Embarrassing Illnesses

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.

There are two types of vaginismus:

• primary vaginismus, when you have never been able to have sex because of the condition, or
• secondary vaginismus, when you have previously been able to have sex but now find it difficult or impossible.

The symptoms of vaginismus vary between women. See Symptoms, above, for more information.

Because it disrupts or completely stops your sex life, it can cause distress and relationship problems and may prevent you from starting a family.

It can also make gynaecological and pelvic examinations difficult or impossible. Sometimes, a woman may need anaesthetic before a doctor can examine her.

Why does it happen?

Many factors can cause vaginismus, but it is not always fully understood why the condition happens.

For some women, it may be caused by a traumatic past experience, such as a difficult childbirth or sexual abuse. They may associate sexual activity with pain and learn to avoid intercourse as a way of avoiding further pain. See Causes, above, for more information.

How common is it?

The condition is fairly common, especially from the late teens until the thirties. It is likely that many women will experience it at some point, even if they have had a history of enjoyable and painless sex.

Outlook

Vaginismus is very treatable. If the cause is psychological, it may be treated using sex therapy, where you are helped to gradually overcome it using vaginal trainers and relaxation techniques. You will be given counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy if necessary. See Treatment, above, for more information.