• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Female Sexual Dysfunction

Vaginismus

Vaginismus is an involuntary spasm of the muscles of the pelvic floor, especially those which surround the vaginal entrance. When the muscles go into spasm the vagina becomes difficult or impossible to penetrate. This condition is a major cause of non-consummation of marriage. Some women with vaginismus are otherwise sexually responsive and are able to become aroused and orgasm. This condition has a good treatment success rate and is usually treated by a psychosexual doctor or therapist. Many different factors can cause vaginismus: painful intercourse, recurrent vaginal infections, anxiety and difficulty in achieving arousal and lubrication are just a few. Past traumatic experiences such as sexual abuse, rape, complicated childbirth, surgery or negative attitudes to sex may all contribute to the involuntary muscle spasm of the vaginal wall.