What is vaginismus?

• Vaginismus is associated with an involuntary contraction of the vagina muscle leading to severe pain and inability to engage in intercourse.

• Vaginal pain is associated with anything entering the vagina--tampon, finger, penis, or speculum.

• Sexual pain is called dyspareunia, and vaginismus, in medical terms.

• Vaginismus is associated with an involuntary contraction of the vagina muscle leading to severe pain and inability to engage in intercourse.

• Pain in the vagina can be superficial or deep, women can have pain with entry or deeper inside the vagina during intercourse or afterward or both.

• Sexual pain can be primary or secondary--pain is experienced when a woman first tries to have intercourse or place a tampon in the vagina or it can develop later, after giving birth, or after an illness or traumatic event, such as sexual abuse or rape.