NHS Choices Condition
Content supplied by NHS Choices
Symptoms of vaginismus vary in severity (see box, right). They include the following:
- difficult or impossible penetration of the vagina, because the muscles in the vagina have tightened,
- burning or stinging pain and tightness of the vagina if penetrated by a tampon, finger or penis,
- fear of pain,
- intense fear of penetration and avoidance of sex, and
- loss of sexual desire if penetration is attempted.
These symptoms are completely involuntary and you cannot do anything to stop them. The body has learned to associate penetration with pain. Whenever the body expects penetration, the vaginal muscles tighten as a protective reaction.
It is not true that women who have vaginismus do not like or do not want to have sex. Many women with vaginismus enjoy closeness and share sexual pleasure with their partner. They can achieve orgasm during mutual masturbation, foreplay and oral sex. It is only when sexual intercourse is suggested or attempted that the vagina tightens to prevent penetration.
view information about Vaginismus on www.nhs.co.uk »Important Notice
The information provided on this website (including any NHS Choices medical information) is for use as information or for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care by a qualified doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. We do not warrant that any information included within this site will meet your health or medical requirements. This Embarrassing Bodies site does not provide any medical or diagnostic services so you should always check with a health professional if you have any concerns about your health.
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