My problem could it be psychological
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My problem could it be psychological
| Mon, 11-08-2004 - 9:31pm |
I was raped 8 years ago and have had problems like post traumatic stress disorder to the point that for three years did not leave the house and that was just a year ago. I have met a wonderful man and have made a great improvement. I have become so comfortable that I have actually allowed him to penetrate. This is the problem. He is unable to or if he does for some reason my muscles or something pushes him out and clamps down and wont allow him to move. It is like two dogs getting stuck! I have been to the doctors too much and do not care to discuss my issues with people who are too busy to listen. I also don't like to be laughed at because it is a sensitive area in my life. So has any one ever experienced this and is it a physical problem or mental. Either way I need help I just don't want to explain it to eight people before I am able to find the right help. Thanks, Lynn

Oh hon, I'm so sorry! But it sounds as though you are working you way back, which is great news! I have no medical training but it seems to me that it could be that you need to learn to relax your pelvic muscles. Your Gyno should be able to refer you to a qualified therapist and neither of them should be ‘too busy to listen’ since their jobs are help you recover. I think your condition is called Vaginismus. For more information about this condition see http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001487.htm#Definition
This sort of problem can also occur in women who haven't been assaulted but who are just very nervous about the experience of being penetrated. They just need to learn to relax. One thing you might try is when you are alone lie on your bed and relax. Try inserting one finger in to your vagina. When you are able to relax enough that you can do that comfortably try 2 fingers and when you can do that try 3 fingers. Once you get comfortable doing that you might want to get a dildo from an adult toy store to practice with.
Have you posted on the Crisis Center: Rape & Suicide Board? http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-rlcrisis The ladies there have first hand experience with some of what you are going through and might be able to help. Let us know how you’re doing, ok
Good luck and
(((HUGS)))
Jill