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 occurs when the muscles around the vagina tighten as something enters the vagina (penis, tampon, menstrual cups, getting a pelvic examination, etc.). This muscle tightening can then cause pain or discomfort. A more appropriate term for this condition is “hypertonic pelvic floor dysfunction”.
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, fear of pain, previous abuse or trauma, injury during childbirth, etc. In many cases, no specific cause is found.
Occurs when there has been no pain/ tightness with things in the vagina but then pain develops over time.
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.
