Can BTX (BIO-NEUROTOXIN) Treatment for vaginismus help relieve the pain during intercourse?
Vaginismus also known as vaginal penetration disorder or sexual pain disorder is a condition where the women experience pain during penetration. This is because woman’s vaginal muscles contract in response to any kind of vaginal penetration making it a very painful experience for them. Woman with vaginismus experience tearing sensation or feeling that is similar to “hitting a wall hard”.
Pain during intercourse or dyspareunia in women may be a reason for not getting pregnant when everything is normal. Vaginismus pain result is failure to consummate marriage and inability to conceive naturally.
Can Vaginismus be cured?
Vaginismus medication uses a Bio-Neuro-Toxin called Botulinum Toxin (BTX) to numb the pain and can help women dealing with vaginismus. Botulinum toxin type A, is a compound derived from the bacteria that causes botulism. Botulinum toxin blocks nerve activity in the muscles, causing a temporary reduction in muscle activity.
This medication is used to temporarily lessen the appearance of facial wrinkles. However, its uses are not restricted to cosmetology alone. It is used in urological problems such as Urinary incontinence.
It is now being used increasingly for treatment of Vaginismus. Treatment for Vaginismus using Bio-neuro-toxin (BTX) is now available, for which women must visit a vaginismus specialist. In Kolkata Dr Rajeev Agarwal offers vaginismus therapy using BTX therapy and can help women overcome vaginismus completely.
How does Vaginismus medication via BTX help cure Vaginismus?
- It is a biologically derived neurotoxic protein (Bio-Neuro-Toxin).
- Derived from the bacteria CLOSTRIDIUM BOTULINUM
- There are 8 types of toxin, out of which type A and type B are used commercially and medically.
- It causes paralysis of the affected muscles by stopping the release of neurotransmitter acetylcholine at the nerve endings.
- In proper clinical setting and low therapeutic doses there are no major side effects.
- It may however in rare cases cause an allergic reaction at the site of injection. Sometimes the toxin can travel far from the area of injection and cause paralysis of other group of muscles.
How is BTX Treatment administered to treat Vaginismus?
- Administration of Vaginismus medication, followed by dilatation of vagina with glass dilators along with counselling helps in treating vaginismus.
- Under mild anesthesia, after thorough examination 3 spots (of maximum contraction) are chosen and with the help of small needles therapeutic doses of BTX are injected in the muscles, into the side walls of the vagina.
- This is followed by vaginal dilatation and is done with glass dilators.
- You will wake up with the largest diameter dilator inside the vagina and will be counselled further and taught how to continue dilatation procedure at home.
- After being comfortable with largest diameter dilator, you are counselled to slowly move on to having intercourse.
- One setting of medication is effective for 3-4 months.
- In severe cases of vaginismus, where the bulbocavernous is contracted, repeated settings might be required.
Side Effects of Vaginismus medications
- Most patients have a small amount of vaginal bleeding for 24 hours or less.
- About 10% of patients have some mild flu-like symptoms (body aches, headaches) for 48 hours after the injections.
- About 5% of patients notice an increase of urinary incontinence or flatal incontinence. These symptoms resolve over time.
Post-procedure Instructions
- Do not have sex for 48 hours after the injections.
- In case of mild bleeding, antiseptic suppositories can be used
- Proper perineal hygine to be practised for next 48-72 hours.
