Masturbation / Question
Published: September 26, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Ok, I must admit, I think this question is going to sound really weird, but anyway, I am 16 and a half, and like any 16 year old, I want to masturbate, my problem is that when I do try, I go to just use one finger, and just sliding it in hurts, and it feels really tight in there, and the same with tampons, I can only use the "Junior" size tampons if I use KY, otherwise it hurts, I guess my questions is, is there something wrong with me, is this normal, I have no idea, and help or ideas would be wonderful
Signed: Hurts To Masturbate
Dear Hurts To Masturbate,
Your symptoms suggest a relatively rare female sexual dysfunction disorder called vaginismus. This disorder is characterized by an involuntary spasm of the muscles surrounding the vaginal opening. This muscular contraction makes any attempt at vaginal penetration either extremely painful, or all together impossible. A major indicator that it may be vaginismus is if you also have trouble inserting tampons into your vagina. Although intercourse becomes impossible, women who suffer from vaginismus are capable of becoming sexually aroused, achieving lubrication, and even orgasm through alternative stimulation.
The first step for any woman who suspects she has vaginismus is to schedule a full pelvic examination with her gynecologist in order to rule out a physical cause. Ruling out any physical causes, vaginismus is most often considered as a psychosomatic disorder, or a physical manifestation of a psychological cause. There are several theories as to what those psychological causes are. It may result from past sexual trauma, strong inhibitions about sex or as a response to previous painful sexual experiences.
TeenHealthFX recommends that you see a doctor for an evaluation. If you live in northern New Jersey and would like to meet with a doctor from the Adolescent/Young Adult Center For Health, you can call 973.971.6475 for an appointment. Outside of New Jersey, please contact your local Planned Parenthood or your local teen health clinic.
For other questions like yours, do a key word search using term "vaginismus".
Good luck to you.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
About a third of women who seek services related to unprotected sex, such as pregnancy testing or emergency contraception, do not receive STD counseling, testing, or treatment.
