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What is Vaginismus?

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

Vaginismus is a relatively common health problem found in women. The condition consists of often painful contractions of the pubococcygeus muscle (PC muscle) during attempted sexual intercourse or insertion of a foreign body, such as a tampon. Though frequently treatable, vaginismus can be difficult on relationships and even damaging to self-esteem. Many women's health experts recommend visiting a doctor or sex therapist for an official diagnosis and treatment options.

Symptoms of the condition typically occur when penetration is attempted. Involuntarily, the PC muscles shorten or tighten, making it difficult or impossible for a foreign body to enter the vagina. If penetration is achieved, the forcing open of the muscles is usually extremely painful for the woman.

Many women's health experts recommend visiting a doctor or sex therapist for an official diagnosis of vaginismus.
Many women's health experts recommend visiting a doctor or sex therapist for an official diagnosis of vaginismus.

There are two main types of vaginismus regularly seen in adult women. Primary vaginismus typically begins at the point of sexual maturity, continuing throughout the lifespan of the patient until successfully treated. Secondary vaginismus usually begins after a medically traumatic event that affects the vagina or reproductive system, such as labor, rape, or even menopause.

Women with vaginismus may experience painful contractions after inserting a tampon.
Women with vaginismus may experience painful contractions after inserting a tampon.

Frequently, there is a psychological component to the existence of vaginismus. The brain perceives penetration as a threat on some level, thus sends the message to the PC muscles to keep out the danger. Vaginismus is common in women who have had traumatic experiences such as rape or physical and sexual abuse. Counseling and therapy are often part of treatment programs for women with this condition.

Attending therapy can help couple's work through a female partner's vaginismus.
Attending therapy can help couple's work through a female partner's vaginismus.

Treatment is often a combination of exercises, education and therapy. In addition to getting to the root of and sexual fears that may be triggering the response, sex therapists often work with a couple to create an environment in which the woman feels safe, comfortable, and relaxed. Women may also be asked to perform Kegel exercises to tone and gain control of the vaginal muscles.

Vaginismus consists of painful contractions of the PC muscle during attempted sexual intercourse.
Vaginismus consists of painful contractions of the PC muscle during attempted sexual intercourse.

Some treatments include the use of dilators to help get the vagina used to relaxing. These are plastic inserts that increase in size and width, allowing the woman to essentially train the vagina to open without muscular contraction. Sex therapists also sometimes suggest that a sexual partner should be included in these exercises, so that the psyche can associate a safe environment with the partner.

It's common for women to live with vaginismus for years out of shame or embarrassment.
It's common for women to live with vaginismus for years out of shame or embarrassment.

Despite a high success rate of treatments, many women live with vaginismus for years, often out of shame or embarrassment. Ignoring the condition can not only lead to an unsatisfying sex life, but can also lead to injury if the muscles are torn through forced penetration. Many health experts recommend seeing a doctor immediately if sex is painful or penetration impossible.

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a WiseGEEK writer.

Learn more...
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a WiseGEEK writer.

Learn more...

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    • Many women's health experts recommend visiting a doctor or sex therapist for an official diagnosis of vaginismus.
      By: Syda Productions
      Many women's health experts recommend visiting a doctor or sex therapist for an official diagnosis of vaginismus.
    • Women with vaginismus may experience painful contractions after inserting a tampon.
      By: noci0114
      Women with vaginismus may experience painful contractions after inserting a tampon.
    • Attending therapy can help couple's work through a female partner's vaginismus.
      By: Monkey Business
      Attending therapy can help couple's work through a female partner's vaginismus.
    • Vaginismus consists of painful contractions of the PC muscle during attempted sexual intercourse.
      By: Artem Furman
      Vaginismus consists of painful contractions of the PC muscle during attempted sexual intercourse.
    • It's common for women to live with vaginismus for years out of shame or embarrassment.
      By: listercz
      It's common for women to live with vaginismus for years out of shame or embarrassment.
    • Vaginismus usually begins after a traumatic events that affects the reproductive system.
      By: diego cervo
      Vaginismus usually begins after a traumatic events that affects the reproductive system.
    • Vaginismus is a relatively common health problem for women, often including painful intercourse.
      By: isyste
      Vaginismus is a relatively common health problem for women, often including painful intercourse.
    • Secondary vaginismus may occur during menopause.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      Secondary vaginismus may occur during menopause.