
Vaginismus FAQ
What is vaginismus?

How do I know if I have vaginismus?
What is the difference between primary and secondary vaginismus?
Are there varying degrees of symptoms with vaginismus?
Will vaginismus go away on its own?
How many women have vaginismus?
1. Due to shame and embarrassment, many women do not seek help.
2. Some women are given an incorrect diagnosis and are never properly treated (or counted). Sadly, some resign themselves to a life devoid of a sexual relationship falsely thinking they can never be helped.
3. Healthcare providers do not normally keep statistics on the number of women specifically seeking help for vaginal penetration problems.
Could vaginismus just be in my head?
The muscle response can be attributed to a limbic system reaction and is not under the immediate direction or control of the woman. Therefore, regardless of the causes of vaginismus, there is always a distinct, sexually crippling, physical side to the condition. It is a condition in which different physical and/or emotional factors may play contributory roles, and so both should be examined as part of the treatment process.