Vaginismus
Vaginismus is more common in women in their late teens to early 30s. Anyone with a vagina can get it.
Check if you have vaginismus
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 vagina
- you try to have vaginal penetration during sex, including with a finger, sex toy or penis
- you 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.
Other things that can cause vaginal pain during sex include:
- thrush
- sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- menopause
- a bad reaction to condoms, soap or shampoo
- pelvic inflammatory disease
- endometriosis
Non-urgent advice: See a GP or go to a sexual health clinic if:
- you think you have vaginismus
What happens at your appointment
If you see a GP about vaginismus, they will ask you about your symptoms and may ask to examine your vagina.
You can ask to be seen by a female doctor, and you can bring someone you trust along for support.
Before the examination, you can discuss ways to make it as comfortable as possible for you.
The examination is usually very quick. Your doctor will take a quick look to rule out other conditions, like an infection.
If your doctor thinks you have vaginismus, you may be referred to a specialist, such as a sex therapist.
Treatment for vaginismus
Treatment for vaginismus usually focuses on:
- managing your feelings around vaginal penetration
- exercises to gradually get you used to vaginal penetration
| Possible treatment | What treatment covers |
|---|---|
|
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 your sex 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.
Causes of vaginismus
The reasons for vaginismus are not always clear. Some things thought to cause it include:
- anxiety or fears about having sex
- a painful sexual experience
- sexual assault or abuse
- an unpleasant medical examination or difficult experience giving birth
- believing sex is shameful or wrong
- a painful medical condition, like thrush
Page last reviewed: 13 May 2024
Next review due: 13 May 2027