What is vaginismus?

Vaginismus is a condition in which vaginal muscles spasm when you attempt to have intercourse. There are many reasons why women suffer from vaginismus, but it's particularly common in women who have a history of sexual abuse or trauma. The brain will send a "no" message to the vaginal muscles, causing them to spasm. In fact, if a woman had pain with intercourse in the past for any reason, her body and mind can remember that, causing her vagina to clamp down in an attempt to protect itself from further pain.

Vaginismus is characterized by involuntary spasms of the muscles in the outer third of the vagina in response to any attempt at entry. It makes intercourse difficult or impossible. Vaginismus can be the result of past sexual abuse, lack of sexual experience, or fear of or aversion to sexual activity. It may also develop as a secondary effect of other pain-related conditions, such as vaginal atrophy.