Introduction

Vaginismus is the term used to describe recurrent or persistent involuntary tightening of muscles around the vagina whenever penetration is attempted.

It can disrupt or completely stop your sex life, and can lead to distress, a loss of confidence and relationship problems. It may even prevent you starting a family.

The condition can also make gynaecological and pelvic examinations difficult or impossible.

The symptoms can vary from one woman to the next. Some women are unable to insert anything into their vagina because it closes up completely, while others can insert a tampon but are unable to have penetrative sex, and other women are able to have sex but find it very painful.

You may feel embarrassed about seeking help, but vaginismus is a common sexual problem that can get better with appropriate support and treatment.

If your GP or doctor suspects vaginismus, they may be able to refer you to a specialistwho cantreat the problem, such as a doctor with training in sexual medicine, a gynaecologist, or a sex therapist.

Factors can include:

  • thinking the vagina is too small
  • negative sexual thoughts (thinking sex will be painful and cause damage)
  • previous sexual abuse
  • damage to the vagina (for example, during childbirth or an episotomy)
  • painful conditions of the vagina and surrounding area, such as Vulvodynia (persistent vulval pain) (see below)
  • painful first intercourse
  • relationship problems
  • fear of pregnancy

Vulvodynia is the term used to describe the sensation of vulval burning, soreness or pain in the absence of any obvious skin condition or infection.Symptoms may be constant (unprovoked vulvodynia) or only occur with touch, inserting a tampon or penetrative sex (provoked vulvodynia).

Provoked vulvodynia can lead to vaginismus.

How it'streated will depend on the cause.

If there's an obvious physical cause, such as an infection, it can be treated with appropriate medication.

If the cause is psychological, sex therapy may be recommended.This may include counselling ,brief dynamic psychoanalysis, or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) , as well astreatments such asvaginal trainers and relaxation techniques.

Vaginal trainers are smooth, cylindrical dome-tipped shapes, usually made of plastic and in four graduated sizes that allow gentle progression of treatment. They can be used at home to help you get used to having something inserted into your vagina.

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Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 4 Jan 2017