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Vaginismus is more common in women in their late teens to early 30s. Anyone with a vagina can get it.
The main symptom of vaginismus is your vaginal muscles tightening up on their own when you try to put something in your vagina. This can cause a burning or stinging pain.
It can happen when:
Vaginismus is an automatic reaction, which you do not have control over.
Occasionally, you can get vaginismus even if you have previously enjoyed painless penetrative sex.
Vaginismus does not necessarily affect your ability to get aroused and enjoy other types of sexual contact.
If you see a GP about vaginismus, they will ask you about your symptoms and may ask to examine your vagina.
You can ask to be seen by a female doctor, and you can bring someone you trust along for support.
Before the examination, you can discuss ways to make it as comfortable as possible for you.
The examination is usually very quick. Your doctor will take a quick look to rule out other conditions, like an infection.
If your doctor thinks you have vaginismus, you may be referred to a specialist, such as a sex therapist.
Treatment for vaginismus usually focuses on:
| Possible treatment | What treatment covers |
|---|---|
|
Possible treatment
Psychosexual therapy |
What treatment covers
A type of talking therapy that aims to help you understand and change your feelings about your body and sex |
|
Possible treatment
Relaxation techniques |
What treatment covers
Mindfulness, breathing and gentle touching exercises to help you learn to relax the vaginal muscles |
|
Possible treatment
Pelvic floor exercises |
What treatment covers
Squeezing and releasing exercises to gain control of the vaginal muscles |
|
Possible treatment
Sensate focus |
What treatment covers
Exercises to help with your relaxation during sex and increase your sex drive (libido) |
|
Possible treatment
Vaginal trainers |
What treatment covers
Tampon-shaped objects in different sizes to help you gradually get used to having something put into your vagina |
Treatment is initially done under the guidance of specialised therapists. You'll then usually be expected to practise some of the exercises at home.
If you're in a relationship, you can choose to involve your partner.
The reasons for vaginismus are not always clear. Some things thought to cause it include:
