Vaginismus is an involuntary contraction of the muscles surrounding the entrance to the vagina, making penetration impossible and/or painful.
The involuntary vaginal reflex can be triggered by attempts at intercourse with the entry or approach of a penis to the vagina and/or by the approach of other objects such as a tampon, a doctor's finger, or even your own fingers. The spasms constrict the vaginal opening making it virtually impossible to have entry. When tightened, attempts to insert anything into the vagina are painful and uncomfortable. There can also be related spasms in other body muscle groups and even halted breathing. Generally, when the attempt to put something in the vagina has ended, the muscles relax and return to normal.
The severity of vaginismus varies from woman to woman. Some are able to insert a tampon and complete a gynecological exam but are unable to insert a penis. Others are unable to insert anything into their vagina.
Vaginismus is NOT due to a physical abnormality of the genitals. Some women wonder if their vagina is too small to fit a penis in or perhaps they have no vaginal hole at all and that is why sex is so difficult. This is understandable especially when the vaginal muscles are in spasm as they can give the appearance that the opening is non-existent. These concerns, however, are erroneous as the genital area is completely normal.
Vaginismus affects thousands of women from every different background. Poorly understood and rarely discussed even within the medical community, vaginismus causes many women to suffer in silence with great difficulty obtaining a proper diagnosis or correct treatment. The pain, anxiety, isolation, stress, low self-esteem, and marital discord that often results from this frustrating sexual problem can feel overwhelming.
The good news is that vaginismus is treatable, in fact self-treatable. Informed health care professionals generally agree that a full recovery from vaginismus can be expected with proper understanding and a well adhered to treatment program. Successful vaginismus treatment does not require drugs, surgery, hypnosis, nor any other complex invasive technique. Following a straight-forward program, pain-free and pleasurable intercourse is attainable for most couples.
A confidential consultation will put you on the right path to achieving lasting results.
In addition to vaginismus, there are a number of other disorders (e.g. vulvar vestibulitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, etc.) that can result in sexual pain. It is therefore important that a reliable diagnosis is obtained to rule out these conditions so that the appropriate treatment can be recommended.