Vaginismus
Overview
Vaginismus is when the vagina suddenly tightens up when you try to insert something into it. It can be painful and upsetting, but it can be treated.
Symptoms
The main symptom of vaginismus is your vaginal muscles tightening up on their own when you try to put something in your vagina. This can cause a burning or stinging pain. It can happen when: you put a tampon into your vaginayou try to have vaginal penetration during sex, including with a finger, sex toy or penisyou have cervical screening (a smear test)something is put near your vagina (due to fear of penetration) Vaginismus is an automatic reaction, which you do not have control over. Occasionally, you can get vaginismus even if you have previously enjoyed painless penetrative sex. Vaginismus does not necessarily affect your ability to get aroused and enjoy other types of sexual contact.
Causes
The reasons for vaginismus are not always clear. Some things thought to cause it include: anxiety or fears about having sexa painful sexual experiencesexual assault or abusean unpleasant medical examination or difficult experience giving birthbelieving sex is shameful or wronga painful medical condition, like thrush
Treatment
Treatment for vaginismus usually focuses on: managing your feelings around vaginal penetrationexercises to gradually get you used to vaginal penetration Psychosexual therapy A type of talking therapy that aims to help you understand and change your feelings about your body and sex Relaxation techniques Mindfulness, breathing and gentle touching exercises to help you learn to relax the vaginal muscles Pelvic floor exercises Squeezing and releasing exercises to gain control of the vaginal muscles Sensate focus Exercises to help with your relaxation during sex and increase yoursex drive (libido) Vaginal trainers Tampon-shaped objects in different sizes to help you gradually get used to having something put into your vagina Treatment is initially done under the guidance of specialised therapists. You'll then usually be expected to practise some of the exercises at home. If you're in a relationship, you can choose to involve your partner.