Vaginismus Treatments

For some women, the vaginal muscles involuntarily or persistently contract when they attempt vaginal penetration. This is called vaginismus. The contractions can prevent sexual intercourse or make it very painful.

Vaginismus is a condition involving a muscle spasm in the pelvic floor muscles. It can make it painful, difficult, or impossible to have sexual intercourse, to undergo a gynecological exam, and to insert a tampon. When you try to insert an object such as a tampon, penis or speculum into the vagina, it tightens up because of an involuntary contraction of the pelvic floor muscles. This leads to generalized muscle spasm, pain and temporary cessation of breathing. The most common muscle group affected is the pubococcygeus (PC) muscle group. These muscles are responsible for urination, intercourse, orgasm, bowel movements and childbirth. Without treatment, it can lead to frustration and distress, and it may get worse. However, treatment is possible.