If you have ever experienced a buzzing or throbbing sensation down there, you are not alone. This is a very common pelvic disorder and there are a number of reasons why it can occur.
While these pulsing or vibrating sensations in the groin are harmless in most cases, they should be evaluated by a doctor if they become painful, frequent, or constant.
Causes
The pulsing or buzzing sensation of vibrating vaginal muscles is sometimes called “vaginal spasms” and can be a sign of pelvic floor muscle disorders. It can also be a side effect of some medications. Vaginal spasms may be painful or not, and two people with the same condition often describe these sensations differently. They can occur in the entire pelvic area or just the vulva, and can range from a dull ache to a sharp throb.
The most common cause of a sensation that feels like your genitals are vibrating is a temporary spasm of the pelvic floor muscles, which can feel similar to a charley horse. This can happen when you sit on a toilet or hard surface for too long, and it usually goes away on its own within 15 minutes once the pressure is removed.
Another cause of a sensation that feels like your pelvic floor is vibrating is an overly tight pelvic muscle, which can be caused by pregnancy or childbirth, traumatic injury or surgery, menopause, straining or obesity. This type of pain is sometimes called hypertonic pelvic floor dysfunction and can be a chronic condition.
Some people experience a tingling, buzzing or pulsating sensation in their vulva that doesn’t relate to any of these causes and doesn’t interfere with their daily lives. However, if these sensations are painful, occur frequently or change in severity, it’s important to see your doctor.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of this condition is a feeling of vibration in the pelvic area, but it can also affect the rectum, anus, clitoris, and even the buttocks or thighs. The sensations can feel throbbing, pulsating or buzzing and may cause pain in some women. It’s important to remember that although these symptoms may be incredibly uncomfortable, they are not a sign of any serious or life-threatening conditions.
If you are experiencing these sensations, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. They will ask you about your medical history and do a pelvic exam to see what the problem is.
Pelvic floor muscle spasms can be triggered by a number of things, including pregnancy, menopause, medication and trauma. They can also be a side effect of certain types of chemotherapy or cancer treatments.
If the doctor determines that your symptoms are caused by vaginismus, he or she will prescribe medications to help relax your muscles. They will also tell you to perform Kegel exercises and avoid scented or harsh soaps and toiletries. You can also use a vaginal dilator or wand in a quiet, comfortable space to help relax the muscles in your pelvic area. You should also try to get plenty of sleep and drink enough water to stay hydrated. This will help reduce the chances of these muscle spasms causing painful sensations during intercourse or when using a tampon.
Treatment
Women who experience a vibrating sensation in their pelvic area should see a doctor if the spasms become more frequent or intense, or are accompanied by other symptoms. The doctor may recommend pelvic floor physical therapy or medication to help control the spasms and relieve the sensations.
Often, the spasms are due to overly tight pelvic floor muscles. This is called hypertonic pelvic floor dysfunction. When the muscles are overly tight, they decrease blood flow to the area and increase lactic acid. These factors can cause pain and a tingling or throbbing feeling in the vulva and clitoris.
In other cases, the symptom is caused by psychological issues like fear or anxiety. In these cases, a counselor or psychologist can help. Some women who have a fear of sex or negative feelings about sexual activity may develop vaginal spasms. Behavioral therapy can help overcome these negative feelings and reduce the severity of the resulting spasms.
Other symptoms that should be checked out include painful sex, pain while inserting a tampon and an inability to have a Pap test or a pelvic exam because of the feeling of pain. Treatment for these symptoms includes a variety of methods, such as exercise with dilators and sex therapy. Depending on the root cause, modern treatment methods can include medication, electrical nerve stimulation and psychotherapeutic counseling.
Prevention
Many women experience a vibrating feeling down there that may or may not feel like a throbbing or buzzing sensation. While this can be a scary or even painful feeling, it is actually a normal sensation for many women. The pulsating or buzzing sensation is caused by muscle spasms that may affect the pelvic muscles, which include the muscles of the vagina and the vulva clitoris (the area that connects to the urethra).
Women with the condition known as vaginismus can have spasms whenever something — including a penis, finger, tampon, medical instrument or even an intimate act — is attempted in or around the vagina. These vaginal muscle spasms can make sex difficult and uncomfortable.
There are a number of ways to prevent these spasms. One way is through the use of vaginal dilators and wands. This can be done in a private, quiet space and helps loosen up tight muscles. Another way is to talk about it with your partner. Vaginal spasms are often the result of fear and can be triggered by a fear of penetration. This can be from past sexual abuse, an unfavorable childhood experience or just a lack of understanding of the body.
While it is hard to know how many women suffer from a throbbing sensation down there, the reality is that it is more common than we might think. Various forums and discussion threads are filled with women that experience these strange sensations. The good news is that most of the time, it’s nothing to worry about and these tingling or vibrating sensations can be prevented.
