Relationship Difficulties: Painful Intercourse & Vaginal Spasm
Imagine a loving couple, perhaps even close relatives, who dated for years and finally married, expecting a harmonious intimate life—yet when the door closed behind them, their married life lacked what it should have. Attempts at intimacy in the early days failed, months passed, and “when’s the baby?” became the refrain. Medical referrals compounded their stress. Visits to one doctor after another often worsen rather than alleviate their plight.
This can point to dyspareunia (painful intercourse) or vaginismus (involuntary vaginal spasm). These are medically recognized conditions that are preventable and treatable—if identified early.
Today, Dr. Riham El-Shal, specialist in gynecology, fertility, and couples counseling, shares practical guidance in three key stages:
1. How it begins
Couples often have long-standing emotional connections before marriage, making post-marriage intimacy issues all the more confusing.
Psychological reluctance—sometimes subconscious—precedes physical difficulty. Anatomical or mental stressors contribute.
In some cases, wives emotionally shut down, believing they simply don’t belong. These issues also affect husbands emotionally, causing ripple effects in the marriage.
2. Accurate diagnosis
Not every gynecologist can diagnose sexual dysfunction. Diagnosing dyspareunia or vaginismus requires a specialist in women’s sexual health.
A thorough exam—physical, psychological, and muscular assessment—is essential to distinguish from other conditions.
3. Comprehensive treatment
Healing involves a multidisciplinary team:
1. Therapists or marriage counselors to resolve emotional and cognitive patterns.
2. Physical therapists to strengthen and control pelvic floor muscles.
3. Gynecologists to guide medical treatments—such as progressive dilation, localized anesthesia, or even botulinum toxin in persistent cases.
With this holistic approach, many couples (up to 90%) recover within months. Healing transforms emotions and intimacy:
“By the end of treatment, she tearfully proclaimed it was the first night they finally felt like a real couple—after a year and a half of despair.”
How you can help others:
Share this with those who may be silently struggling.
Like and spread awareness so more couples get help early.
Encourage seeking specialist care rather than delay
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