- Vaginal muscles squeeze/spasm and cause pain during intercourse, a Pap test or the insertion of a tampon
- Primary/Lifelong: Pain experienced every time something enters the vagina
- Secondary/Acquired: A woman has had sex without pain before, but then it becomes difficult/impossible
- After menopause due to the drop in estrogen levels (Vaginal atrophy)
- After a surgery/trauma
- Past sexual abuse
- Fear/negative emotions about sex
- Anxiety
- Difficult/impossible penetration of the vagina due to muscle tightening
- Burning/stinging pain and tightness of the vagina if penetrated by a tampon, finger or penis
- Intense fear of penetration and avoidance of sex
- Loss of sexual desire if penetration is attempted
- Describe symptoms to your doctor
- Pelvic exam: To rule out other conditions
- Progressive Desensitization: Squeezing and relaxing exercises to learn to control and relax the vaginal muscles
- Vaginal Dilator therapy: Smooth tampon-shaped objects in different sizes to help you gradually get used to having something inserted into your vagina
*Anesthetic creams can be applied until you get used to them - Psychosexual therapy: Aims to help you understand and change your feelings about your body and sex (for those whose vaginismus stems from fear/anxiety)
- Relaxation techniques: Mindfulness, breathing and gentle touching exercises to help you learn to relax the vaginal muscles
