Vaginismus Overview
Learn About Vaginismus
Vaginismus is a spasm of the muscles surrounding the vagina that occurs against your will. The spasm makes the vagina very narrow and can prevent sexual activity and medical exams.
Sexual dysfunction - vaginismus
Vaginismus is a sexual problem. It has several possible causes, including:
- Past sexual trauma or abuse
- Mental health factors
- A response that develops due to physical pain
- Intercourse
Sometimes no cause can be found.
Vaginismus is an uncommon condition.
The main symptoms are:
- Difficult or painful vaginal penetration during sex. Vaginal penetration may not be possible.
- Vaginal pain during sexual intercourse or a pelvic exam.
Women with vaginismus often become anxious about sexual intercourse. This does not mean they cannot become sexually aroused. Many women with this problem can have orgasms when the clitoris is stimulated.
A health care team made up of a gynecologist, physical therapist, and sexual counselor can help with treatment.
Treatment involves a combination of physical therapy, education, counseling, and exercises such as pelvic floor muscle contraction and relaxation (Kegel exercises).
Your provider may recommend injection of medicines to help relax the vaginal muscles.
Vaginal dilation exercises using plastic dilators are recommended. This method helps to make the person less sensitive to vaginal penetration. These exercises should be done under the direction of a sex therapist, physical therapist, or other health care provider. Therapy should involve the partner and can slowly lead to more intimate contact. Intercourse may ultimately be possible.
You will get information from your provider. Topics may include:
- Sexual anatomy
- Sexual response cycle
- Common myths about sex
Saint Francis Medical Center
Kenneth Slack is an Obstetrics and Gynecologist in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Dr. Slack and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Vaginismus. His top areas of expertise are Endometrial Polyps, Menorrhagia, Neonatal Ovarian Cyst, and Ovarian Cysts.
Mercy Clinic East Communities
Margaret Marcrander is an Obstetrics and Gynecologist in Saint Louis, Missouri. Dr. Marcrander and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Vaginismus. Her top areas of expertise are Endometrial Polyps, Vaginismus, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, and Frequent or Urgent Urination. Dr. Marcrander is currently accepting new patients.
The Curators Of The University Of Missouri
Denicia Dwarica is an Obstetrics and Gynecologist in Columbia, Missouri. Dr. Dwarica and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Vaginismus. Her top areas of expertise are Urinary Incontinence, Uterine Prolapse, Stress Urinary Incontinence, Rectocele, and Sacral Nerve Stimulation. Dr. Dwarica is currently accepting new patients.
Women who are treated by a sex therapy specialist can very often overcome this problem.
Summary: The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to determine whether the use of a novel vibrating pelvic floor therapeutic device (Kiwi) improves sexual function in sexually active women aged 18 and older with genito-pelvic pain and penetration disorder (GPPPD) more effectively than traditional vaginal dilators. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does the use of the Kiwi device lead to h...
Published Date: April 16, 2024
Published By: John D. Jacobson, MD, Professor Emeritus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Cowley DS, Burke A, Lentz GM. Additional considerations in gynecologic care. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 9.
Kocjancic E, Iacovelli V, Acar O. Sexual function and dysfunction in the female. Partin AW, Dmochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 74.
Rowen TS, Simon JA. Sexual dysfunction in the female. In: Robertson RP ed. DeGroot's Endocrinology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 128.