Vaginismus Disorders

Vaginismus Overview, Cause, Symptoms, Treatment, Medication

Vaginismus is an involuntary spasm of the muscles surrounding the vagina that closes the vagina. This condition causes penetration to be difficult and painful, or even impossible.

Vaginismus can affect women of all ages, causing a variety of symptoms that each woman will experience in her own way. Typical complaints include any combination of the following: burning in the vagina and the surrounding areas, a "poky" feeling by the urethra, sharp pains in the vagina, pain in the lower abdomen, urinary urgency and frequency as if there is a urinary tract infection, the inability to have anything introduced into the vagina, and rectal pains, especially upon having a bowel movement.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors with Vaginismus

Vaginismus is considered a sexual dysfunction. It is a complex condition with several possible causes that may result from past sexual trauma or abuse, other psychological factors, or a history of discomfort with sexual intercourse. Sometimes no cause can be determined.

Vaginismus is an uncommon condition, occurring in less than 2% of women in the US.

Women with varying degrees of vaginismus often develop anxiety regarding coitus and penetration, and intercourse is usually painful. However, this does not mean that they cannot achieve or sustain sexual arousal. Many are very sexually responsive and may have orgasms through clitoral stimulation. Women with vaginismus may seek sexual contact and sexual play as long as vaginal penetration is avoided.

Vaginismus classified as either primary or secondary vaginismus.

• Primary vaginismus refers to cases where the effected woman has never been able to have intercourse with penetration due to the involuntary contractions of her vaginal muscles. Primary vaginismus is sometimes referred to as the "unconsummated marriage".
• A diagnosis of secondary vaginismus refers to a woman who was able to experience intercourse at one time, but is no longer able to be penetrated, due to the involuntary muscle spasms.

Vaginismus is caused by fears a woman might have about her body and its functions, about the "unknown of penetration" or about feeling pain. These fears can be a result of parental over protectiveness or parental secrecy about intimacy/sex, lack of knowledge about how the body works, or frightening stories about painful sexual experiences. Vaginismus can also be a result of trauma such as childhood illnesses where the body was repeatedly exposed to treatments, complication during childbirth, physical abuse, rape, verbal abuse or sexual abuse.

Symptoms of Vaginismus

Difficulty or inability to allow vaginal penetration for intercourse is the primary symptom. Vaginal pain with attempts at intercourse or during attempted pelvic exam is common.

A gynecological examination can confirm the diagnosis of vaginismus. The health care provider will note whether there is an involuntary muscle contraction when fingers are inserted into the vagina, and this usually reproduces the pain the woman feels with intercourse.

A medical history and complete exam is important to rule out other causes of dyspareunia (pain with sexual intercourse).

Differential Diagnosis

Some disorders have similar or even the same symptoms. The clinician, therefore, in his/her diagnostic attempt has to differentiate against the following disorders which need to be ruled out to establish a precise diagnosis.

A General Medical Condition - a pelvic disease.

Complications with Vaginismus

Vaginismus is one common cause of female sexual dysfunction, which may lead to dissatisfaction and discord in intimate relationships. This problem can lead to erectile dysfunction in the male partner after repeated unsuccessful attempts at intercourse.

Learn about the Vaginismus Treatment and cure

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Site last updated: March 4, 2008

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