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Conditions

Vaginismus

Set of vaginal cones to help treat vaginismus

Vaginismus is a psychological condition that manifests itself physically, when the muscles around the vagina contract and spasm against a woman’s will. This usually occurs in response to the vagina or vulva being touched. But it can also happen during the attempted insertion of the penis into the vagina during sexual intercourse, which can be quite painful. Many vaginismus sufferers and their partners describe attempting penetrative sex as like “hitting a brick wall”. It’s these difficulties, which can disrupt a couple’s sex life and often lead to the cessation of any penetrative sexual activity, which can create relationship problems. However, it is untrue that women with this condition do not like or want sex, because many sufferers continue to enjoy non-penetrative intimacy. There are many different causes of this condition, although the reason depends on the individual person. Treatment will ultimately depend on whether the root cause can be identified.

What the Men in White Coats Say

Comments and Questions

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I recently broke up with my boyfriend of three years but throughout our entire relationship we couldn't have sex and he couldn't really even finger me because my vagina is so tight and small. I think i have vaginismus...it is literally impossible to have sex and im worried! should i see a gynaecologist?





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hi, i have these spots on my vagina and sometimes when i squeeze them puss come out sometimes it gets really itchy. Im too embrassed to go the doctors please help





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HI im 17 and when i had sex with my boyfriend a month ago i noticed afterwards my right flap was really swollen i thought it would go down but it had stayed slightly largr than the oter side and every time we have nex now it swells up big. can anyone help me please i am too embarrassed to go to the doctors





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Hi, I don't know if vaginismus is what I have I have been for several smear tests and unable to give a sample. I have been with ma boyfriend 7 years he is very supportive and doesn't push me when we do try. I have been to the doctors several times they sent me for therapy which didn't help this is really getting me upset. The doctors tell me its fine it will happen but will it?





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hey, i think i might have vaginismus too. i saw someone being diagnosed with it on embarassing bodies and she had the similar symptoms to me. It's almost impossible for me to have sex and sometimes when I go to the loo I have to push really hard just to pee which is quite uncomfortable. Do u think i may have vaginismus? thanks.





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I have had very similar problems for months. Everytime my boyfriend & i try to have sexual intercourse it hurts a great deal, and when i go to the toilet afterwards, i sting so bad i cry. I have been to the doctors and they found nothing wrong, and just advised me to use lube and try with or without condoms, we tried both suggestions & neither made a difference. It causes a great strain on my relationship as my boyfriend thinks there is something wrong with him. I have no idea what the problem could be! Could it really be due to the pill i am on?





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Hi i have times when air escapes from my vagina like wind, this does not happen during or after sex, Ehat can be the cause of this?





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please help im in highschool and my vagina really itches i cant stop it really hurts wat do i do??? im 2 embarrased 2 tell or show anyone please help!!





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this could be thrush. you buy over the counter medicines to help. but if it does not clear then you should visit your GP. just remember that your GP has more than likly seen everything before and could help you alot. good luck.

on one of flaps on my vagina i have had what looks like a white mass inside the flap for about two months, it doesnt itch but does give off a sharp burning feeling which tracts up inside my stomach. I first thought it was a spot but it shows now sign of going. It makes intercourse very painful.





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Thank you for visiting our web site and for discussing your problem so openly. If you would like the opportunity to be seen by one of the Embarrassing Bodies Doctors and have your problems assessed and treated by a specialist, then why not apply for the chance to take part in the programme. Please visit the following link and click ‘Apply to be on the show’ where you can fill in an application form: http://www.channel4embarrassingillnesses.com/features/be-on-embarrassing-bodies/

I seem to have this problem too. I don't get the burning sensation but as my partner tries to enter me I seem to tighten up completely. On the odd occasion it's OK but I have no control over it. I don't see how therapy can help as I can totally relax myself really well, but as I said before it's only when my partner tries to enter me with his penis that the problem starts. Has anyone had therapy and found an improvement?





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It looks like no one else has asked this question, so please fill in the rest of your details below.





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Content supplied by NHS Choices

Vaginismus is when the muscles around the vagina tighten involuntarily when penetration of the vagina is attempted. It makes sexual intercourse difficult or impossible (the vagina can completely close up) and it can be painful. Read More »

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