CME CE

CEUL103418 - Vaginismus

Offered By
DynaMed LLC

1509 Wilson Terrace
Glendale, CA  91206  USA
  949.413.8590
  srichman@ebsco.com

Course Description:

Vaginismus is a recurrent or persistent involuntary vaginal muscle spasm that interferes with sexual intercourse. Vaginismus can be considered as either a sexual disorder or a multifactorial pain syndrome with physical, psychological, and psychosocial influences. Vaginismus is a diagnosis of exclusion, and other causes of urogenital and pelvic pain should be ruled out as part of the diagnostic process. Vaginismus can occur in conjunction with other genito-pelvic pain conditions, including vulvodynia and dyspareunia. Altered neuromuscular control of the pelvic floor, including hypertonicity, lack of discrimination, and poor relaxation, are components of all three conditions. Vaginismus is distinguished by heightened distress and anxiety during examination. Vaginismus is classified as lifelong (being present since the onset of sexual activity) or acquired (occurring after the onset of pain-free sexual activity). Treatment of vaginismus is multidisciplinary and often includes both physical and cognitive behavioral therapies. Detailed pain and sexual histories are important parts of physical therapy assessment, as the description and pattern of pain and other symptoms help to identify the various originators of pain. Physical therapy treatment targets tissue flexibility and elasticity, anxiety, and pelvic floor function with the goal of reducing pain and improving sexual function. Treatment techniques include internal and external soft tissue mobilization of the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs), surface EMG (sEMG) biofeedback, and pelvic, spinal, and hip flexibility and strengthening. Vaginal dilators may be used as adjunct treatment devices. Relaxation and addressing anxiety concerns may assist implementation of other treatments.

CME CE

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