Vaginismus is vaginal tightness, or finding it difficult or impossible to allow penetration during intercourse. They are painful spasmodic contractions of the vagina. Normally the vaginal sphincter keeps the vagina closed until the need to expand and relax. This relaxation allows intercourse, childbirth, medical examination and insertion of tampons. However, when vaginismus does occur, the sphincter goes into spasm, resulting in tightening of the vagina. With some women, vaginismus prevents all attempts at successful intercourse, which causes marked distress or interpersonal problems in addition to their trauma.

The cause of vaginismus is often a result of an aversive stimulus associated with penetration, such as a traumatic sexual assault, painful intercourse and traumatic pelvic exam during labour. Fear can compound and create a pattern of sexual anxiety, causing the vagina to remain dry and unrelaxed before intercourse.
The treatment of Vaginismus is usually a therapy program with a qualified sex therapist. Counselling and psychotherapy is also very efficient. Sex education is crucial and imperative in order to understand the causes of the woman's ‘apparent’ reluctance to have sex.

If you are suffering from this condition please make an appointment with one of our counselors now.