Vaginismus and failed in vitro fertilization

Abstract

The new reproductive technologies have allowed many couples battling infertility to achieve a viable pregnancy. There are couples, however, with serious treatable sexual difficulties, such as vaginismus, who may use these expensive technologies to bypass normal intercourse and conceive without ever consummating the sexual relationship. A couple with 11 years of unconsummated marriage came to our clinic after two unsuccessful inseminations and two failed In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) cycles performed at another center. After reviewing the history and careful physical examination, the patient was diagnosed with vaginismus. She was referred to sex therapy, where after eight sessions she was able to achieve penetration and enjoy a satisfactory sexual life with her husband. After resolution of vaginismus she became pregnant without further painful and costly interventions. The purpose of this case review is to suggest greater collaboration between sex therapists, gynecologists and primary care practitioners to increase the chance of procreation without invasive infertility treatment, and to insure a better sexual life and easier pregnancy.

Keywords:

• vaginismus
• female
• dyspareunia
• vaginismus and failed in vitro fertilization