What is it?

Vaginismus is an involunary or consistent contraction of the vaginal muscle, when vaginal penetration is attempted. It could also occur when a woman inserts a tampon or even touches the area near the vagina. It usually causes sexual dysfunction as it interferes with penetration, thus causing relationship problems. Primary vaginismus means that vaginal penetration has never been achieved, while secondary vaginismus refers to a situation when vaginal penetration was achieved but is no longer possible due to factors such as surgery, trauma or radiation. Vaginismus may also develop only after menopause due to lack of estrogen. Direct causes may be past sexual abuse, painful intercourse or emotional factors but not always the cause is found.