When sex is uncomfortable or painful without explanation, or penetration seems difficult or impossible, it is frequently due to a condition known as vaginismus [vaj-uh-niz-muhs]. Vaginismus may occur at any age, even after enjoying intercourse previously, and most women suffering with it don’t even realize they have it.
Vaginismus Symptoms in Younger Women
- Sexual penetration seems physically impossible despite repeated attempts—there seems to be a barrier for intercourse to occur. The woman may feel physically abnormal or wonder if her vagina is too small; however vaginismus is responsible for +99% of these cases.
- Vaginismus is the main cause of unconsummated relationships where it is a female issue and not the man's erectile dysfunction.
Other early symptoms SOMETIMES noticed (though not in connection to vaginismus):
- Difficulty inserting tampons from youth even after repeated attempts.
- Difficulty undergoing pelvic/gynecological exam with speculum.
Symptoms in Mature, Sexually Experienced Women
- Unexplained, ongoing sexual tightness, pain, or discomfort, though sex used to be fine and not an issue. It often follows temporary sexual pain experiences, pelvic/medical issues, and menopause. Typical examples include having ongoing problems following a difficult natural-birth delivery of a child; a urinary tract infection; a yeast infection; an STD; age-related changes in natural lubrication; rape or assault; a pause of many years between spouses and intercourse; or other similar events.
- The ongoing, reactive tightness can be perplexing—"Why does sex still hurt?"; "Why is it always uncomfortable now?" Vaginismus persists after the initial problem is resolved or healed and will usually continue to cause problems until it is treated.
Complete resolution is possible—override the internal limbic reaction to find freedom from pain and tightness. Full recovery means having unhindered, normal sexual intimacy and pleasure with your partner.
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