vaginismus

Could vaginismus be just in my head?

The muscle response can be attributed to a limbic system reaction and is not under the immediate direction or control of the woman. Therefore, regardless of the causes of vaginismus, there is always a distinct, sexually crippling, physical side to the condition. It is a condition in which different physical and/or emotional factors may play contributory roles, and so both should be examined as part of the treatment process

Is small vagina a cause for vaginismus?

When a woman experiences penetration difficulties or tightness, it is rarely due to a small or abnormal vagina, and nearly always due to vaginismus.

Could hymen be a cause of vaginismus?

Hymen problems rarely cause penetration difficulty. In very rare cases, women with unusually thick hymens may have penetration difficulties because of it. However, in practice, most women who believe their hymen is causing a penetration problem actually have vaginismus. Vaginismus is a much more common cause of penetration difficulties, and the symptoms can be almost identical to that of a hymen problem. We should encourage women suspecting hymen problems to complete a gynaecological exam with a knowledgeable specialist where issues like this can be discussed, and seek a second opinion when necessary.

What are the risk factors for vaginismus?

Healthcare experts still don't know exactly what causes vaginismus, but some risk factors include prior surgeries, infections, or childbirth-related injuries, such as vaginal tears. Other risk factors are psychological; anxiety disorders and negative feelings about sex, perhaps stemming from past sexual trauma, are both linked to vaginismus. Individuals who have experienced relationship problems or had a painful first intercourse are at an increased risk for developing vaginismus

What conditions are similar to vaginismus?

Vaginal atrophy: Lack of oestrogen after menopause makes the lining of the vagina thinner and drier (vaginal atrophy). Vulvar vestibulitis (provoked vestibulodynia): This condition causes painful sex (dyspareunia). People may have pain from initial penetration throughout the entire experience.

What symptoms do stis cause on abdomen and inguinal region

Abnormal masses or tenderness and inguinal lymph node enlargement

What symptoms do stis cause on female genital system

Abnormal discharge, Warts, Ulcers, Inflammation, Vulvitis, Itching they can occur on labia vagina or cervix,

What symptoms do stis cause on male genital system?

Ulcers warts redness itching on penis and genital area

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections usually but not exclusively transmitted via the moist mucous membranes of the penis, vulva, vagina, cervix, anus, rectum, mouth and pharynx during sexual activity

What are the stis we know?

STIs include syphilis, gonorrhoea, genital herpes, genital warts, chlamydia,Mycoplasma genitalium, trichomoniasis and lymphogranuloma venereum(LGV). Chancroid and granuloma inguinale are STIs seen in tropical countries. Sexually transmissible blood-borne virusesincluding (HIV) and hepatitis B and C are those in which sexual contact is an important, but not the onlymode of transmission. Enteric hepatitis virus A and sexually transmittedenteric infections (STEI) including Salmonella and Shigella may be spreadby oro-anal sexual contact, although this is responsible for only a minorityof cases. Other viruses, including Zika virus and SARS-CoV-2.

What are the most common symptoms of stis?

Symptoms: genital ulceration, rash, irritation, pain, swelling and urinary symptoms, especially dysuria. Urethral discharge, vaginal discharge, pelvic pain or dyspareunia. Testicular pain, abdominal and systemic symptoms

Which stis present with urethral discharge in males?

Chlamydia gonorrohea mycoplasma genitalium and rarely trichomonas vaginalis,ureaplasma,hsv in males

What diseases can present as genital itch?

Candidiasis acute/chronic Dermatoses, e.g.eczema or psoriasis Acute herpes Pthirus pubis (‘crab lice’) infection Lichen planus/sclerosis Balanitis(circinate,plasmacell,anaerobic or erosive) Vulvodynia

Which diseases present as vaginal discharge?

Candidiasis, Bacterial vaginosis, Aerobic/anaerobic vaginitis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea,

Which stis present with proctitis?

Proctitis due to STI is almost exclusively diagnosed in MSM, but occasionally presents in women. STIs that may cause proctitis include gonorrhoea, chlamydia, herpes and syphilis

Difference between HIV and aids

Hiv is a chronic manageable infection and AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV infection

How Is HIV Passed From One Person to Another?

People get HIV through contact with body fluids that come from someone who has it. The most common ways that someone can get HIV are by: Having sex with a person who has HIV without using a condom, Sharing drug needles or other drug equipment with someone who has HIV, Using the same needle as someone with HIV when you get a tattoo, Women with HIV can pass it to their babies before or during birth, and through breastfeeding

Maximum transmission of hiv happens through?

Blood to blood contact, blood transfusion

What are the stages of hiv aids infection?

According to CDC we have category A,B C. According to WHO we have stages 1, 2, 3, 4.

When was HIV virus discovered?

The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) was first recognized in 1981 caused by HIV virus

How many types of HIV virus are there?

HIV-1 is the cause of the global HIV pandemic, while HIV-2, which causes a similar illness to HIV-1 but progresses more slowly and is less transmissible, is restricted mainly to western Africa.

What does HIV virus do to the body?

HIV is an enveloped ribonucleic acid (RNA) retrovirus from the lentivirus family. After mucosal exposure, HIV is transported via dendritic cells to the lymph nodes, where infection becomes established. This is followed by viraemia and dissemination to lymphoid organs, which are the main sites of viral replication

What are the tests for HIV?

Rapid tests, Rnapcr(NAT), HIV 4TH GENERATION TEST, Self testing kits , Westernblot,

What is the most advanced test for identifying HIV?

HIV 1 and 2 RNA PCR can identify virus at and after 10 days of its entry or last possible exposure

Is RNAPCR 100% accurate after 10 days

It is highly accurate(95-99%) when compared to other tests

What is window period for HIV?

Time from the entry of organism into the body till a test can actually detect it. RNA PCR FOR HIV1 10 DAYS, HIV 4TH GENERATION TEST after 28 DAYS,

What is 4th generation hiv test?

The 4th generation test detects antibodies of HIV 1 and 2 as well as P24 antigen of HIV 1, while the 3rd generation test detects only HIV antibodies. HIV P24 antigens are viral proteins that make up most of the core of the virus

A person who is effected by hiv virus if left untreated will land into acquired immune deficiency syndrome or aids. Yes its dangerous if left untreated. ART(hiv treatment) should be started as early as possible

What are the symptoms of HIV?

You cannot rely on symptoms to tell whether you have HIV. The only way to know for sure if you have HIV is to get tested Within 2 to 4 weeks after infection with HIV, about two-thirds of people will have a flu-like illness. This is the body’s natural response to HIV infection.

I had unprotected exposure yesterday. can I test myself now?

No you need to wait for the completion of window period minimum 10 days.

Can hiv be cured completely?

As of now no medication can completely kill and remove the virus from the body. we can only slow down the replication and control the virus

What are the symptoms of AIDS?

Untreated hiv infection leads to AIDS. Symptoms of AIDS can include: • Rapid weight loss, • Recurring fever or profuse night sweats, • Extreme and unexplained tiredness, • Prolonged swelling of the lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck, • Diarrhea that lasts for more than a week, • Sores of the mouth, anus, or genitals, • Pneumonia, • Red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids, • Memory loss, depression, and other neurologic disorders,

What is treatment for hiv infection?

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is a medication regimen used to manage and treat human immunodeficiency virus .

Can hiv positive people have sex?

A Hiv positive person should avoid sexual activity if his viral load is high for ethical reasons. when the viral load is undetectable and the other partner should start using PREP as soon as possible

Do Only HOMOSEXUAL MEN People Get HIV?

SEXUAL ORIENTATION OR GENDER IDENTITY DOESN’T DECIDE an HIV infection. You can get HIV from having sex -- without a condom -- with anyone.although present incidence of hiv is found to be high in MSM

Does HIV increase the risk of getting other STI?

YES. HIV weakens the immune system making the person susceptible to all types of infections

How can HIV be prevented?

Avoiding high risk behavior, Using a condom , Avoiding sharing needles,

Does masturbation cause HIV/ STI ?

The chances are very verylow.When there is no partner involved in masturbation there can be no chance of transfer.

Can Latex Condoms Prevent HIV?

When used consistently and correctly, they're very good at stopping the spread of HIV during sex. But condom use can't give you 100%protection

Dr Durgashree Shetty

Sexologist in Bengaluru

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Yes. People on ART should get themselves tested for antiviral resistance

To maintain an undetectable viral load and high cd4 count

U=U stands for undetectable equals untransmittable

HIV is the strongest risk factor for tuberculosis among adults. Tuberculosis is the most prominent opportunistic diseases to develop amongst persons infected with HIV. HIV debilitates the immune system increasing the vulnerability to TB and increasing the risk of progression from TB infection to TB disease. People with TB are also susceptible to HIV infection. TB is entirely curable with a full course of treatment, which is freely available at the government Health centres, including ART centers in the country

Yes. The virus has been found in the breast milk in low concentrations and studies have shown that, 10 to 15% children born to HIV-infected mothers can get HIV infection through breast milk. Breast milk, however, has many substances in it that protect an infant’s health. The benefits of breast-feeding for both mother and child are well recognized and as effective ARV drugs are available to keep the viral load undetectable in mother,then the risk of transmission is less than 1%.its better to discuss with your doctor whether you breast feed or not

If it s been less than 72 hours after the incident took place, with the help of medication you can protect yourself from being infected with HIV. All you need to do is visit a local doctor and ask him about PEP, Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

Unfortunately, yes. A person with HIV has to take medications for the rest of the life but there might be changes in the concentration of the drugs that are recommended. Hence, regular check-ups with a doctor is a must for people with HIV, in addition to following every safe measure to prevent progression of the infection

In case both the parents are HIV positive, the chances of baby being HIV positive is very high. But with latest advances in medical techniques, treatment options and proper check-ups, it is possible to have a HIV negative baby

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Dr Durgashree Shetty

Expert Sexologist Care

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is antiviral resistance real?

What is the goal of ART?

What does U=U stand for in HIV?

What is relation between TUBERCULOSIS AND HIV?

Can HIV be transmitted through breast-feeding and what can be done?

What if the condom broke during sex? What should I do?

Do I need to take the drugs for lifetime, after being diagnosed with HIV?

If both the parents are HIV, what are the chances of the child being HIV positive?

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