subject: Painful or Impossible Sexual Intercourse [print this page] Normally, the vaginal sphincter keeps the vagina closed until the need to expand and relax. This relaxation allows for sexual intercourse, medical examination, insertion of tampons and childbirth. Vaginismus occurs when the vagina is unable to relax and permit the penetration of the penis during intercourse however, when vaginismus does occur, the sphincter goes into spasm resulting in the tightening of the vagina.
In some women vaginismus prevents all attempts at successful intercourse. Vaginismus may even occur anytime in life, even if a woman has a history of enjoyable and painless intercourse.
The severity of vaginismus varies from woman to woman. Some are able to insert a tampon and complete a gynecological exam but are unable to insert a penis. Others are unable to insert anything into their vagina.
Vaginismus is not due to a physical abnormality of the genitals. Some women wonder if their vagina is too small to "accomodate" a penis, or perhaps they have no vaginal opening at all. This is understandable especially when the vaginal muscles are in spasm as they can give the appearance that the opening is nonexistent. These concerns, however, are incorrect as the genital area is completely normal.
In addition to vaginismus, there are a number of other disorders, such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and Bartholin cysts that can result in painful sexual intercourse or penetration. It's important that a reliable diagnosis is obtained so that the appropriate treatment can be recommended. The cause of vaginismus is often a result of an aversive stimulus associated with penetration.
