Vaginismus is a type of sexual dysfunction that occurs when the muscles around the vagina involuntarily or persistently contract. It can cause pain during sexual intercourse, and the vagina may suddenly tighten up when you try to insert something into it. This condition can occur whether you have had sex or not, and it can be caused by physical and psychological factors such as trauma during childbirth, medical conditions like recurrent UTIs, yeast infections, chronic pain syndromes, endometriosis, rape, sexual abuse or assault in the past, a painful examination in the past, unpleasant sexual intercourse, fear of penetration or pain, and fear of getting pregnant.
Symptoms of vaginismus include difficult or painful vaginal penetration during sex, vaginal pain during sexual intercourse or a pelvic exam, fear of vaginal penetration, and decreased sexual desire related to penetration. Women with vaginismus often become anxious about sexual intercourse, but this does not mean they cannot become sexually aroused. Many women with this problem can have orgasms when the clitoris is stimulated.
Treatment for vaginismus usually includes education, counseling, and exercises. Education typically involves learning about your anatomy and what happens during sexual arousal and intercourse. Counseling can help you address any psychological factors that may be contributing to your condition. Exercises may include pelvic floor muscle relaxation techniques, vaginal dilators, and desensitization therapy. Surgery is rarely required for vaginismus.
