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Vaginismus - Introduction
let's be all educational & shit.
Vaginismus - Introduction
Vaginismus is when the muscles around the vagina tighten (contract) against your will, causing the vagina to spasm. In some cases, this can be quite painful.
It is a psychological problem that shows itself in a physical way and is common among women, especially those in their late teens to thirties.
The vagina muscles go into spasm, usually in response to the vagina or vulva being touched before sexual intercourse. It can also happen if penetration of the vagina by the penis (sexual intercourse) is attempted, or during a gynaecological examination. Some women find that they cannot use tampons when they have a period (menstruate) because of vaginismus.
Vaginismus can cause distress and relationship problems. It can also create problems when it comes to starting a family.
It is untrue that women who have vaginismus do not like or want to have sex. In fact, many women with this condition enjoy closeness and share sexual pleasure with their partner. They are able to achieve orgasm during mutual masturbation, through foreplay and oral sex. It is only when sexual intercourse is suggested or attempted that the vagina tightens to prevent penetration.
Vaginismus can disrupt or completely stop your sex life and make gynaecological and pelvic examinations difficult or impossible. In some cases, a woman may need an anaesthetic before a doctor can perform an examination.
Many factors cause vaginismus. Some women have had the condition all their adult lives and may never have had sex because of it. With others, it may be due to other reasons, e.g. a difficult childbirth or sexual trauma.
Vaginismus is not rare and it is likely that many women will experience it at some time in their life, even if they have had a previous sexual history of enjoyable and painless sex.