Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy is a type of treatment that uses high-energy waves to kill cancer cells. This therapy can treat different types of cancer, including those located in the vulva, vagina, or cervix. However, while radiotherapy is effective in treating cancer in the pelvic region, it can also damage the nerves and muscles in the pelvis. This damage can lead to vaginismus.
There are two types of vaginismus, namely primary and secondary. Primary vaginismus is when a woman has never been able to have pain-free sex or insert anything into her vagina. Secondary vaginismus is when a woman was previously able to have pain-free sex or insert objects into her vagina but can no longer do so.
Radiotherapy can result in secondary vaginismus. The good news is that this condition is usually temporary and will resolve itself once treatment is completed. However, in some cases, women may need professional assistance from a pelvic floor physical therapist or sex therapist to regain the full function of their vagina.
