What is Vaginismus?
Vaginismus is where the muscles around the vagina tighten (contract) involuntarily. This spasm can be strong enough to make penetration painful or even impossible.
Causes
Vaginismus is a fairly common condition. The causes can vary but are usually psychological. One of the main causes is fear or anticipation of pain. When painful penetration has been experienced previously, it may be expected in further activity. This fear may be enough to cause some degree of vaginismus. This then confirms the expectation of pain. The degree of vaginismus may then increase, and a vicious circle is established.
It may also be caused by other past experiences such as the trauma of rape or sexual abuse. A difficult childbirth or surgery can also cause a link with vaginal pain.
Attitudes towards sex can also lead to vaginismus. If you have been brought up to believe sex to be ÒwickedÓ or ÒdirtyÓ you may find yourself unwillingly resisting even in what might be socially acceptable circumstances such as marriage.
Some cases of vaginismus may be due to physical causes such as an injury, inflammation or vaginal dryness. Vaginismus may also be related to difficult or painful sexual intercourse (known as dyspareunia).
Treatment
Treatment depends on the probable cause of the problem. If there is an obvious physical cause such as injury or infection this can be treated with appropriate medication.
If the cause is less obvious, counselling or therapy may be required. Your doctor or staff at your local sexual health clinic will be able to offer you the appropriate advice and information.
