Vaginismus Symptoms Include...

Penetration Problems...

Difficult or impossible penetration, entry pain, uncomfortable insertion of penis

Difficulty inserting tampons or undergoing pelvic/gynecological exams

Pain with Sex...

Burning or stinging with tightness during sex

Pain leading to an unconsummated marriage

Sexual Discomfort...

Ongoing sexual discomfort or pain following childbirth, yeast/urinary infections, STDs, hysterectomy, cancer, surgeries, rape, menopause, or other pelvic issues

Ongoing sexual pain of unknown origin, with no apparent cause

Spasms in other body muscle groups (legs, lower back, etc.) and/or halted breathing during attempts at intercourse

Avoidance & Anxiety...

Avoidance of sex due to pain and/or failure

Anxiety/fear related to having sexual intercourse or penetration due to anticipated pain

Unique Bodies...

A Range of Experiences

Sexual pain may affect women of any age, both sexually inexperienced and experienced. Some women are unable to put in a tampon. Some experience impossible penetration—much like a wall. Others with penetration possible find it uncomfortable or painful.

Examples of the Effects of Vaginismus

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Tightness & Pain

Penetration may be possible, but the woman experiences periods of involuntary tightness causing burning, discomfort, or pain.

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Impossible Penetration

As intercourse is attempted, the vaginal muscles involuntarily tighten closing off the vaginal entrance, preventing penetration.

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Tampon Insertion Problem

A young woman, otherwise normal and healthy, may be unable to insert a tampon despite every effort.

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Tightness & Pain

Penetration may be possible, but the woman experiences periods of involuntary tightness causing burning, discomfort, or pain.

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Impossible Penetration

As intercourse is attempted, the vaginal muscles involuntarily tighten closing off the vaginal entrance, preventing penetration.

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Tampon Insertion Problem

A young woman, otherwise normal and healthy, may be unable to insert a tampon despite every effort.

Drop down to learn more

What Causes Vaginismus?

A female medical specialist talking with another woman

For most women, vaginismus comes as a surprise...

Difficulties with penetration or ongoing vaginal tightness and pain seem to start mysteriously and continue repeatedly. It is frustrating when our bodies don’t respond the way we want, and it can be so difficult to explain.

The involuntary tightness...

Is caused by an internal repeating limbic reaction starting in the brain and extending to the pelvic region. The contributing factors to this reaction are often subtle and complex.

Some clinicians describe vaginismus as...

A fight or flight reaction in the pelvic floor and surrounding musculature. The muscles are not permanently tightened—they tighten when the limbic system sounds the alarm, then return to normal when the concern is over.

Could vaginismus be my fault?

With vaginismus, a woman does not intentionally “cause” or direct her body to tighten and cannot simply make it stop. The muscle tightness is involuntary—without conscious control.

What causes the limbic system to respond in unhelpful ways?

Though normally very effective, life experiences may be internalized in a way that causes the limbic system to respond with vaginismus.

Vaginismus cycle of pain diagram

The Limbic Reaction

When the sensory system detects various forms of....

Touch, pelvic vulnerability, or the anticipation of penetration, the limbic system signals the body to tense up internally as a protection mechanism.

A woman boxer looking seriously at the camera

To Brace and Protect

The limbic reaction mistakenly alerts the body to danger, causing the vaginal muscles to tighten and, thus, interfere with sex.

Not only that, but may also terminate the feelings and buildup of sexual arousal. It repeats in a perpetual, ongoing basis until the problem is properly treated and resolved.

Experiences and Events

Influencing the Limbic System’s Overreaction

Fear, Anxiety, Shame, or Embarrassment

  • Fear of pain (sex will hurt)
  • Not feeling ready for sex
  • Fear the vagina is too small
  • Fear of hymen breaking, tearing
  • Fear of pregnancy
  • Anxiety about being vulnerable, being seen naked
  • General negativity towards sex
  • Worried about peeing
  • Performance/general anxiety

Prior Experiences

  • Poor sex experiences from insufficient lubrication and/or foreplay
  • Repeatedly painful sexual attempts
  • Overly rigid parenting experiences as a child
  • Unbalanced religious teaching about sex
  • Inadequate sex education
  • Early exposure to pornography or graphic stories
  • Difficult pelvic exam
  • Difficult labor experience/fear of not being completely healed
  • Frustration from failed tampon insertion

Partner Issues

  • Distrust
  • Dislike of partner, uncertainty about the relationship
  • No foreplay, insufficient arousal
  • Fear of losing control
  • Fear of commitment
  • Rough sex

Medical Issues

  • Vaginal atrophy/hormonal changes/menopause
  • Pelvic medical conditions
  • Pain from cancer, cancer treatment
  • Lichen sclerosus
  • Vulvodynia/vestibulodynia
  • Yeast infections
  • Temporary sexual discomfort

Physical/Emotional Trauma

  • Surgery or other pelvic trauma condition
  • Rape/assault
  • Witness of violence or abuse of others
  • Past sexual or emotional abuse

Unknown

  • No apparent emotional or physical issues. Vaginismus does not always have an obvious cause. Sometimes women with near-perfect childhoods, great relationships, no physical problems, and few anxieties, have trouble identifying a trigger to their vaginismus. The cause might remain a mystery even after vaginismus is fully resolved.

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