Even though 1%-6% of people have recorded vaginismus, doctors believe it’s a relatively common condition. It’s likely that the condition is underdiagnosed because many people with vaginas are unwilling to discuss their symptoms with healthcare providers (HCPs).
Vaginismus is more commonly known as pain during sex. The pain occurs when the muscles around the vagina tighten as something enters the vagina (a penis, tampon, menstrual cup, or during a pelvic examination). Many women experience pain during sex because of this condition, making intimacy difficult and often distressing.
A more appropriate term for this condition is “hypertonic pelvic floor dysfunction.” This involuntary contraction can create a barrier to pleasurable sexual experiences and other necessary gynecological procedures, profoundly impacting a woman’s quality of life and her sense of confidence. Living with pain during sex does not have to be your norm.
The muscle tightening often occurs as a response to previous pain or fear. The muscle tightening is an involuntary response which means it is not done on purpose.
The cause of vaginismus is unknown. Some factors that might contribute include having pain along the opening of the vagina (vestibulodynia), recurrent bladder infections, yeast infections, or a general fear of pain. Previous abuse or trauma, or an injury during childbirth, can also play a role. In many cases, no specific cause is found, making the experience of pain during sex even more frustrating for women.
Despite the unknown origins, understanding that the pain is real and treatable offers immense relief. We recognize the complex nature of this condition and focus on supportive, effective vaginismus treatment in Northern Virginia for you.
Primary vaginismus means you have always experienced pain or tightness with anything entering the vagina, such as with first tampon use or the first sexual intercourse.
Secondary vaginismus occurs when there was no pain or tightness with things in the vagina previously, but then pain during sex develops over time. This might happen after childbirth, a medical procedure, or even a period of stress.
For women with primary vaginismus, pain during sex has always been a barrier, often from the very beginning of their sexual lives. This lifelong experience can lead to significant emotional distress and avoidance of intimate situations. For women with secondary vaginismus, it can feel particularly disorienting when a previously comfortable activity suddenly becomes a source of discomfort. There is vaginismus treatment in Northern Virginia, offering a hopeful outlook for reclaiming comfortable intimacy.
Common therapies include pelvic floor physiotherapy and the use of vaginal dilators or stretching, special breathing techniques and learning how to relax the pelvic floor muscles, cognitive behavioural therapy and sex therapy.