Materiały źródłowe

• #1 Vaginismus – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaginismus

  Vaginismus may be considered an older term for pelvic floor dysfunction. […] The underlying cause is generally a fear that penetration will hurt. Risk factors include a history of sexual assault, endometriosis, vaginitis, or a prior episiotomy. […] A few of the main factors that may contribute to primary vaginismus include: chronic pain conditions like vulvodynia and harm-avoidance behavior, negative emotional reaction toward sexual stimulation, e.g. disgust both at a deliberate level and a more implicit level, and strict conservative moral education, which also can elicit negative emotions. […] The cause of primary vaginismus is often unknown. […] Secondary vaginismus occurs when a person who has previously been able to achieve penetration develops vaginismus. This may be due to physical causes, such as a yeast infection or trauma during childbirth, psychological causes, or a combination of causes.

• #2 Vaginismus

  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginismus/

  Vaginismus is when the vagina suddenly tightens up when you try to insert something into it. […] Vaginismus is more common in women in their late teens to early 30s. […] The main symptom of vaginismus is your vaginal muscles tightening up on their own when you try to put something in your vagina. […] 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. […] 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.

• #3 Vaginismus: Types, causes, symptoms, and treatment

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/175261

  Vaginismus can result from emotional factors, medical factors, or both. […] Vaginismus can occur as a result of physical stressors, emotional stressors, or both. It can become anticipatory, meaning it happens because the person expects it to happen. […] Possible emotional triggers for the condition include: fear of pain or pregnancy, anxiety related to sexual performance or guilt, relationship problems, such as an abusive partner or a feeling of vulnerability, traumatic life events, such as sexual assault or a history of abuse, childhood experiences, such as exposure to sexual images or portrayals of sex while growing up. […] Possible physical triggers include: an infection, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI) or yeast infection, health conditions such as cancer or lichen sclerosis, childbirth, menopause, pelvic surgery, inadequate foreplay, insufficient vaginal lubrication, medication side effects. […] Vaginismus has not always been present. It can occur at any stage of life, and it may not have happened before. […] Vaginismus can also have psychological roots, such as physical or emotional trauma or a combination of the two.

• #4 Vaginismus: Classification, Diagnosis, Etiology and Treatment

  https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/730325

  Vaginismus is currently defined as an involuntary vaginal muscle spasm interfering with sexual intercourse that is relatively easy to diagnose and treat. […] Interestingly, the few empirical studies that have been conducted on vaginismus do not support the view that it is easily diagnosed or treated and have shed little light on potential etiology. […] Most psychological factors that have been proposed to play a role in the etiology of vaginismus (i.e., abuse, relationship factors, negative sexual attitudes and lack of sexual education) have not received empirical support. […] Although organic pathologies and pelvic floor dysfunction have often been implicated in the development of vaginismus, they have not been empirically investigated.

• #5 Vaginismus: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and More

  https://www.healthline.com/health/vaginismus

  Vaginismus is classified into two types: primary vaginismus, when vaginal penetration has never been achieved, and secondary vaginismus, when vaginal penetration was once achieved, but is no longer possible, potentially due to factors such as gynecologic surgery, trauma, or radiation. […] Theres not always a reason for vaginismus. The condition has been linked to past sexual abuse or trauma, past painful intercourse, and emotional factors. […] In some cases, no direct cause can be found.

• #6 Vaginismus: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Risks And Treatment

  https://www.novaivffertility.com/fertility-help/vaginismus

  Vaginismus can be caused due to emotional triggers such as troubled childhood, sexual abuse, and fear of sex, or due to other factors like urinary infection, surgery, childbirth, or menopause. Overall, vaginismus is not a life-threatening disease but a condition where women feel pain during vaginal penetration. […] Vaginismus can affect any woman and it can be triggered generally due to fear, anxiety, childhood experiences, or traumatic events in life. […] Vaginismus affects women not only because of physical triggers but also emotional ones. Certainly, infections (such as yeast infection or urinary tract infection), surgery, childbirth, menopause, etc., play a huge role in causing vaginismus. However, emotional trauma, sexual inhibition, fear of intercourse or pregnancy, and abusive childhood also are significant factors contributing to vaginismus in women.

• #7

  https://www.yourdaye.com/en-us/vitals/womens-health/what-is-vaginismus-causes-diagnosis-treatment/?srsltid=AfmBOoqSkxcRcFyX8NWyFLNHpLjhqPm0u_FDKTGwAnz2uDVqjV4GVUVq

  Vaginismus is a psychosexual condition that involves the involuntary tightening and spasming of the pelvic floor whenever penetration is attempted. Basically, its your bodys automatic reaction to the fear of penetration. […] Vaginismus can be primary or secondary. Primary vaginismus is when the condition is present from a young age, before you even start having sex. People with primary vaginismus may realise they have it when trying to insert a tampon for the first time, or during their first gynaecological check-up. Secondary vaginismus, on the other hand, is when a traumatic experience triggers the condition to appear later in life. Secondary vaginismus can appear at any stage in life, and may stem from a specific event or trauma, such as an acute infection, childbirth, relationship issues or sexual assault. The disorder is often linked to trauma, anxiety, depression or PTSD.

• #8 Vaginismus: Causes, Symptoms, Types and Treatments | Metropolis Healthcare

  https://www.metropolisindia.com/blog/preventive-healthcare/vaginismus-types-causes-symptoms-and-treatment

  Vaginismus is a medical condition where the vaginal muscles tighten whenever something tries to penetrate it, like a tampon or during sexual intercourse. This might range from a mild discomfort to an intense pain. […] The exact cause of vaginismus remains unknown, but several factors are thought to contribute to its development, including: anxiety disorders, injuries from childbirth, such as vaginal tears, previous surgeries on or near the vagina, and fear or negative emotions related to sex stemming from past sexual abuse or trauma. […] Interestingly, the exact causes of vaginismus are still unknown. It’s usually linked with fear or anxiety around sex, it’s not always clear which comes first: the vaginismus or anxiety. Some women may experience vaginismus in every situation and with any object, while others may only encounter it in certain circumstances.

• #9 Vaginismus: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment of Vaginismus | Indira IVF

  https://www.indiraivf.com/blog/vaginismus-types-causes-symptoms-treatment

  Vaginismus is a medical condition that affects women, causing involuntary muscle spasms in the pelvic floor muscles, making penetration during sexual intercourse, or a pelvic exam painful or impossible. […] The causes of vaginismus can be both physical and psychological. Emotional factors, such as fear of pain, anxiety, past traumatic experiences, relationship issues, or cultural or religious beliefs about sex, can contribute to the condition. Physical factors may include infections, vaginal dryness, or certain medical conditions. […] Vaginismus is categorized into primary and secondary types. Primary vaginismus occurs when a woman has never been able to have pain-free vaginal penetration, including during sexual intercourse or medical exams. Secondary vaginismus involves the development of symptoms after a period of normal sexual functioning, often due to a triggering event like childbirth, trauma, or infection.

• #10 Vaginismus: The Sexual Dysfunction Causing Painful Sex for Women – Youly

  https://youly.com.au/blog/sexual-reproductive-health/vaginismus-the-sexual-dysfunction-causing-painful-sex-for-women/?srsltid=AfmBOopTLjVORFCdtK_8ChtzRjEWmOWLKkwzEllBuAdeJdu2-WKR6WHl

  Vaginismus is a women’s health condition that involves involuntary tightening and muscle spasms of the pelvic floor when penetration is attempted. […] The exact cause of vaginismus is unknown; however, it is linked to a combination of physical and psychological factors. Physical causes may include vaginal infections, scarring from surgery, pelvic floor muscle weakness, or childbirth injuries, such as vaginal tears. Psychological causes may include anxiety, stress, or negative feelings about sex due to past sexual abuse, rape, or trauma. […] Secondary vaginismus can appear at any stage of life and is usually triggered by a specific event or trauma, such as childbirth, relationship issues, acute infection, or sexual assault. Secondary vaginismus is often linked to trauma, and mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

• #11

  https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/articles/vaginismus/

  Vaginismus occurs when pelvic floor muscles around your vagina automatically become tight or contract with penetration. […] Doctors dont know exactly why vaginismus happens. Different physical and emotional factors may play a role, such as: […] Vaginismus can also be described as global, when symptoms occur with all types of penetration. Or it may be situational, meaning it only happens in certain circumstances. […] There are two main types of vaginismus: primary and secondary. […] Primary vaginismus is when you have always experienced spasming and pain with penetration. […] Secondary vaginismus is when penetration was possible in the past, but pain or discomfort developed after some event (perhaps childbirth, surgery, or another event). […] Vaginismus can feel different depending on how it develops and your bodys response to penetration. […] Vaginismus can be difficult to talk about, especially if trauma is part of your story. […] Negative feelings or fears toward sex, perhaps due to past sexual abuse or trauma. […] Health conditions that cause pelvic pain or cramping (such as endometriosis).

• #12 What Causes Pain During Sex?

  https://exerurgentcare.com/resources/causes-pain-during-sex/

  Vaginismus is a disorder of vaginal muscle spasms that can make sex very painful, if not impossible. […] While the cause of vaginismus is unknown, doctors have often linked it to anxiety or a specific fear of sex. […] Some causes of secondary vaginismus could be infection, menopause, childbirth, or surgery. […] Certain situations or people may trigger this type of vaginismus. […] This is the most extreme form of global vaginismus. It is always present and any object can trigger it.

• #13 Causes Of Vaginismus – Assoc. Prof. Süleyman Eserdağ, MD

  https://www.eserdag.com/en/causes-of-vaginismus

  Among the causes of vaginismus, there are psychological and physical problems. The treatment of vaginismus should also be performed according to the „cause” after the vaginismus reasons are determined. […] The causes of vaginismus are mainly 90% psychological and 10% anatomical (organic) causes. […] Vaginismus problem is frequently seen in overprotective-conservative families, traditional and religiously repressive families. In some of the patients, there is a deep belief that sexuality is bad, dirty and sinful. Thus, young girls take themselves under protection from the early ages. It is the main reason that such beliefs as ‘hymen is a sign of honor, it should certainly be protected and it is everything which belongs to a girl’ are transfused into brains since from early ages. […] Strict religious rules and moral responsibilities which are imposed to the brains since from early ages are among these reasons.

• #14 Causes of Vaginismus – Vaginismus Center

  https://www.vaginismus-center.com/en/causes-of-vaginismus

  Vaginismus develops due to psychological and organic causes. Statistically, 90% of the reason for vaginismus is attributable to psychological anxieties and 10% to organic causes (non-psychological). […] 90% of all vaginismus cases are due to psychological causes. Vaginismus is accepted as an anxiety disorder. In reality, it is a defense mechanism of the body. The problem resides in the persons subconscious. […] The cause of vaginismus might be prior unpleasant sexual experiences or fears that have been engraved in the subconscious. […] Among the psychological causes are those that have been embedded in the subconscious, such as fears left over from childhood, living in a very strict social structure, severe moral rules and/or taboos, guilt, shame, sin and prejudices and misinformation about the first sexual experience and sexuality and fear in the subconscious about the penis entering the body.

• #15 Clinical assessment and management of vaginismus

  https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2024/january-february/clinical-assessment-and-management-of-vaginismus

  Vaginismus is one of the leading causes of painful sex (dyspareunia) for women. […] Currently, there is no defined aetiology for vaginismus. Most researchers and clinicians agree that vaginismus is a psychophysiological problem involving cognitive, behavioural and physiological factors. […] While the exact aetiology of vaginismus is unknown, several predisposing factors have been identified. Given that vaginismus is associated with a fear response, explicit and implicit sociocultural attitudes play a major role in predisposing someone to developing vaginismus. […] Explicit, negative sex-related cognitions often arise after a person experiences a painful or traumatic event, such as a painful gynaecological examination or sexual trauma. […] Societies where sex is taboo and female sexuality is repressed have higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction, including vaginismus.

• #16 Vaginismus: Diagnostic Challenges and Proposed Diagnostic Criteria

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10767778/

  Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a widespread condition that is least addressed in clinical practice worldwide. Vaginismus is a relatively rare FSD with a low prevalence in society but a higher reported clinical prevalence rate of 5-7%. Vaginismus is caused mainly by psychological factors. Dyspareunia is associated with sexual abuse, whereas vaginismus is related to sexual and emotional abuse. Excessive dread of pain during penetration is a common symptom reported by people with vaginismus. A phobia is defined as a marked and persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable that is triggered by the presence or anticipation of a specific object or situation; thus, vaginismus is considered a phobia. Vaginismus is a phobic disorder characterized by significant emotional distress, fear, or anxiety with vaginal penetration, which helps to differentiate between the two. Vaginismus is a phobic disorder, whereas dyspareunia is a pain disorder. Some people with painful genital conditions experience pain and spasms that are out of proportion to the underlying condition, resulting in phobic fear of penetration, a condition better called as dyspareunia vaginismus overlap syndrome. According to the newly proposed criteria, those who meet the subjective, objective, and frequency duration criteria and the exclusion criteria are classified as having vaginismus.

• #17 Vaginismus: what is it, symptoms and treatment | Top Doctors

  https://www.topdoctors.co.uk/medical-dictionary/vaginismus

  Vaginismus is a condition where the muscles in the vagina spasm and tighten involuntarily in response to sexual penetration, gynaecological examination or insertion of a tampon. The cause of vaginismus is not a small vagina but rather that the internal muscles are prone to involuntarily contracting. The underlying causes can include one or more of the following factors: Worrying that the vagina is too small […] Worrying that sex will be painful or cause damage […] History of sexual abuse […] Previous damage to the vagina, e.g. an episiotomy […] Painful conditions of the vagina or surrounding areas […] Painful or uncomfortable first experience of intercourse […] Relationship problems […] Fear of getting pregnant.

• #18 arrow-right

  https://middlesexmd.com/pages/vaginismus?srsltid=AfmBOoqjMAyWIwrwqrr7GcvafkG3HT2iJBnY6XmoXwvuI0yiatfFs-hr

  Emotional triggers can include fear of pain during sex or pregnancy due to lack of sexual education, performance anxiety, negative beliefs or perceptions of sex, fear of sex due to previous sexual abuse or rape, worry that the vagina is too small, fear of intercourse due to exposure to sexually explicit images as a child, stress, lack of trust in a partner due to emotional or physical abuse, and other relationship issues that are non-related to sex. […] Physical triggers of vaginismus can include discomfort from vaginal infections like a UTI or yeast infections, pelvic conditions, injuries, or surgeries, lack of sexual arousal, childbirth, menopause symptoms like vaginal dryness, chronic pain conditions like endometriosis or lichen sclerosis, side effects of medication, and cervical or uterine cancer.

• #19 Vaginismus | nidirect

  https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/vaginismus

  Vaginismus is the body’s automatic reaction to the fear of some or all types of vaginal penetration. […] Often there’s no obvious explanation, but some things thought to cause vaginismus include: fear that your vagina is too small, a bad first sexual experience, an unpleasant medical examination, a belief that sex is shameful or wrong, a painful medical condition, like thrush.

• #20 Vaginismus: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Risks And Treatment

  https://www.novaivffertility.com/fertility-help/vaginismus

  Although the vaginismus symptoms of several types of vaginismus may be similar, causes of primary and secondary vaginismus differ in a few aspects. Below are the common causes of vaginismus: […] Causes of primary vaginismus include vulvar vestibulitis where no pain is felt until some kind of penetration is attempted, infections of the urinary tract, yeast infection in the vagina, sexual assault or abuse, witnessing physical or sexual abuse attempted on others, troubled childhood, domestic violence, and unpleasant experiences in childhood that have a deep impact on the psyche, fear of pain when thinking about sexual intercourse due to the popular misconception of painful vaginal penetration while having sex for the first time, physical trauma (even if not related to genitals) and complaint of chronic pain, general stress and anxiety, upbringing in a sex-negative environment that creates disgust towards the entire act of sex and intimacy, religious faith promoting sexual inhibition and considering having sex a sin until one is married, and sometimes, primary vaginismus can be idiopathic meaning the actual reason behind the disorder is unknown.

• #21 Causes Of Vaginismus – Assoc. Prof. Süleyman Eserdağ, MD

  https://www.eserdag.com/en/causes-of-vaginismus

  The lack of information about sexuality, the family’s disregard for sexuality, having no information about sexuality may cause vaginismus. […] Thinking about the first day as difficult, painful and very bleeding, thoughts of the penis to go somewhere wrong like urinary hole or anus, fear of penis’ being stuck in the vagina, thoughts of vagina are being closed or narrow may cause vaginismus. ‘Urban myths’ about sexuality and the first night (nuptial) which are told among people are called ‘Sexual Myths’. Sexual myths are among the most common causes of vaginismus in Turkey. […] Most of the vaginismus patients are deeply affected by the events they witness or experience. The brain encodes especially the negative events and keeps in memory. […] Sexual harassment, rape, incest, childhood sexual traumas are among the causes of vaginismus.

• #22

  https://www.drdropin.no/en/physical/diagnosis/womenshealth/vaginism

  Vaginismus is a condition where the muscles in the vagina contract involuntarily. This can make it painful or impossible to, among other things, have intercourse or insert a tampon. The condition can occur in women of all ages and can have many different causes. […] The cause of vaginismus is unknown and it can vary from woman to woman. One of the most common explanations for vaginismus is feelings of fear or discomfort related to sexuality or physical intimacy. For example, a woman who has experienced sexual abuse or rape, or who has grown up with negative attitudes towards sex, may develop vaginismus as a way to protect herself from further pain or trauma. Nevertheless, the pain can also occur unannounced, and regardless of sexual causes. […] In some cases, vaginismus can also be due to psychological causes such as trauma, fear and stress or physical causes, such as infections, inflammation or dryness in the vagina, injuries or operations in the pelvic area.

• #23 What is Vaginismus: Everything You Need to Know About This Painful Condition | New Age Women’s Health

  https://www.toplinemd.com/new-age-womens-health/what-is-vaginismus-everything-you-need-to-know-about-this-painful-condition/

  If you are experiencing pain during sexual intercourse, you may have vaginismus. According to the statistics, one percent of women worldwide suffer from vaginismus. […] Women can have vaginismus due to medical factors, emotional factors, or a combination of both. […] Physical triggers include childbirth, menopause, infections such as urinary tract infections, yeast infections, etc., health conditions such as lichen sclerosis or cancer, a lack of vaginal lubrication, inadequate foreplay, pelvic surgery, and side effects of medications. Emotional triggers include fear of pregnancy or pain, anxiety before or during sexual intercourse (such as performance anxiety), relationship issues (such as feeling vulnerable or having an abusive partner), and past trauma (such as having a history of abuse or sexual assault).

• #24 Vaginismus: the common condition leading to painful sex

  https://theconversation.com/vaginismus-the-common-condition-leading-to-painful-sex-148801

  Vaginismus is an extremely common condition, that can have a huge impact on women, their partners and relationships. […] Vaginismus occurs when someone has persistent or recurrent difficulties in allowing vaginal entry of a penis, finger or any object, despite her wish to do so. […] Some women experience fear, difficulties or pain from the first time they try to insert something into their vagina and instead of getting better, it can get worse over time. This is called primary vaginismus. […] Others can be fine for years and develop pain at some later date. This is secondary vaginismus. […] When it comes to sex (and life), you cant separate the mind and the body. Vaginismus is no exception. Underlying causes are extremely variable and often influenced by multiple factors. […] Sometimes there is no obvious cause, but common factors in the development of primary vaginismus include: fear or anxiety: about pain, pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections. Generalised anxiety or other anxiety disorders can also cause vaginismus

• #25 What Causes Vaginismus? | Primary Care Physicians & Internal Medicine located in Clayton, GA | Life Point Medical, LLC

  https://www.drtsbeck.com/blog/what-causes-vaginismus

  Vaginismus is a painful condition that makes vaginal penetration of any kind difficult. Its complex, and identifying the physical and mental factors that contribute to it isnt always easy. […] Vaginismus is characterized by a cycle of pain. For example, experiencing pain with penetration once may increase your anxiety the next time. Your body tenses in anticipation of pain, and then youre more likely to experience pain again. The cycle repeats, and both physical and mental factors are at play. […] Involuntary muscle contractions are the primary physical cause of vaginismus. The muscles of your vagina tense up when you attempt vaginal penetration, which causes pain that can range from mild to severe. […] Some possible physical causes include prior gynecologic surgery or a history of injury during childbirth, like vaginal tears. These factors can increase your anxiety around vaginal penetration and contribute to involuntary muscle contractions.

• #26 Painful intercourse (dyspareunia) – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/painful-intercourse/symptoms-causes/syc-20375967

  Pain during penetration might be associated with a range of factors, including: […] Vaginismus. These involuntary spasms of the muscles of the vaginal wall can make penetration painful. […] Emotional factors can be linked to many types of painful intercourse. […] It can be hard to tell whether emotional factors are associated with dyspareunia. Initial pain can lead to fear of recurring pain, making it difficult to relax, which can lead to more pain. You might start avoiding sex if you associate it with the pain.

• #27 Vaginismus: Types, causes, symptoms, and treatment

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/175261

  Vaginismus can result from emotional factors, medical factors, or both. […] Vaginismus can occur as a result of physical stressors, emotional stressors, or both. It can become anticipatory, meaning it happens because the person expects it to happen. […] Possible emotional triggers for the condition include: fear of pain or pregnancy, anxiety related to sexual performance or guilt, relationship problems, such as an abusive partner or a feeling of vulnerability, traumatic life events, such as sexual assault or a history of abuse, childhood experiences, such as exposure to sexual images or portrayals of sex while growing up. […] Possible physical triggers include: an infection, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI) or yeast infection, health conditions such as cancer or lichen sclerosis, childbirth, menopause, pelvic surgery, inadequate foreplay, insufficient vaginal lubrication, medication side effects. […] Vaginismus has not always been present. It can occur at any stage of life, and it may not have happened before. […] Vaginismus can also have psychological roots, such as physical or emotional trauma or a combination of the two.

• #28 Vaginismus – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaginismus

  Vaginismus may be considered an older term for pelvic floor dysfunction. […] The underlying cause is generally a fear that penetration will hurt. Risk factors include a history of sexual assault, endometriosis, vaginitis, or a prior episiotomy. […] A few of the main factors that may contribute to primary vaginismus include: chronic pain conditions like vulvodynia and harm-avoidance behavior, negative emotional reaction toward sexual stimulation, e.g. disgust both at a deliberate level and a more implicit level, and strict conservative moral education, which also can elicit negative emotions. […] The cause of primary vaginismus is often unknown. […] Secondary vaginismus occurs when a person who has previously been able to achieve penetration develops vaginismus. This may be due to physical causes, such as a yeast infection or trauma during childbirth, psychological causes, or a combination of causes.

• #29 Vaginismus: Dyspareunia, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15723-vaginismus

  Vaginismus symptoms may appear during the late teen years or early adulthood when a person has sex for the first time. The condition can also happen the first time a person tries to insert a tampon or has a pelvic exam at a healthcare providers office. […] Healthcare experts arent sure why some people experience vaginismus. It can cause physical, psychological and sexual issues. Bladder infections, UTIs and yeast infections can worsen vaginismus pain. […] Factors that may contribute to vaginismus include: Anxiety disorders. Childbirth injuries, such as vaginal tears. Prior surgery. Fear of sex or negative feelings about sex, perhaps due to past sexual abuse, rape or trauma. […] We don’t know what causes some people to develop vaginismus. There also isnt any known way to prevent it.

• #30 What are the Causes of Vaginismus, and How is it Treated? | Jaime Schwartz MD, FACS

  https://www.drjaimeschwartz.com/body-blog/what-are-the-causes-of-vaginismus-and-how-is-it-treated/

  Though the cause of vaginismus is not always understood, it is believed to be psychological and physical in nature. This condition causes the muscles of the vagina to tighten involuntarily, making any activity involving penetration difficult or even impossible. […] The exact cause of painful intercourse is still unknown but is believed to stem from one or a combination of factors. For example: […] Psychological: Fear and anxiety are thought to be the leading causes of vaginismus. A previous traumatic sexual experience or unrealistic ideas and expectations about sex can contribute to this issue. […] Physical: Certain medications or medical conditions may lead to vaginismus later in life. For example, women with endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease can have vaginismus as a result of their condition. […] Dr. Schwartz can perform an evaluation and develop a custom plan to help you overcome vaginismus and restore your quality of life in Beverly Hills, CA. We begin by identifying the underlying causes, whether they are psychological or physical.

• #31

  https://www.thepelvichub.com/blogs/common-conditions/psychogenic-vaginismus?srsltid=AfmBOopwATMnB3tqfiai1JSlvXFVJ0aXY8D_gN15exp9jL5HtNhske82

  Causes of vaginismus include: Past experience of uncomfortable or painful sexual intercourse, Past sexual trauma, including the experience of rape, or sexual abuse or assault, Dissatisfaction or sexual and physical abuse in a relationship, Previous pelvic examinations that caused pain, Fear of becoming pregnant, A general fear of penetration and pain if this happens before the first time a woman has sexual intercourse, it is considered lifelong vaginismus. […] This is especially a problem with women who have experienced long-term stress or abuse in the past; even if the danger is long passed, your body may have conditioned itself to be in a constant state of physical stress. Your body needs to un-learn these habits that it adopted in order to help you survive now that you dont need them.

• #32 Causes Of Vaginismus – Assoc. Prof. Süleyman Eserdağ, MD

  https://www.eserdag.com/en/causes-of-vaginismus

  The lack of information about sexuality, the family’s disregard for sexuality, having no information about sexuality may cause vaginismus. […] Thinking about the first day as difficult, painful and very bleeding, thoughts of the penis to go somewhere wrong like urinary hole or anus, fear of penis’ being stuck in the vagina, thoughts of vagina are being closed or narrow may cause vaginismus. ‘Urban myths’ about sexuality and the first night (nuptial) which are told among people are called ‘Sexual Myths’. Sexual myths are among the most common causes of vaginismus in Turkey. […] Most of the vaginismus patients are deeply affected by the events they witness or experience. The brain encodes especially the negative events and keeps in memory. […] Sexual harassment, rape, incest, childhood sexual traumas are among the causes of vaginismus.

• #33 Vaginismus Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment | SELF

  https://www.self.com/story/vaginismus-symptoms-causes-and-treatment

  Vaginismus is rarely discussed and often missed or misdiagnosed by doctors, and many women go years without knowing what’s wrong or how to fix it. […] The causes and risk factors of vaginismus aren’t fully understood, but it is strongly tied to feelings of anxiety and fear about sex. […] „The main causes for primary vaginismus include fear of pain, fear of the unknown (how will it feel inside my vagina?), religious inhibitions, perceiving the vagina as being too fragile and sensitive, past experiences with discomfort (e.g. infection, vaginal dryness, rough sex), misconceptions about sex and sexuality, and the inability to say no to unwanted penetration,” Tabisel says. […] „We do know that vaginismus is a common diagnosis among survivors of sexual abuse or trauma,” Abigail Cutler, M.D., an ob/gyn in Connecticut and junior fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, who has treated many patients suffering from vaginismus, tells SELF.

• #34 Vaginismus | What Are The Causes? What Solutions?

  https://womenscenter.com/2022/03/vaginismus-causes-solutions/

  Impossible penetration is a sexual psychological disorder that is much more widespread than one might imagine. Doctors call it vaginismus. […] But in most cases, vaginismus is a mental disorder of sexual behavior that is characterized by involuntary and uncontrollable contractions of the muscles of the vagina. […] The causes of vaginismus are mainly psychological: Vaginismus can appear if previous vaginal penetrations have caused pain, the fear of pain which then takes over can cause contractions of the muscles of the vagina. […] A traumatic experience in the past (sexual abuse, invasive and painful medical examinations, etc.) can cause vaginismus. […] Stress and uncertainty about sex can sometimes cause the pelvic floor muscles to contract to protect the vagina from penetration. […] Vaginismus can also be primary. Strict sex education can lead to psychological blockages. […] Romantic or professional problems can favor the appearance of vaginismus. […] Factors other than psychological can be involved such as menopause, a malformation of the vagina or even a vaginal infection.

• #35 Vaginismus – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaginismus

  Vaginismus may be considered an older term for pelvic floor dysfunction. […] The underlying cause is generally a fear that penetration will hurt. Risk factors include a history of sexual assault, endometriosis, vaginitis, or a prior episiotomy. […] A few of the main factors that may contribute to primary vaginismus include: chronic pain conditions like vulvodynia and harm-avoidance behavior, negative emotional reaction toward sexual stimulation, e.g. disgust both at a deliberate level and a more implicit level, and strict conservative moral education, which also can elicit negative emotions. […] The cause of primary vaginismus is often unknown. […] Secondary vaginismus occurs when a person who has previously been able to achieve penetration develops vaginismus. This may be due to physical causes, such as a yeast infection or trauma during childbirth, psychological causes, or a combination of causes.

• #36 What are the causes of vaginismus ?

  https://matt-hypnotherapist.co.uk/causes-of-vaginismus/

  One study found that women with vaginismus were twice as likely to have a history of sexual abuse than a sample of demographically similar women (Reissing, 2003). […] The relationship between self-esteem / self-perception and general psychological wellbeing is a tricky one and vaginismus researchers have some interesting correlations. […] One study identified that woman with vaginismus had lower levels of positive sexual memories and beliefs (Reissing et al 2003). […] It has been observed in case studies that women with vaginismus have a tendency to be with men who are submissive, sympathetic and gentle. […] Strong moral environments are often cited as a potential cause (Masters Johnson 1980, Pacik 2011, Silverstein 1989), but there is as yet little quality research evidence to confirm this supposition (Crowley et al 2009). […] Lack of sexual education, formal or otherwise, may be another factor.

• #37 Causes Of Vaginismus – Assoc. Prof. Süleyman Eserdağ, MD

  https://www.eserdag.com/en/causes-of-vaginismus

  Among the causes of vaginismus, there are psychological and physical problems. The treatment of vaginismus should also be performed according to the „cause” after the vaginismus reasons are determined. […] The causes of vaginismus are mainly 90% psychological and 10% anatomical (organic) causes. […] Vaginismus problem is frequently seen in overprotective-conservative families, traditional and religiously repressive families. In some of the patients, there is a deep belief that sexuality is bad, dirty and sinful. Thus, young girls take themselves under protection from the early ages. It is the main reason that such beliefs as ‘hymen is a sign of honor, it should certainly be protected and it is everything which belongs to a girl’ are transfused into brains since from early ages. […] Strict religious rules and moral responsibilities which are imposed to the brains since from early ages are among these reasons.

• #38 Causes of Vaginismus – Vaginismus Center

  https://www.vaginismus-center.com/en/causes-of-vaginismus

  Strict teachings about sexuality and the idea that the hymen is a structure that is very crucial and by all means must be protected taught to young girls throughout their childhoods, are among the most important causes for vaginismus specially in Moslem countries. […] Many negative inculcations can be further exacerbated by such admonishments as cover your crotch girl, it is shameful, be careful, do not hit that part while riding your bike, close your legs, and stay away from men, they will do you harm this type of reinforcement is among the important factors that cause sexual problems in later ages. […] Moreover, the unpleasant experiences and memories from childhood (abuse or rapes, domestic violence, harsh parental behavior) may also cause vaginismus. […] Especially in Western countries, certain sexual abuse or rape experienced in the past is considered as the most frequent cause for vaginismus, whereas in Moslem countries, sexual taboos, cultural and religious reasons are more prominent.

• #39 Causes Of Vaginismus – Assoc. Prof. Süleyman Eserdağ, MD

  https://www.eserdag.com/en/causes-of-vaginismus

  Among the causes of vaginismus, there are psychological and physical problems. The treatment of vaginismus should also be performed according to the „cause” after the vaginismus reasons are determined. […] The causes of vaginismus are mainly 90% psychological and 10% anatomical (organic) causes. […] Vaginismus problem is frequently seen in overprotective-conservative families, traditional and religiously repressive families. In some of the patients, there is a deep belief that sexuality is bad, dirty and sinful. Thus, young girls take themselves under protection from the early ages. It is the main reason that such beliefs as ‘hymen is a sign of honor, it should certainly be protected and it is everything which belongs to a girl’ are transfused into brains since from early ages. […] Strict religious rules and moral responsibilities which are imposed to the brains since from early ages are among these reasons.

• #40 Causes Of Vaginismus – Assoc. Prof. Süleyman Eserdağ, MD

  https://www.eserdag.com/en/causes-of-vaginismus

  Among the causes of vaginismus, there are psychological and physical problems. The treatment of vaginismus should also be performed according to the „cause” after the vaginismus reasons are determined. […] The causes of vaginismus are mainly 90% psychological and 10% anatomical (organic) causes. […] Vaginismus problem is frequently seen in overprotective-conservative families, traditional and religiously repressive families. In some of the patients, there is a deep belief that sexuality is bad, dirty and sinful. Thus, young girls take themselves under protection from the early ages. It is the main reason that such beliefs as ‘hymen is a sign of honor, it should certainly be protected and it is everything which belongs to a girl’ are transfused into brains since from early ages. […] Strict religious rules and moral responsibilities which are imposed to the brains since from early ages are among these reasons.

• #41 Vaginismus: the common condition leading to painful sex

  https://theconversation.com/vaginismus-the-common-condition-leading-to-painful-sex-148801

  taboos: cultural or religious taboos around sex, or inner conflict about whether to be sexual or not […] unaroused sex: having sex when you dont really want to […] history of abuse: a history of physical, emotional or sexual trauma or abuse […] unrealistic expectations: of sex leading to fear of not being good enough. […] Secondary vaginismus can occur due to any of the above or after anything that leads to painful sex, such as: relationship problems: leading to lack of libido or arousal […] infections or skin problems: vaginal infections, such as thrush and vulval dermatological (skin) problems or Vulvodynia can cause vaginismus […] gynaecological problems: such as endometriosis, gynaecological (or breast) cancer and its treatment or pelvic surgery […] pregnancy: vaginismus can occur after pregnancy, delivery or as a new parent.

• #42

  https://www.intimaterose.com/pages/vaginismus?srsltid=AfmBOopW0RSvNNE1-mwI6UkuiWLRZC33ROJL_empp2Ukp10GBHYG6krr

  Anxiety, stress, and depression can play a role in the onset of vaginismus. […] Emotional distance, trust issues, or other relationship-related stressors can sometimes be underlying causes. […] In some cases, strict cultural or religious teachings about sex and virginity can create anxiety and contribute to vaginismus. […] Sometimes, the mere anticipation or fear of pain, even in the absence of any physical issue, can trigger vaginismus. […] Often, it is not a single factor but a combination of physical and psychological factors that cause vaginismus. […] In some cases, there is no identifiable cause for vaginismus. This can make diagnosis and treatment more challenging, requiring a more holistic approach to care.

• #43 Causes Of Vaginismus – Assoc. Prof. Süleyman Eserdağ, MD

  https://www.eserdag.com/en/causes-of-vaginismus

  Among the causes of vaginismus, there are psychological and physical problems. The treatment of vaginismus should also be performed according to the „cause” after the vaginismus reasons are determined. […] The causes of vaginismus are mainly 90% psychological and 10% anatomical (organic) causes. […] Vaginismus problem is frequently seen in overprotective-conservative families, traditional and religiously repressive families. In some of the patients, there is a deep belief that sexuality is bad, dirty and sinful. Thus, young girls take themselves under protection from the early ages. It is the main reason that such beliefs as ‘hymen is a sign of honor, it should certainly be protected and it is everything which belongs to a girl’ are transfused into brains since from early ages. […] Strict religious rules and moral responsibilities which are imposed to the brains since from early ages are among these reasons.

• #44 Causes Of Vaginismus – Assoc. Prof. Süleyman Eserdağ, MD

  https://www.eserdag.com/en/causes-of-vaginismus

  The lack of information about sexuality, the family’s disregard for sexuality, having no information about sexuality may cause vaginismus. […] Thinking about the first day as difficult, painful and very bleeding, thoughts of the penis to go somewhere wrong like urinary hole or anus, fear of penis’ being stuck in the vagina, thoughts of vagina are being closed or narrow may cause vaginismus. ‘Urban myths’ about sexuality and the first night (nuptial) which are told among people are called ‘Sexual Myths’. Sexual myths are among the most common causes of vaginismus in Turkey. […] Most of the vaginismus patients are deeply affected by the events they witness or experience. The brain encodes especially the negative events and keeps in memory. […] Sexual harassment, rape, incest, childhood sexual traumas are among the causes of vaginismus.

• #45 Vaginismus (306.51) | Abnormal Psychology

  https://courses.lumenlearning.com/atd-herkimer-abnormalpsych/chapter/vaginismus-306-51/

  Non-physical causes are fears, anxiety, stress, traumatic event, childhood experiences, and partner issues. Sometimes, there is no known cause at all. Physical causes are medical conditions, childbirth, abuse, menopause, pelvic trauma, and temporary discomfort. […] Most common causes are fears and anxiety about intercourse and pain. Anxiety due to performance pressures and negativity towards sex can also cause a woman to experience this. Partner issues such as abuse, distrust, and fear of commitment are causes as well. Childhood experiences like overly rigid parenting, inadequate sex education, and exposure to shocking sexual imagery can lead to vaginismus.

• #46 Clinical assessment and management of vaginismus

  https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2024/january-february/clinical-assessment-and-management-of-vaginismus

  Vaginismus is one of the leading causes of painful sex (dyspareunia) for women. […] Currently, there is no defined aetiology for vaginismus. Most researchers and clinicians agree that vaginismus is a psychophysiological problem involving cognitive, behavioural and physiological factors. […] While the exact aetiology of vaginismus is unknown, several predisposing factors have been identified. Given that vaginismus is associated with a fear response, explicit and implicit sociocultural attitudes play a major role in predisposing someone to developing vaginismus. […] Explicit, negative sex-related cognitions often arise after a person experiences a painful or traumatic event, such as a painful gynaecological examination or sexual trauma. […] Societies where sex is taboo and female sexuality is repressed have higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction, including vaginismus.

• #47

  https://www.intimaterose.com/pages/vaginismus?srsltid=AfmBOopW0RSvNNE1-mwI6UkuiWLRZC33ROJL_empp2Ukp10GBHYG6krr

  Anxiety, stress, and depression can play a role in the onset of vaginismus. […] Emotional distance, trust issues, or other relationship-related stressors can sometimes be underlying causes. […] In some cases, strict cultural or religious teachings about sex and virginity can create anxiety and contribute to vaginismus. […] Sometimes, the mere anticipation or fear of pain, even in the absence of any physical issue, can trigger vaginismus. […] Often, it is not a single factor but a combination of physical and psychological factors that cause vaginismus. […] In some cases, there is no identifiable cause for vaginismus. This can make diagnosis and treatment more challenging, requiring a more holistic approach to care.

• #48 What is vaginismus? Learn about this condition – with Sydney Pelvic Clinic

  https://www.sydneypelvicclinic.com.au/vaginismus-genito-pelvic-pain-disorder-gppd/

  Temporary discomfort. Temporary pain or discomfort resulting from insufficient foreplay or inadequate vaginal lubrication. […] Pelvic trauma. Any type of pelvic surgery, difficult pelvic examinations, or other pelvic trauma. […] Abuse. Physical attack, rape, sexual/physical abuse or assault. […] Medications. Side-effects of some medications may cause pelvic pain. […] Examples of Non-physical Causes: Fears. Fear or anticipation of intercourse pain, fear of not being completely physically healed following pelvic trauma, fear of tissue damage ie. being torn, fear of getting pregnant, concern that a pelvic medical problem may reoccur. […] Anxiety or stress. General anxiety, performance pressures, previous unpleasant sexual experiences, negativity toward sex, guilt, emotional traumas, or other unhealthy sexual emotions.

• #49

  https://www.thepelvichub.com/blogs/common-conditions/psychogenic-vaginismus?srsltid=AfmBOopwATMnB3tqfiai1JSlvXFVJ0aXY8D_gN15exp9jL5HtNhske82

  Causes of vaginismus include: Past experience of uncomfortable or painful sexual intercourse, Past sexual trauma, including the experience of rape, or sexual abuse or assault, Dissatisfaction or sexual and physical abuse in a relationship, Previous pelvic examinations that caused pain, Fear of becoming pregnant, A general fear of penetration and pain if this happens before the first time a woman has sexual intercourse, it is considered lifelong vaginismus. […] This is especially a problem with women who have experienced long-term stress or abuse in the past; even if the danger is long passed, your body may have conditioned itself to be in a constant state of physical stress. Your body needs to un-learn these habits that it adopted in order to help you survive now that you dont need them.

• #50 What is vaginismus? Learn about this condition – with Sydney Pelvic Clinic

  https://www.sydneypelvicclinic.com.au/vaginismus-genito-pelvic-pain-disorder-gppd/

  Temporary discomfort. Temporary pain or discomfort resulting from insufficient foreplay or inadequate vaginal lubrication. […] Pelvic trauma. Any type of pelvic surgery, difficult pelvic examinations, or other pelvic trauma. […] Abuse. Physical attack, rape, sexual/physical abuse or assault. […] Medications. Side-effects of some medications may cause pelvic pain. […] Examples of Non-physical Causes: Fears. Fear or anticipation of intercourse pain, fear of not being completely physically healed following pelvic trauma, fear of tissue damage ie. being torn, fear of getting pregnant, concern that a pelvic medical problem may reoccur. […] Anxiety or stress. General anxiety, performance pressures, previous unpleasant sexual experiences, negativity toward sex, guilt, emotional traumas, or other unhealthy sexual emotions.

• #51 Vaginismus/pelvic floor dysfunction (inability to experience vaginal penetration) – Vulvovaginal Disorders

  https://vulvovaginaldisorders.org/pelvic-floor-dysfunction/

  Compared with controls, partners in a painful sexual relationship experienced significantly poorer sexual communication, and less satisfaction with sex. […] Vaginismus may develop in response to a man’s sexual problems, or vaginismus may cause sexual problems in men. […] The etiologic complexity of GPPPD, the slow-moving (if voluminous) research effort, and the clinical resistance to the adoption of evidence-based treatments require a high tolerance for ambiguity and a dogged determination to keep working at solving the GPPPD puzzle. […] The future research effort centering on pain resolution or on its management, is going to require randomized clinical trials with a strong biopsychosocial design. […] The GPPPD diagnosis is in a position of marked change if the current research on PVD bears fruit.

• #52 Vaginismus: Types, causes, symptoms, and treatment

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/175261

  Vaginismus can result from emotional factors, medical factors, or both. […] Vaginismus can occur as a result of physical stressors, emotional stressors, or both. It can become anticipatory, meaning it happens because the person expects it to happen. […] Possible emotional triggers for the condition include: fear of pain or pregnancy, anxiety related to sexual performance or guilt, relationship problems, such as an abusive partner or a feeling of vulnerability, traumatic life events, such as sexual assault or a history of abuse, childhood experiences, such as exposure to sexual images or portrayals of sex while growing up. […] Possible physical triggers include: an infection, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI) or yeast infection, health conditions such as cancer or lichen sclerosis, childbirth, menopause, pelvic surgery, inadequate foreplay, insufficient vaginal lubrication, medication side effects. […] Vaginismus has not always been present. It can occur at any stage of life, and it may not have happened before. […] Vaginismus can also have psychological roots, such as physical or emotional trauma or a combination of the two.

• #53 What are the causes of vaginismus ?

  https://matt-hypnotherapist.co.uk/causes-of-vaginismus/

  One study found that women with vaginismus were twice as likely to have a history of sexual abuse than a sample of demographically similar women (Reissing, 2003). […] The relationship between self-esteem / self-perception and general psychological wellbeing is a tricky one and vaginismus researchers have some interesting correlations. […] One study identified that woman with vaginismus had lower levels of positive sexual memories and beliefs (Reissing et al 2003). […] It has been observed in case studies that women with vaginismus have a tendency to be with men who are submissive, sympathetic and gentle. […] Strong moral environments are often cited as a potential cause (Masters Johnson 1980, Pacik 2011, Silverstein 1989), but there is as yet little quality research evidence to confirm this supposition (Crowley et al 2009). […] Lack of sexual education, formal or otherwise, may be another factor.

• #54 Causes Of Vaginismus – Assoc. Prof. Süleyman Eserdağ, MD

  https://www.eserdag.com/en/causes-of-vaginismus

  Among the causes of vaginismus, there are psychological and physical problems. The treatment of vaginismus should also be performed according to the „cause” after the vaginismus reasons are determined. […] The causes of vaginismus are mainly 90% psychological and 10% anatomical (organic) causes. […] Vaginismus problem is frequently seen in overprotective-conservative families, traditional and religiously repressive families. In some of the patients, there is a deep belief that sexuality is bad, dirty and sinful. Thus, young girls take themselves under protection from the early ages. It is the main reason that such beliefs as ‘hymen is a sign of honor, it should certainly be protected and it is everything which belongs to a girl’ are transfused into brains since from early ages. […] Strict religious rules and moral responsibilities which are imposed to the brains since from early ages are among these reasons.

• #55 Causes of Vaginismus – Vaginismus Center

  https://www.vaginismus-center.com/en/causes-of-vaginismus

  People who have not had any earlier incident of vaginismus may come to experience it as a result of unpleasant experiences (birth, miscarriage, abortion, or inappropriate gynecological examinations). (This is known as secondary vaginismus) […] The ignorance of couples about sexuality, misconceptions and beliefs about the first sexual intercourse, combined with fear and panic, may cause vaginismus. (Cognitive vaginismus) […] In many women, none of these causes might be evident. (The causes of which are indeterminable and indiscernible vaginismus) […] In 10% of cases, vaginismus might not arise because of a psychological problem but can be the result of an underlying organic pathology. […] Among the organic causes of vaginismus are Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome, PIH (Pelvic inflammatory disease), Bartholin Abscess and Cyst, Vaginal Fungal Infection (Candida Vaginitis), and Congenital Anatomic Disabilities: Short and blind vagina, septum on the vagina wall (cloak), hymen structured wide and thick. […] The organic causes of vaginismus can be treated by a gynecologist with medicine or simple operations. In this way, without the need for psychological treatment, the problem can be overcome.

• #56 Vaginismus: Dyspareunia, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15723-vaginismus

  Vaginismus symptoms may appear during the late teen years or early adulthood when a person has sex for the first time. The condition can also happen the first time a person tries to insert a tampon or has a pelvic exam at a healthcare providers office. […] Healthcare experts arent sure why some people experience vaginismus. It can cause physical, psychological and sexual issues. Bladder infections, UTIs and yeast infections can worsen vaginismus pain. […] Factors that may contribute to vaginismus include: Anxiety disorders. Childbirth injuries, such as vaginal tears. Prior surgery. Fear of sex or negative feelings about sex, perhaps due to past sexual abuse, rape or trauma. […] We don’t know what causes some people to develop vaginismus. There also isnt any known way to prevent it.

• #57 Vaginismus: Types, causes, symptoms, and treatment

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/175261

  Vaginismus can result from emotional factors, medical factors, or both. […] Vaginismus can occur as a result of physical stressors, emotional stressors, or both. It can become anticipatory, meaning it happens because the person expects it to happen. […] Possible emotional triggers for the condition include: fear of pain or pregnancy, anxiety related to sexual performance or guilt, relationship problems, such as an abusive partner or a feeling of vulnerability, traumatic life events, such as sexual assault or a history of abuse, childhood experiences, such as exposure to sexual images or portrayals of sex while growing up. […] Possible physical triggers include: an infection, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI) or yeast infection, health conditions such as cancer or lichen sclerosis, childbirth, menopause, pelvic surgery, inadequate foreplay, insufficient vaginal lubrication, medication side effects. […] Vaginismus has not always been present. It can occur at any stage of life, and it may not have happened before. […] Vaginismus can also have psychological roots, such as physical or emotional trauma or a combination of the two.

• #58 Vaginismus | healthdirect

  https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/vaginismus

  Vaginismus is when the pelvic floor muscles around your vagina tighten involuntarily. […] There are many causes of vaginismus, which include physical and psychological factors. […] Physical causes can be: medical conditions such as yeast infections (thrush) or recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), vulval conditions such as the changes that happen at menopause. […] Psychological causes can be: trauma during childbirth, negative messages about sex, painful sex, a painful vaginal examination in the past, rape or sexual assault. […] Other causes can include: lack of arousal, fear of getting pregnant, relationship problems, anxiety or depression. […] Vaginismus cannot be prevented as its your bodys automatic reaction you have no control over it. However, vaginismus can be successfully treated.

• #59 Vaginismus: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Risks And Treatment

  https://www.novaivffertility.com/fertility-help/vaginismus

  Although the vaginismus symptoms of several types of vaginismus may be similar, causes of primary and secondary vaginismus differ in a few aspects. Below are the common causes of vaginismus: […] Causes of primary vaginismus include vulvar vestibulitis where no pain is felt until some kind of penetration is attempted, infections of the urinary tract, yeast infection in the vagina, sexual assault or abuse, witnessing physical or sexual abuse attempted on others, troubled childhood, domestic violence, and unpleasant experiences in childhood that have a deep impact on the psyche, fear of pain when thinking about sexual intercourse due to the popular misconception of painful vaginal penetration while having sex for the first time, physical trauma (even if not related to genitals) and complaint of chronic pain, general stress and anxiety, upbringing in a sex-negative environment that creates disgust towards the entire act of sex and intimacy, religious faith promoting sexual inhibition and considering having sex a sin until one is married, and sometimes, primary vaginismus can be idiopathic meaning the actual reason behind the disorder is unknown.

• #60 Causes of Vaginismus – Vaginismus Center

  https://www.vaginismus-center.com/en/causes-of-vaginismus

  People who have not had any earlier incident of vaginismus may come to experience it as a result of unpleasant experiences (birth, miscarriage, abortion, or inappropriate gynecological examinations). (This is known as secondary vaginismus) […] The ignorance of couples about sexuality, misconceptions and beliefs about the first sexual intercourse, combined with fear and panic, may cause vaginismus. (Cognitive vaginismus) […] In many women, none of these causes might be evident. (The causes of which are indeterminable and indiscernible vaginismus) […] In 10% of cases, vaginismus might not arise because of a psychological problem but can be the result of an underlying organic pathology. […] Among the organic causes of vaginismus are Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome, PIH (Pelvic inflammatory disease), Bartholin Abscess and Cyst, Vaginal Fungal Infection (Candida Vaginitis), and Congenital Anatomic Disabilities: Short and blind vagina, septum on the vagina wall (cloak), hymen structured wide and thick. […] The organic causes of vaginismus can be treated by a gynecologist with medicine or simple operations. In this way, without the need for psychological treatment, the problem can be overcome.

• #61 Vaginismus | healthdirect

  https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/vaginismus

  Vaginismus is when the pelvic floor muscles around your vagina tighten involuntarily. […] There are many causes of vaginismus, which include physical and psychological factors. […] Physical causes can be: medical conditions such as yeast infections (thrush) or recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), vulval conditions such as the changes that happen at menopause. […] Psychological causes can be: trauma during childbirth, negative messages about sex, painful sex, a painful vaginal examination in the past, rape or sexual assault. […] Other causes can include: lack of arousal, fear of getting pregnant, relationship problems, anxiety or depression. […] Vaginismus cannot be prevented as its your bodys automatic reaction you have no control over it. However, vaginismus can be successfully treated.

• #62 Causes of Vaginismus – Vaginismus Center

  https://www.vaginismus-center.com/en/causes-of-vaginismus

  People who have not had any earlier incident of vaginismus may come to experience it as a result of unpleasant experiences (birth, miscarriage, abortion, or inappropriate gynecological examinations). (This is known as secondary vaginismus) […] The ignorance of couples about sexuality, misconceptions and beliefs about the first sexual intercourse, combined with fear and panic, may cause vaginismus. (Cognitive vaginismus) […] In many women, none of these causes might be evident. (The causes of which are indeterminable and indiscernible vaginismus) […] In 10% of cases, vaginismus might not arise because of a psychological problem but can be the result of an underlying organic pathology. […] Among the organic causes of vaginismus are Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome, PIH (Pelvic inflammatory disease), Bartholin Abscess and Cyst, Vaginal Fungal Infection (Candida Vaginitis), and Congenital Anatomic Disabilities: Short and blind vagina, septum on the vagina wall (cloak), hymen structured wide and thick. […] The organic causes of vaginismus can be treated by a gynecologist with medicine or simple operations. In this way, without the need for psychological treatment, the problem can be overcome.

• #63 Vaginismus – Cause, Symptoms, and Treatment (PDF Download)

  https://gynqi.com/vaginismus/

  Vaginismus is a condition characterized by involuntary tightening of the vaginal muscles in response to penetration, leading to pain or discomfort during activities like intercourse, tampon insertion, or pelvic exams. […] The exact cause of vaginismus is often unknown, but it can be influenced by factors such as past trauma, anxiety, vulvar pain, recurrent infections, or injuries during childbirth. […] The exact cause of vaginismus remains unclear. The associated muscle tightening is an involuntary response and often occurs as a reaction to previous pain or fear. […] Several factors may also play a role, including: Pain at the vaginal opening (known as vulvar vestibulitis), Frequent bladder infections, Yeast infections, Anxiety about potential pain from penetration, Past trauma or abuse, Injuries sustained during childbirth. […] These factors can contribute to vaginismus, however, in many instances, no identifiable cause has been determined. […] While the underlying causes are often elusive, factors like anxiety, past trauma, and pain at the vaginal opening can play a role in its development.

• #64 Vaginismus | San Diego Sexual Medicine

  https://www.sdsm.info/female-issues/vaginismus

  Lastly, it is very likely that the majority of women who are diagnosed with vaginismus do not have a spasm of these muscles but have vestibulodynia (vulvar vestibulitis syndrome.) As most physicians are not trained in the diagnosis and causes of vestibulodynia, it is very likely that they are attributing pain upon penetration to vaginismus instead of the other causes of vestibulodynia (too many nerve ending, hormonal causes, etc)

• #65 Vaginismus: Dyspareunia, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15723-vaginismus

  Vaginismus symptoms may appear during the late teen years or early adulthood when a person has sex for the first time. The condition can also happen the first time a person tries to insert a tampon or has a pelvic exam at a healthcare providers office. […] Healthcare experts arent sure why some people experience vaginismus. It can cause physical, psychological and sexual issues. Bladder infections, UTIs and yeast infections can worsen vaginismus pain. […] Factors that may contribute to vaginismus include: Anxiety disorders. Childbirth injuries, such as vaginal tears. Prior surgery. Fear of sex or negative feelings about sex, perhaps due to past sexual abuse, rape or trauma. […] We don’t know what causes some people to develop vaginismus. There also isnt any known way to prevent it.

• #66 Vaginismus: Types, causes, symptoms, and treatment

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/175261

  Vaginismus can result from emotional factors, medical factors, or both. […] Vaginismus can occur as a result of physical stressors, emotional stressors, or both. It can become anticipatory, meaning it happens because the person expects it to happen. […] Possible emotional triggers for the condition include: fear of pain or pregnancy, anxiety related to sexual performance or guilt, relationship problems, such as an abusive partner or a feeling of vulnerability, traumatic life events, such as sexual assault or a history of abuse, childhood experiences, such as exposure to sexual images or portrayals of sex while growing up. […] Possible physical triggers include: an infection, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI) or yeast infection, health conditions such as cancer or lichen sclerosis, childbirth, menopause, pelvic surgery, inadequate foreplay, insufficient vaginal lubrication, medication side effects. […] Vaginismus has not always been present. It can occur at any stage of life, and it may not have happened before. […] Vaginismus can also have psychological roots, such as physical or emotional trauma or a combination of the two.

• #67 What are the Causes of Vaginismus, and How is it Treated? | Jaime Schwartz MD, FACS

  https://www.drjaimeschwartz.com/body-blog/what-are-the-causes-of-vaginismus-and-how-is-it-treated/

  Though the cause of vaginismus is not always understood, it is believed to be psychological and physical in nature. This condition causes the muscles of the vagina to tighten involuntarily, making any activity involving penetration difficult or even impossible. […] The exact cause of painful intercourse is still unknown but is believed to stem from one or a combination of factors. For example: […] Psychological: Fear and anxiety are thought to be the leading causes of vaginismus. A previous traumatic sexual experience or unrealistic ideas and expectations about sex can contribute to this issue. […] Physical: Certain medications or medical conditions may lead to vaginismus later in life. For example, women with endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease can have vaginismus as a result of their condition. […] Dr. Schwartz can perform an evaluation and develop a custom plan to help you overcome vaginismus and restore your quality of life in Beverly Hills, CA. We begin by identifying the underlying causes, whether they are psychological or physical.

• #68 Fast Facts: What You Need to Know About Vaginismus – HealthyWomen

  https://www.healthywomen.org/your-health/your-body/what-you-need-know-vaginismus

  People who have vaginismus experience an involuntary spasm of their vaginal muscles, which can be quite painful. This vaginal muscle spasm is an unconscious reaction to the fear of oncoming vaginal penetration. […] Healthcare experts still don’t know exactly what causes vaginismus, but some risk factors include prior surgeries, infections, or childbirth-related injuries, such as vaginal tears. Other risk factors are psychological; anxiety disorders and negative feelings about sex, perhaps stemming from past sexual trauma, are both linked to vaginismus. Individuals who have experienced relationship problems or had a painful first intercourse are at an increased risk for developing vaginismus. […] Vaginismus, which may come from anxiety disorders, can also increase anxiety symptoms. A recent study found that people with vaginismus struggle with viewing themselves negatively, which can, in turn, lead to mental health issues such as anxiety. In particular, people with vaginismus carry a lot of anxiety around the idea of penetration, and some may experience panic attacks if they engage in intercourse.

• #69 What is vaginismus? Learn about this condition – with Sydney Pelvic Clinic

  https://www.sydneypelvicclinic.com.au/vaginismus-genito-pelvic-pain-disorder-gppd/

  Vaginismus is a unique condition in that it may result from a combination of either physical or non-physical causes or it may seem to have no cause at all. […] Examples of Physical Causes: Poor muscle recruitment. The pelvic floor muscles have been held tightly for a long period of time, ie gymnastics, dancing, over-zealous Pilates. […] Medical conditions. Urinary tract infections or urination problems, yeast infections, sexually transmitted disease, endometriosis, genital or pelvic tumours, cysts, cancer, vulvodynia / vestibulodynia, pelvic inflammatory disease, lichen planus, lichen sclerosis, eczema, psoriasis, vaginal prolapse, etc. […] Childbirth. Pain from normal or difficult vaginal deliveries and complications, c-sections, miscarriages, etc. […] Age-related changes. Menopause and hormonal changes, vaginal dryness / inadequate lubrication, vaginal atrophy.

• #70 Vaginismus (Causes, Symptoms and Treatment)

  https://patient.info/doctor/vaginismus

  Vaginismus is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as a 'genitopelvic pain disorder and/or penetration disorder’ (GPPPD), which attempts to bring together the concepts and full spectrum of painful vaginal penetration. […] These problems are common and may be related to numerous factors in the woman’s life: Overwork, Depression, Unrelated disease, Relationship problems, Drug abuse, Alcohol problems, Hormonal changes, Prescribed drugs. […] Research methodology is often flawed in this area and there is a lack of meaningful data on psychological causes. Negative perceptions of the woman’s own sexuality are common. Events such as an early adverse sexual experience (although not necessarily assault or rape) or unsympathetic genital examination are thought to contribute. Cultural factors are thought to contribute in some. An organic factor may be a vestibulodynia – a tender area at the entrance to the vagina. This may be caused by postmenopausal oestrogen deficiency, trauma associated with genital surgery, abnormalities of the hymen, genital tract infections, skin disorders or pelvic radiotherapy.

• #71

  https://www.thepelvichub.com/blogs/common-conditions/psychogenic-vaginismus?srsltid=AfmBOopwATMnB3tqfiai1JSlvXFVJ0aXY8D_gN15exp9jL5HtNhske82

  Causes of vaginismus include: Past experience of uncomfortable or painful sexual intercourse, Past sexual trauma, including the experience of rape, or sexual abuse or assault, Dissatisfaction or sexual and physical abuse in a relationship, Previous pelvic examinations that caused pain, Fear of becoming pregnant, A general fear of penetration and pain if this happens before the first time a woman has sexual intercourse, it is considered lifelong vaginismus. […] This is especially a problem with women who have experienced long-term stress or abuse in the past; even if the danger is long passed, your body may have conditioned itself to be in a constant state of physical stress. Your body needs to un-learn these habits that it adopted in order to help you survive now that you dont need them.

• #72 Vaginismus: the common condition leading to painful sex

  https://theconversation.com/vaginismus-the-common-condition-leading-to-painful-sex-148801

  taboos: cultural or religious taboos around sex, or inner conflict about whether to be sexual or not […] unaroused sex: having sex when you dont really want to […] history of abuse: a history of physical, emotional or sexual trauma or abuse […] unrealistic expectations: of sex leading to fear of not being good enough. […] Secondary vaginismus can occur due to any of the above or after anything that leads to painful sex, such as: relationship problems: leading to lack of libido or arousal […] infections or skin problems: vaginal infections, such as thrush and vulval dermatological (skin) problems or Vulvodynia can cause vaginismus […] gynaecological problems: such as endometriosis, gynaecological (or breast) cancer and its treatment or pelvic surgery […] pregnancy: vaginismus can occur after pregnancy, delivery or as a new parent.

• #73 Vaginismus: Types, causes, symptoms, and treatment

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/175261

  Vaginismus can result from emotional factors, medical factors, or both. […] Vaginismus can occur as a result of physical stressors, emotional stressors, or both. It can become anticipatory, meaning it happens because the person expects it to happen. […] Possible emotional triggers for the condition include: fear of pain or pregnancy, anxiety related to sexual performance or guilt, relationship problems, such as an abusive partner or a feeling of vulnerability, traumatic life events, such as sexual assault or a history of abuse, childhood experiences, such as exposure to sexual images or portrayals of sex while growing up. […] Possible physical triggers include: an infection, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI) or yeast infection, health conditions such as cancer or lichen sclerosis, childbirth, menopause, pelvic surgery, inadequate foreplay, insufficient vaginal lubrication, medication side effects. […] Vaginismus has not always been present. It can occur at any stage of life, and it may not have happened before. […] Vaginismus can also have psychological roots, such as physical or emotional trauma or a combination of the two.

• #74

  https://www.intimaterose.com/pages/vaginismus?srsltid=AfmBOopW0RSvNNE1-mwI6UkuiWLRZC33ROJL_empp2Ukp10GBHYG6krr

  Conditions like urinary tract infections, yeast infections, or sexually transmitted infections can cause pain and may trigger vaginismus. […] Changes in hormone levels, often related to menopause, childbirth, or hormonal contraceptives, can lead to vaginal dryness and discomfort, which may trigger vaginismus. […] Any kind of surgery or injury to the genital area or pelvic region can cause physical discomfort and potential psychological trauma, leading to vaginismus. […] For some women, the experience of childbirth, particularly if it was traumatic or involved complications, can result in vaginismus. […] This condition can cause pain during intercourse and may lead to vaginismus in some women. […] Any history of sexual assault or abuse can lead to vaginismus. The involuntary spasms can be a protective reaction.

• #75 Vaginismus: Types, causes, symptoms, and treatment

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/175261

  Vaginismus can result from emotional factors, medical factors, or both. […] Vaginismus can occur as a result of physical stressors, emotional stressors, or both. It can become anticipatory, meaning it happens because the person expects it to happen. […] Possible emotional triggers for the condition include: fear of pain or pregnancy, anxiety related to sexual performance or guilt, relationship problems, such as an abusive partner or a feeling of vulnerability, traumatic life events, such as sexual assault or a history of abuse, childhood experiences, such as exposure to sexual images or portrayals of sex while growing up. […] Possible physical triggers include: an infection, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI) or yeast infection, health conditions such as cancer or lichen sclerosis, childbirth, menopause, pelvic surgery, inadequate foreplay, insufficient vaginal lubrication, medication side effects. […] Vaginismus has not always been present. It can occur at any stage of life, and it may not have happened before. […] Vaginismus can also have psychological roots, such as physical or emotional trauma or a combination of the two.

• #76 What is vaginismus? Learn about this condition – with Sydney Pelvic Clinic

  https://www.sydneypelvicclinic.com.au/vaginismus-genito-pelvic-pain-disorder-gppd/

  Vaginismus is a unique condition in that it may result from a combination of either physical or non-physical causes or it may seem to have no cause at all. […] Examples of Physical Causes: Poor muscle recruitment. The pelvic floor muscles have been held tightly for a long period of time, ie gymnastics, dancing, over-zealous Pilates. […] Medical conditions. Urinary tract infections or urination problems, yeast infections, sexually transmitted disease, endometriosis, genital or pelvic tumours, cysts, cancer, vulvodynia / vestibulodynia, pelvic inflammatory disease, lichen planus, lichen sclerosis, eczema, psoriasis, vaginal prolapse, etc. […] Childbirth. Pain from normal or difficult vaginal deliveries and complications, c-sections, miscarriages, etc. […] Age-related changes. Menopause and hormonal changes, vaginal dryness / inadequate lubrication, vaginal atrophy.

• #77 Vaginismus: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

  https://pelvicare.uk/blog/vaginismus-causes-symptoms-treatment

  The precise cause of vaginismus remains unknown. However, some researchers suggest that the squeezing of the vaginal muscles in this way is linked to an involuntary psychological anxiety about possible pain during vaginal penetration. […] Some may develop anxiety about penetration after pelvic injury, surgery, or giving birth. Others may find it follows as the result of the discomfort of menopausal vaginal dryness, interstitial cystitis, or an underlying vaginal infection, resulting in what is termed as Secondary Vaginismus. […] Primary vaginismus is diagnosed when women have always felt pain during penetration, even when young and attempting to use a tampon for the first time. In such cases, anxiety about penetration may come as a result of a lack of sexual education, fear of intercourse, worry about getting pregnant, or a history of sexual abuse.

• #78 Vaginal Rejuvenation: Surgical & Non-Surgical Options | Dr. Thais Aliabadi

  https://www.draliabadi.com/gynecology/vaginal-conditions/vaginismus/

  Vaginismus is a sexual dysfunction that causes a woman’s vaginal muscles to involuntary contraction or involuntary spasms upon vaginal penetration. This makes sexual intercourse and gynecological examinations difficult or impossible. […] Possible causes include: Past sexual assault or sexual trauma, Past painful intercourse, Anxiety and emotional factors, Inadequate foreplay. […] In some cases, no direct cause can be found. […] Vaginismus and menopause are linked because menopause can cause hormonal changes, particularly a drop in estrogen levels. This decrease can lead to vaginal dryness, thinning of vaginal tissues, and loss of elasticity, all of which may contribute to discomfort or pain during intercourse. […] In some cases, this discomfort can trigger or worsen vaginismus, a condition where involuntary muscle contractions make vaginal penetration painful or difficult.

• #79 What is vaginismus? Learn about this condition – with Sydney Pelvic Clinic

  https://www.sydneypelvicclinic.com.au/vaginismus-genito-pelvic-pain-disorder-gppd/

  Vaginismus is a unique condition in that it may result from a combination of either physical or non-physical causes or it may seem to have no cause at all. […] Examples of Physical Causes: Poor muscle recruitment. The pelvic floor muscles have been held tightly for a long period of time, ie gymnastics, dancing, over-zealous Pilates. […] Medical conditions. Urinary tract infections or urination problems, yeast infections, sexually transmitted disease, endometriosis, genital or pelvic tumours, cysts, cancer, vulvodynia / vestibulodynia, pelvic inflammatory disease, lichen planus, lichen sclerosis, eczema, psoriasis, vaginal prolapse, etc. […] Childbirth. Pain from normal or difficult vaginal deliveries and complications, c-sections, miscarriages, etc. […] Age-related changes. Menopause and hormonal changes, vaginal dryness / inadequate lubrication, vaginal atrophy.

• #80 Vaginal Rejuvenation: Surgical & Non-Surgical Options | Dr. Thais Aliabadi

  https://www.draliabadi.com/gynecology/vaginal-conditions/vaginismus/

  Vaginismus is a sexual dysfunction that causes a woman’s vaginal muscles to involuntary contraction or involuntary spasms upon vaginal penetration. This makes sexual intercourse and gynecological examinations difficult or impossible. […] Possible causes include: Past sexual assault or sexual trauma, Past painful intercourse, Anxiety and emotional factors, Inadequate foreplay. […] In some cases, no direct cause can be found. […] Vaginismus and menopause are linked because menopause can cause hormonal changes, particularly a drop in estrogen levels. This decrease can lead to vaginal dryness, thinning of vaginal tissues, and loss of elasticity, all of which may contribute to discomfort or pain during intercourse. […] In some cases, this discomfort can trigger or worsen vaginismus, a condition where involuntary muscle contractions make vaginal penetration painful or difficult.

• #81 Causes Of Vaginismus – Assoc. Prof. Süleyman Eserdağ, MD

  https://www.eserdag.com/en/causes-of-vaginismus

  A difficult gynecological examination by a gynecologist, difficult birth, abortion or miscarriage can cause vaginismus in someone who has a normal sexual life. This situation is called ’secondary vaginismus’. […] Hymen’s rigid, thick, high-edged, septate structure, vaginal stenosis, small vagina or vaginal agenesis, vaginal septums are congenital anomalies and may interfere with sexual intercourse. […] Some women may not have any of the above-mentioned reasons. This should be interpreted as reason is not known rather than there is no reason. Sometimes, real causes show up during vaginismus treatment. […] The first address for those who do not have sexual intercourse should be gynecologist physicians with experience in sexual treatments. Vaginismus causes are determined with a detailed gynecological evaluation and then appropriate treatment is started.

• #82 Causes of Vaginismus – Vaginismus Center

  https://www.vaginismus-center.com/en/causes-of-vaginismus

  People who have not had any earlier incident of vaginismus may come to experience it as a result of unpleasant experiences (birth, miscarriage, abortion, or inappropriate gynecological examinations). (This is known as secondary vaginismus) […] The ignorance of couples about sexuality, misconceptions and beliefs about the first sexual intercourse, combined with fear and panic, may cause vaginismus. (Cognitive vaginismus) […] In many women, none of these causes might be evident. (The causes of which are indeterminable and indiscernible vaginismus) […] In 10% of cases, vaginismus might not arise because of a psychological problem but can be the result of an underlying organic pathology. […] Among the organic causes of vaginismus are Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome, PIH (Pelvic inflammatory disease), Bartholin Abscess and Cyst, Vaginal Fungal Infection (Candida Vaginitis), and Congenital Anatomic Disabilities: Short and blind vagina, septum on the vagina wall (cloak), hymen structured wide and thick. […] The organic causes of vaginismus can be treated by a gynecologist with medicine or simple operations. In this way, without the need for psychological treatment, the problem can be overcome.

• #83 Causes of Vaginismus – Vaginismus Center

  https://www.vaginismus-center.com/en/causes-of-vaginismus

  People who have not had any earlier incident of vaginismus may come to experience it as a result of unpleasant experiences (birth, miscarriage, abortion, or inappropriate gynecological examinations). (This is known as secondary vaginismus) […] The ignorance of couples about sexuality, misconceptions and beliefs about the first sexual intercourse, combined with fear and panic, may cause vaginismus. (Cognitive vaginismus) […] In many women, none of these causes might be evident. (The causes of which are indeterminable and indiscernible vaginismus) […] In 10% of cases, vaginismus might not arise because of a psychological problem but can be the result of an underlying organic pathology. […] Among the organic causes of vaginismus are Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome, PIH (Pelvic inflammatory disease), Bartholin Abscess and Cyst, Vaginal Fungal Infection (Candida Vaginitis), and Congenital Anatomic Disabilities: Short and blind vagina, septum on the vagina wall (cloak), hymen structured wide and thick. […] The organic causes of vaginismus can be treated by a gynecologist with medicine or simple operations. In this way, without the need for psychological treatment, the problem can be overcome.

• #84 Causes of Vaginismus – Vaginismus Center

  https://www.vaginismus-center.com/en/causes-of-vaginismus

  People who have not had any earlier incident of vaginismus may come to experience it as a result of unpleasant experiences (birth, miscarriage, abortion, or inappropriate gynecological examinations). (This is known as secondary vaginismus) […] The ignorance of couples about sexuality, misconceptions and beliefs about the first sexual intercourse, combined with fear and panic, may cause vaginismus. (Cognitive vaginismus) […] In many women, none of these causes might be evident. (The causes of which are indeterminable and indiscernible vaginismus) […] In 10% of cases, vaginismus might not arise because of a psychological problem but can be the result of an underlying organic pathology. […] Among the organic causes of vaginismus are Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome, PIH (Pelvic inflammatory disease), Bartholin Abscess and Cyst, Vaginal Fungal Infection (Candida Vaginitis), and Congenital Anatomic Disabilities: Short and blind vagina, septum on the vagina wall (cloak), hymen structured wide and thick. […] The organic causes of vaginismus can be treated by a gynecologist with medicine or simple operations. In this way, without the need for psychological treatment, the problem can be overcome.

• #85 Causes of Vaginismus – Vaginismus Center

  https://www.vaginismus-center.com/en/causes-of-vaginismus

  People who have not had any earlier incident of vaginismus may come to experience it as a result of unpleasant experiences (birth, miscarriage, abortion, or inappropriate gynecological examinations). (This is known as secondary vaginismus) […] The ignorance of couples about sexuality, misconceptions and beliefs about the first sexual intercourse, combined with fear and panic, may cause vaginismus. (Cognitive vaginismus) […] In many women, none of these causes might be evident. (The causes of which are indeterminable and indiscernible vaginismus) […] In 10% of cases, vaginismus might not arise because of a psychological problem but can be the result of an underlying organic pathology. […] Among the organic causes of vaginismus are Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome, PIH (Pelvic inflammatory disease), Bartholin Abscess and Cyst, Vaginal Fungal Infection (Candida Vaginitis), and Congenital Anatomic Disabilities: Short and blind vagina, septum on the vagina wall (cloak), hymen structured wide and thick. […] The organic causes of vaginismus can be treated by a gynecologist with medicine or simple operations. In this way, without the need for psychological treatment, the problem can be overcome.

• #86 Vaginismus (Causes, Symptoms and Treatment)

  https://patient.info/doctor/vaginismus

  Conditions leading to lack of arousal/lubrication may also increase the likelihood of vaginismus, such as diabetes mellitus, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis and relationship issues. […] Organic vaginismus is due to congenital malformation of the genital tract. It results from abnormal development of genital paramesonephric (Mullerian) ducts and the urogenital sinus. This is an important problem in adolescent gynaecology.

• #87 Vaginismus – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaginismus

  Vaginismus may be considered an older term for pelvic floor dysfunction. […] The underlying cause is generally a fear that penetration will hurt. Risk factors include a history of sexual assault, endometriosis, vaginitis, or a prior episiotomy. […] A few of the main factors that may contribute to primary vaginismus include: chronic pain conditions like vulvodynia and harm-avoidance behavior, negative emotional reaction toward sexual stimulation, e.g. disgust both at a deliberate level and a more implicit level, and strict conservative moral education, which also can elicit negative emotions. […] The cause of primary vaginismus is often unknown. […] Secondary vaginismus occurs when a person who has previously been able to achieve penetration develops vaginismus. This may be due to physical causes, such as a yeast infection or trauma during childbirth, psychological causes, or a combination of causes.

• #88 What is vaginismus? Learn about this condition – with Sydney Pelvic Clinic

  https://www.sydneypelvicclinic.com.au/vaginismus-genito-pelvic-pain-disorder-gppd/

  Vaginismus is a unique condition in that it may result from a combination of either physical or non-physical causes or it may seem to have no cause at all. […] Examples of Physical Causes: Poor muscle recruitment. The pelvic floor muscles have been held tightly for a long period of time, ie gymnastics, dancing, over-zealous Pilates. […] Medical conditions. Urinary tract infections or urination problems, yeast infections, sexually transmitted disease, endometriosis, genital or pelvic tumours, cysts, cancer, vulvodynia / vestibulodynia, pelvic inflammatory disease, lichen planus, lichen sclerosis, eczema, psoriasis, vaginal prolapse, etc. […] Childbirth. Pain from normal or difficult vaginal deliveries and complications, c-sections, miscarriages, etc. […] Age-related changes. Menopause and hormonal changes, vaginal dryness / inadequate lubrication, vaginal atrophy.

• #89 What are the Causes of Vaginismus, and How is it Treated? | Jaime Schwartz MD, FACS

  https://www.drjaimeschwartz.com/body-blog/what-are-the-causes-of-vaginismus-and-how-is-it-treated/

  Though the cause of vaginismus is not always understood, it is believed to be psychological and physical in nature. This condition causes the muscles of the vagina to tighten involuntarily, making any activity involving penetration difficult or even impossible. […] The exact cause of painful intercourse is still unknown but is believed to stem from one or a combination of factors. For example: […] Psychological: Fear and anxiety are thought to be the leading causes of vaginismus. A previous traumatic sexual experience or unrealistic ideas and expectations about sex can contribute to this issue. […] Physical: Certain medications or medical conditions may lead to vaginismus later in life. For example, women with endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease can have vaginismus as a result of their condition. […] Dr. Schwartz can perform an evaluation and develop a custom plan to help you overcome vaginismus and restore your quality of life in Beverly Hills, CA. We begin by identifying the underlying causes, whether they are psychological or physical.

• #90 Vaginismus: the common condition leading to painful sex

  https://theconversation.com/vaginismus-the-common-condition-leading-to-painful-sex-148801

  taboos: cultural or religious taboos around sex, or inner conflict about whether to be sexual or not […] unaroused sex: having sex when you dont really want to […] history of abuse: a history of physical, emotional or sexual trauma or abuse […] unrealistic expectations: of sex leading to fear of not being good enough. […] Secondary vaginismus can occur due to any of the above or after anything that leads to painful sex, such as: relationship problems: leading to lack of libido or arousal […] infections or skin problems: vaginal infections, such as thrush and vulval dermatological (skin) problems or Vulvodynia can cause vaginismus […] gynaecological problems: such as endometriosis, gynaecological (or breast) cancer and its treatment or pelvic surgery […] pregnancy: vaginismus can occur after pregnancy, delivery or as a new parent.

• #91 What is vaginismus? Learn about this condition – with Sydney Pelvic Clinic

  https://www.sydneypelvicclinic.com.au/vaginismus-genito-pelvic-pain-disorder-gppd/

  Vaginismus is a unique condition in that it may result from a combination of either physical or non-physical causes or it may seem to have no cause at all. […] Examples of Physical Causes: Poor muscle recruitment. The pelvic floor muscles have been held tightly for a long period of time, ie gymnastics, dancing, over-zealous Pilates. […] Medical conditions. Urinary tract infections or urination problems, yeast infections, sexually transmitted disease, endometriosis, genital or pelvic tumours, cysts, cancer, vulvodynia / vestibulodynia, pelvic inflammatory disease, lichen planus, lichen sclerosis, eczema, psoriasis, vaginal prolapse, etc. […] Childbirth. Pain from normal or difficult vaginal deliveries and complications, c-sections, miscarriages, etc. […] Age-related changes. Menopause and hormonal changes, vaginal dryness / inadequate lubrication, vaginal atrophy.

• #92 Vaginismus (Causes, Symptoms and Treatment)

  https://patient.info/doctor/vaginismus

  Vaginismus is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as a 'genitopelvic pain disorder and/or penetration disorder’ (GPPPD), which attempts to bring together the concepts and full spectrum of painful vaginal penetration. […] These problems are common and may be related to numerous factors in the woman’s life: Overwork, Depression, Unrelated disease, Relationship problems, Drug abuse, Alcohol problems, Hormonal changes, Prescribed drugs. […] Research methodology is often flawed in this area and there is a lack of meaningful data on psychological causes. Negative perceptions of the woman’s own sexuality are common. Events such as an early adverse sexual experience (although not necessarily assault or rape) or unsympathetic genital examination are thought to contribute. Cultural factors are thought to contribute in some. An organic factor may be a vestibulodynia – a tender area at the entrance to the vagina. This may be caused by postmenopausal oestrogen deficiency, trauma associated with genital surgery, abnormalities of the hymen, genital tract infections, skin disorders or pelvic radiotherapy.

• #93 What is vaginismus? Learn about this condition – with Sydney Pelvic Clinic

  https://www.sydneypelvicclinic.com.au/vaginismus-genito-pelvic-pain-disorder-gppd/

  Vaginismus is a unique condition in that it may result from a combination of either physical or non-physical causes or it may seem to have no cause at all. […] Examples of Physical Causes: Poor muscle recruitment. The pelvic floor muscles have been held tightly for a long period of time, ie gymnastics, dancing, over-zealous Pilates. […] Medical conditions. Urinary tract infections or urination problems, yeast infections, sexually transmitted disease, endometriosis, genital or pelvic tumours, cysts, cancer, vulvodynia / vestibulodynia, pelvic inflammatory disease, lichen planus, lichen sclerosis, eczema, psoriasis, vaginal prolapse, etc. […] Childbirth. Pain from normal or difficult vaginal deliveries and complications, c-sections, miscarriages, etc. […] Age-related changes. Menopause and hormonal changes, vaginal dryness / inadequate lubrication, vaginal atrophy.

• #94 Understanding Vaginismus: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatments Explained

  https://www.medlineacademics.com/blog/vaginismus.php

  Vaginismus is a kind of penetration disorder. […] The exact cause of this condition is unknown. There could be psychological or physical causes or a combination of both. […] Physical causes include vaginal dryness due to age-related changes, injury during childbirth, pelvic surgery, STDs, pelvic inflammatory disease, vaginal atrophy, and interstitial cystitis. […] Emotional causes include anxiety disorders due to lack of sexual education, fear of intercourse, anxiety about getting pregnant, fear of intimacy because of a history of sexual abuse/rape or trauma, and relationship problems. […] Irrespective of the cause of vaginismus, many women suffer from what looks like an unbreakable cycle of anxiety of penetration and progressively worsening symptoms. […] Based on the time of onset of the symptoms, there are two kinds of vaginismus: primary vaginismus and secondary vaginismus. […] Women who develop vaginismus later in life after living a normal life are characterized as secondary vaginismus. They had no pain during penetration before and there could be obvious causes such as hormonal imbalance, childbirth injury, etc., or for a few people, there could be no obvious cause.

• #95 What is vaginismus? Learn about this condition – with Sydney Pelvic Clinic

  https://www.sydneypelvicclinic.com.au/vaginismus-genito-pelvic-pain-disorder-gppd/

  Vaginismus is a unique condition in that it may result from a combination of either physical or non-physical causes or it may seem to have no cause at all. […] Examples of Physical Causes: Poor muscle recruitment. The pelvic floor muscles have been held tightly for a long period of time, ie gymnastics, dancing, over-zealous Pilates. […] Medical conditions. Urinary tract infections or urination problems, yeast infections, sexually transmitted disease, endometriosis, genital or pelvic tumours, cysts, cancer, vulvodynia / vestibulodynia, pelvic inflammatory disease, lichen planus, lichen sclerosis, eczema, psoriasis, vaginal prolapse, etc. […] Childbirth. Pain from normal or difficult vaginal deliveries and complications, c-sections, miscarriages, etc. […] Age-related changes. Menopause and hormonal changes, vaginal dryness / inadequate lubrication, vaginal atrophy.

• #96 Vaginismus Causes

  https://hopeandher.com/pages/vaginismus-causes

  For most women, vaginismus comes as a surprisedifficulties with penetration or ongoing vaginal tightness and pain seem to start mysteriously and continue repeatedly. […] The involuntary tightness itself is caused by an internal repeating limbic reaction starting in the brain and extending to the pelvic region. […] Some clinicians describe vaginismus as a fight or flight reaction in the pelvic floor and surrounding musculature. […] The muscle tightness is involuntarywithout conscious control. […] When the sensory system detects various forms of touch, pelvic vulnerability, or the anticipation of penetration, the limbic system signals the body to tense up internally as a protection mechanism. […] It mistakenly alerts the body to danger, causing the vaginal muscles to tighten and, thus, interfere with sex.

• #97 Clinical assessment and management of vaginismus

  https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2024/january-february/clinical-assessment-and-management-of-vaginismus

  Vaginismus is one of the leading causes of painful sex (dyspareunia) for women. […] Currently, there is no defined aetiology for vaginismus. Most researchers and clinicians agree that vaginismus is a psychophysiological problem involving cognitive, behavioural and physiological factors. […] While the exact aetiology of vaginismus is unknown, several predisposing factors have been identified. Given that vaginismus is associated with a fear response, explicit and implicit sociocultural attitudes play a major role in predisposing someone to developing vaginismus. […] Explicit, negative sex-related cognitions often arise after a person experiences a painful or traumatic event, such as a painful gynaecological examination or sexual trauma. […] Societies where sex is taboo and female sexuality is repressed have higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction, including vaginismus.

• #98 Vaginismus Causes

  https://hopeandher.com/pages/vaginismus-causes

  For most women, vaginismus comes as a surprisedifficulties with penetration or ongoing vaginal tightness and pain seem to start mysteriously and continue repeatedly. […] The involuntary tightness itself is caused by an internal repeating limbic reaction starting in the brain and extending to the pelvic region. […] Some clinicians describe vaginismus as a fight or flight reaction in the pelvic floor and surrounding musculature. […] The muscle tightness is involuntarywithout conscious control. […] When the sensory system detects various forms of touch, pelvic vulnerability, or the anticipation of penetration, the limbic system signals the body to tense up internally as a protection mechanism. […] It mistakenly alerts the body to danger, causing the vaginal muscles to tighten and, thus, interfere with sex.

• #99 Vaginismus Causes

  https://hopeandher.com/pages/vaginismus-causes

  Though normally very effective, life experiences may be internalized in a way that causes the limbic system to respond with vaginismus. […] Vaginismus does not always have an obvious cause. Sometimes women with near-perfect childhoods, great relationships, no physical problems, and few anxieties, have trouble identifying a trigger to their vaginismus. The cause might remain a mystery even after vaginismus is fully resolved. […] Fortunately, vaginismus is fully treatable. Women can gain control over their vaginal muscles and override the limbic system reaction that causes the tightness.

• #100 Vaginismus Causes

  https://hopeandher.com/pages/vaginismus-causes

  For most women, vaginismus comes as a surprisedifficulties with penetration or ongoing vaginal tightness and pain seem to start mysteriously and continue repeatedly. […] The involuntary tightness itself is caused by an internal repeating limbic reaction starting in the brain and extending to the pelvic region. […] Some clinicians describe vaginismus as a fight or flight reaction in the pelvic floor and surrounding musculature. […] The muscle tightness is involuntarywithout conscious control. […] When the sensory system detects various forms of touch, pelvic vulnerability, or the anticipation of penetration, the limbic system signals the body to tense up internally as a protection mechanism. […] It mistakenly alerts the body to danger, causing the vaginal muscles to tighten and, thus, interfere with sex.

• #101 Vaginismus Causes

  https://hopeandher.com/pages/vaginismus-causes

  For most women, vaginismus comes as a surprisedifficulties with penetration or ongoing vaginal tightness and pain seem to start mysteriously and continue repeatedly. […] The involuntary tightness itself is caused by an internal repeating limbic reaction starting in the brain and extending to the pelvic region. […] Some clinicians describe vaginismus as a fight or flight reaction in the pelvic floor and surrounding musculature. […] The muscle tightness is involuntarywithout conscious control. […] When the sensory system detects various forms of touch, pelvic vulnerability, or the anticipation of penetration, the limbic system signals the body to tense up internally as a protection mechanism. […] It mistakenly alerts the body to danger, causing the vaginal muscles to tighten and, thus, interfere with sex.

• #102 Vaginismus Causes

  https://hopeandher.com/pages/vaginismus-causes

  For most women, vaginismus comes as a surprisedifficulties with penetration or ongoing vaginal tightness and pain seem to start mysteriously and continue repeatedly. […] The involuntary tightness itself is caused by an internal repeating limbic reaction starting in the brain and extending to the pelvic region. […] Some clinicians describe vaginismus as a fight or flight reaction in the pelvic floor and surrounding musculature. […] The muscle tightness is involuntarywithout conscious control. […] When the sensory system detects various forms of touch, pelvic vulnerability, or the anticipation of penetration, the limbic system signals the body to tense up internally as a protection mechanism. […] It mistakenly alerts the body to danger, causing the vaginal muscles to tighten and, thus, interfere with sex.

• #103 Clinical assessment and management of vaginismus

  https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2024/january-february/clinical-assessment-and-management-of-vaginismus

  The fear-avoidance model of pain is often used to conceptualise the development and maintenance of vaginismus. […] The experience of vaginismus is then exacerbated and perpetuated in a vicious cycle. […] A differential diagnosis of vaginismus can be made with a thorough history-taking, genital examination and single digit vaginal examination (if able). […] Successful treatment of vaginismus is generally multidisciplinary and involves a combination of patient education, pelvic floor muscle relaxation, use of vaginal trainers and psychological therapy. […] We currently lack an understanding of the aetiology of vaginismus, but the fear-avoidance model can be helpful to conceptualise the condition. […] Predisposing factors for vaginismus include explicit and implicit sociocultural attitudes around sex.

• #104 Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder – Women’s Health Issues – Merck Manual Consumer Version

  https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/sexual-function-and-dysfunction-in-women/genito-pelvic-pain-penetration-disorder

  Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder includes pain during sexual intercourse or other sexual activity that involves penetration and involuntary contraction of muscles around the opening of the vagina (levator ani syndrome, or vaginismus), making sexual intercourse painful or impossible. […] Women may develop this disorder after experiencing painful intercourse (due to vaginal dryness or sexual trauma), or there may be no known cause. […] The term levator ani syndrome has largely replaced the term vaginismus because symptoms of vaginismus typically result from levator ani muscle dysfunction. Levator ani syndrome is involuntary contraction of the levator ani, which is the main pelvic floor muscle. This disorder may result from fear that intercourse will be painful. It often begins when sexual intercourse is first attempted but may develop later after periods of stress or experiences of painful sex or trauma. If women fear sex will be painful, their pelvic muscles may automatically tighten whenever intercourse is anticipated or attempted.

• #105 Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder – Women’s Health Issues – Merck Manual Consumer Version

  https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/sexual-function-and-dysfunction-in-women/genito-pelvic-pain-penetration-disorder

  Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder includes pain during sexual intercourse or other sexual activity that involves penetration and involuntary contraction of muscles around the opening of the vagina (levator ani syndrome, or vaginismus), making sexual intercourse painful or impossible. […] Women may develop this disorder after experiencing painful intercourse (due to vaginal dryness or sexual trauma), or there may be no known cause. […] The term levator ani syndrome has largely replaced the term vaginismus because symptoms of vaginismus typically result from levator ani muscle dysfunction. Levator ani syndrome is involuntary contraction of the levator ani, which is the main pelvic floor muscle. This disorder may result from fear that intercourse will be painful. It often begins when sexual intercourse is first attempted but may develop later after periods of stress or experiences of painful sex or trauma. If women fear sex will be painful, their pelvic muscles may automatically tighten whenever intercourse is anticipated or attempted.

• #106 What Causes Vaginismus? | Primary Care Physicians & Internal Medicine located in Clayton, GA | Life Point Medical, LLC

  https://www.drtsbeck.com/blog/what-causes-vaginismus

  Vaginismus is a painful condition that makes vaginal penetration of any kind difficult. Its complex, and identifying the physical and mental factors that contribute to it isnt always easy. […] Vaginismus is characterized by a cycle of pain. For example, experiencing pain with penetration once may increase your anxiety the next time. Your body tenses in anticipation of pain, and then youre more likely to experience pain again. The cycle repeats, and both physical and mental factors are at play. […] Involuntary muscle contractions are the primary physical cause of vaginismus. The muscles of your vagina tense up when you attempt vaginal penetration, which causes pain that can range from mild to severe. […] Some possible physical causes include prior gynecologic surgery or a history of injury during childbirth, like vaginal tears. These factors can increase your anxiety around vaginal penetration and contribute to involuntary muscle contractions.

• #107 Clinical assessment and management of vaginismus

  https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2024/january-february/clinical-assessment-and-management-of-vaginismus

  The fear-avoidance model of pain is often used to conceptualise the development and maintenance of vaginismus. […] The experience of vaginismus is then exacerbated and perpetuated in a vicious cycle. […] A differential diagnosis of vaginismus can be made with a thorough history-taking, genital examination and single digit vaginal examination (if able). […] Successful treatment of vaginismus is generally multidisciplinary and involves a combination of patient education, pelvic floor muscle relaxation, use of vaginal trainers and psychological therapy. […] We currently lack an understanding of the aetiology of vaginismus, but the fear-avoidance model can be helpful to conceptualise the condition. […] Predisposing factors for vaginismus include explicit and implicit sociocultural attitudes around sex.

• #108 Vaginismus – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaginismus

  Specific muscle involvement is unclear, but the condition may involve the levator ani, bulbocavernosus, circumvaginal, or perivaginal muscles. […] The diagnosis of vaginismus, as well as other diagnoses of female sexual dysfunction, can be made when „symptoms are sufficient to result in personal distress.” […] According to a 2011 study, those with vaginismus are twice as likely to have a history of childhood sexual interference and held less positive attitudes about their sexuality, whereas no correlation was noted for lack of sexual knowledge or (nonsexual) physical abuse. […] Anxiolytics and antidepressants are other pharmacotherapies that have been offered to people in conjunction with other psychotherapy modalities and to people with high levels of anxiety from their condition. Evidence for these medications is limited.

• #109 Vaginismus – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaginismus

  Specific muscle involvement is unclear, but the condition may involve the levator ani, bulbocavernosus, circumvaginal, or perivaginal muscles. […] The diagnosis of vaginismus, as well as other diagnoses of female sexual dysfunction, can be made when „symptoms are sufficient to result in personal distress.” […] According to a 2011 study, those with vaginismus are twice as likely to have a history of childhood sexual interference and held less positive attitudes about their sexuality, whereas no correlation was noted for lack of sexual knowledge or (nonsexual) physical abuse. […] Anxiolytics and antidepressants are other pharmacotherapies that have been offered to people in conjunction with other psychotherapy modalities and to people with high levels of anxiety from their condition. Evidence for these medications is limited.

• #110 Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder – Women’s Health Issues – Merck Manual Consumer Version

  https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/sexual-function-and-dysfunction-in-women/genito-pelvic-pain-penetration-disorder

  Provoked vestibulodynia may result from a combination of factors, including inflammation or an immune reaction, an increased number of nerve fibers, menopause or other causes of decreased production of estrogen, and problems with the pelvic floor muscles. […] Levator ani syndrome (vaginismus) can be treated with progressive desensitization (done by hand or with dilators). This technique enables women to gradually get used to the genital area being touched.

• #111 Vaginismus – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaginismus

  Specific muscle involvement is unclear, but the condition may involve the levator ani, bulbocavernosus, circumvaginal, or perivaginal muscles. […] The diagnosis of vaginismus, as well as other diagnoses of female sexual dysfunction, can be made when „symptoms are sufficient to result in personal distress.” […] According to a 2011 study, those with vaginismus are twice as likely to have a history of childhood sexual interference and held less positive attitudes about their sexuality, whereas no correlation was noted for lack of sexual knowledge or (nonsexual) physical abuse. […] Anxiolytics and antidepressants are other pharmacotherapies that have been offered to people in conjunction with other psychotherapy modalities and to people with high levels of anxiety from their condition. Evidence for these medications is limited.

• #112 Vaginismus – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaginismus

  Specific muscle involvement is unclear, but the condition may involve the levator ani, bulbocavernosus, circumvaginal, or perivaginal muscles. […] The diagnosis of vaginismus, as well as other diagnoses of female sexual dysfunction, can be made when „symptoms are sufficient to result in personal distress.” […] According to a 2011 study, those with vaginismus are twice as likely to have a history of childhood sexual interference and held less positive attitudes about their sexuality, whereas no correlation was noted for lack of sexual knowledge or (nonsexual) physical abuse. […] Anxiolytics and antidepressants are other pharmacotherapies that have been offered to people in conjunction with other psychotherapy modalities and to people with high levels of anxiety from their condition. Evidence for these medications is limited.

• #113

  https://www.yourdaye.com/en-us/vitals/womens-health/what-is-vaginismus-causes-diagnosis-treatment/?srsltid=AfmBOoqSkxcRcFyX8NWyFLNHpLjhqPm0u_FDKTGwAnz2uDVqjV4GVUVq

  Vaginismus is a very complex condition and has a huge impact on a persons quality of life. Intercourse becomes painful, if not impossible, which is made even worse by societys obsession with penetrative sex. […] Vaginismus is a psychosomatic condition, and although there are symptoms when penetration is attempted, the body and genitals appear unaffected. […] The challenge is because the muscular tension in the pelvic floor is a normal part of functioning, however the muscles are going beyond their normal way of working, and are more tense in certain situations preventing comfortable penetration. […] Vaginismus is curable, societal stigma and lack of research means it can be very hard to find a treatment that works for each individual, as its a unique experience rather than a one-size-fits-all scenario. […] Vaginismus is a psychosomatic, meaning treatment is not as straightforward as that for thrush, or perhaps a cyst its most often time consuming and multi-disciplinary. […] Both mind and body play a big part in vaginismus, and so it’s important to tackle both sides of the condition.

• #114 Vaginismus

  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginismus/

  Vaginismus is when the vagina suddenly tightens up when you try to insert something into it. […] Vaginismus is more common in women in their late teens to early 30s. […] The main symptom of vaginismus is your vaginal muscles tightening up on their own when you try to put something in your vagina. […] 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. […] 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.

• #115 Vaginismus Causes

  https://hopeandher.com/pages/vaginismus-causes

  For most women, vaginismus comes as a surprisedifficulties with penetration or ongoing vaginal tightness and pain seem to start mysteriously and continue repeatedly. […] The involuntary tightness itself is caused by an internal repeating limbic reaction starting in the brain and extending to the pelvic region. […] Some clinicians describe vaginismus as a fight or flight reaction in the pelvic floor and surrounding musculature. […] The muscle tightness is involuntarywithout conscious control. […] When the sensory system detects various forms of touch, pelvic vulnerability, or the anticipation of penetration, the limbic system signals the body to tense up internally as a protection mechanism. […] It mistakenly alerts the body to danger, causing the vaginal muscles to tighten and, thus, interfere with sex.

• #116 Vaginismus: Dyspareunia, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15723-vaginismus

  Vaginismus symptoms may appear during the late teen years or early adulthood when a person has sex for the first time. The condition can also happen the first time a person tries to insert a tampon or has a pelvic exam at a healthcare providers office. […] Healthcare experts arent sure why some people experience vaginismus. It can cause physical, psychological and sexual issues. Bladder infections, UTIs and yeast infections can worsen vaginismus pain. […] Factors that may contribute to vaginismus include: Anxiety disorders. Childbirth injuries, such as vaginal tears. Prior surgery. Fear of sex or negative feelings about sex, perhaps due to past sexual abuse, rape or trauma. […] We don’t know what causes some people to develop vaginismus. There also isnt any known way to prevent it.

• #117 Vaginismus: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and More

  https://www.healthline.com/health/vaginismus

  Vaginismus is classified into two types: primary vaginismus, when vaginal penetration has never been achieved, and secondary vaginismus, when vaginal penetration was once achieved, but is no longer possible, potentially due to factors such as gynecologic surgery, trauma, or radiation. […] Theres not always a reason for vaginismus. The condition has been linked to past sexual abuse or trauma, past painful intercourse, and emotional factors. […] In some cases, no direct cause can be found.

• #118 Vaginismus: MedlinePlus Medical EncyclopediaLock

  https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001487.htm

  Vaginismus is a sexual problem. It has several possible causes, including: […] Past sexual trauma or abuse […] Mental health factors […] A response that develops due to physical pain […] Intercourse […] Sometimes no cause can be found.

• #119 Vaginismus: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Risks And Treatment

  https://www.novaivffertility.com/fertility-help/vaginismus

  Although the vaginismus symptoms of several types of vaginismus may be similar, causes of primary and secondary vaginismus differ in a few aspects. Below are the common causes of vaginismus: […] Causes of primary vaginismus include vulvar vestibulitis where no pain is felt until some kind of penetration is attempted, infections of the urinary tract, yeast infection in the vagina, sexual assault or abuse, witnessing physical or sexual abuse attempted on others, troubled childhood, domestic violence, and unpleasant experiences in childhood that have a deep impact on the psyche, fear of pain when thinking about sexual intercourse due to the popular misconception of painful vaginal penetration while having sex for the first time, physical trauma (even if not related to genitals) and complaint of chronic pain, general stress and anxiety, upbringing in a sex-negative environment that creates disgust towards the entire act of sex and intimacy, religious faith promoting sexual inhibition and considering having sex a sin until one is married, and sometimes, primary vaginismus can be idiopathic meaning the actual reason behind the disorder is unknown.

• #120 Vaginismus Causes

  https://hopeandher.com/pages/vaginismus-causes

  Though normally very effective, life experiences may be internalized in a way that causes the limbic system to respond with vaginismus. […] Vaginismus does not always have an obvious cause. Sometimes women with near-perfect childhoods, great relationships, no physical problems, and few anxieties, have trouble identifying a trigger to their vaginismus. The cause might remain a mystery even after vaginismus is fully resolved. […] Fortunately, vaginismus is fully treatable. Women can gain control over their vaginal muscles and override the limbic system reaction that causes the tightness.

• #121 Vaginismus Causes

  https://hopeandher.com/pages/vaginismus-causes

  Though normally very effective, life experiences may be internalized in a way that causes the limbic system to respond with vaginismus. […] Vaginismus does not always have an obvious cause. Sometimes women with near-perfect childhoods, great relationships, no physical problems, and few anxieties, have trouble identifying a trigger to their vaginismus. The cause might remain a mystery even after vaginismus is fully resolved. […] Fortunately, vaginismus is fully treatable. Women can gain control over their vaginal muscles and override the limbic system reaction that causes the tightness.

• #122 Vaginismus Causes

  https://hopeandher.com/pages/vaginismus-causes

  Though normally very effective, life experiences may be internalized in a way that causes the limbic system to respond with vaginismus. […] Vaginismus does not always have an obvious cause. Sometimes women with near-perfect childhoods, great relationships, no physical problems, and few anxieties, have trouble identifying a trigger to their vaginismus. The cause might remain a mystery even after vaginismus is fully resolved. […] Fortunately, vaginismus is fully treatable. Women can gain control over their vaginal muscles and override the limbic system reaction that causes the tightness.

• #123 Causes Of Vaginismus – Assoc. Prof. Süleyman Eserdağ, MD

  https://www.eserdag.com/en/causes-of-vaginismus

  A difficult gynecological examination by a gynecologist, difficult birth, abortion or miscarriage can cause vaginismus in someone who has a normal sexual life. This situation is called ’secondary vaginismus’. […] Hymen’s rigid, thick, high-edged, septate structure, vaginal stenosis, small vagina or vaginal agenesis, vaginal septums are congenital anomalies and may interfere with sexual intercourse. […] Some women may not have any of the above-mentioned reasons. This should be interpreted as reason is not known rather than there is no reason. Sometimes, real causes show up during vaginismus treatment. […] The first address for those who do not have sexual intercourse should be gynecologist physicians with experience in sexual treatments. Vaginismus causes are determined with a detailed gynecological evaluation and then appropriate treatment is started.

• #124 Vaginismus – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaginismus

  Vaginismus may be considered an older term for pelvic floor dysfunction. […] The underlying cause is generally a fear that penetration will hurt. Risk factors include a history of sexual assault, endometriosis, vaginitis, or a prior episiotomy. […] A few of the main factors that may contribute to primary vaginismus include: chronic pain conditions like vulvodynia and harm-avoidance behavior, negative emotional reaction toward sexual stimulation, e.g. disgust both at a deliberate level and a more implicit level, and strict conservative moral education, which also can elicit negative emotions. […] The cause of primary vaginismus is often unknown. […] Secondary vaginismus occurs when a person who has previously been able to achieve penetration develops vaginismus. This may be due to physical causes, such as a yeast infection or trauma during childbirth, psychological causes, or a combination of causes.

• #125 Fast Facts: What You Need to Know About Vaginismus – HealthyWomen

  https://www.healthywomen.org/your-health/your-body/what-you-need-know-vaginismus

  People who have vaginismus experience an involuntary spasm of their vaginal muscles, which can be quite painful. This vaginal muscle spasm is an unconscious reaction to the fear of oncoming vaginal penetration. […] Healthcare experts still don’t know exactly what causes vaginismus, but some risk factors include prior surgeries, infections, or childbirth-related injuries, such as vaginal tears. Other risk factors are psychological; anxiety disorders and negative feelings about sex, perhaps stemming from past sexual trauma, are both linked to vaginismus. Individuals who have experienced relationship problems or had a painful first intercourse are at an increased risk for developing vaginismus. […] Vaginismus, which may come from anxiety disorders, can also increase anxiety symptoms. A recent study found that people with vaginismus struggle with viewing themselves negatively, which can, in turn, lead to mental health issues such as anxiety. In particular, people with vaginismus carry a lot of anxiety around the idea of penetration, and some may experience panic attacks if they engage in intercourse.

• #126 Vaginismus/pelvic floor dysfunction (inability to experience vaginal penetration) – Vulvovaginal Disorders

  https://vulvovaginaldisorders.org/pelvic-floor-dysfunction/

  The cross-over of studies that focus on vulvodynia as opposed to vaginismus (GPPPD) is a natural consequence of the difficulties in the diagnosis of each. […] If known causes of vulvovaginal pain have been eliminated, pain and burning related to sexual intercourse comprise the problem. […] It is amazing that it has taken so long to find evidence to support the 500-year old definition of vaginismus as related to spasms of the muscles of the pelvic floor. […] In the vaginismus literature, there is frequent mention of “negative sexual attitudes:” negativity about sex before marriage and sexuality in general, sexual guilt, plus sexual ignorance and lack of sexual education. […] A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis found a significant relationship between a history of sexual and emotional abuse and the diagnosis of dyspareunia.

• #127 Vaginismus – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaginismus

  Vaginismus may be considered an older term for pelvic floor dysfunction. […] The underlying cause is generally a fear that penetration will hurt. Risk factors include a history of sexual assault, endometriosis, vaginitis, or a prior episiotomy. […] A few of the main factors that may contribute to primary vaginismus include: chronic pain conditions like vulvodynia and harm-avoidance behavior, negative emotional reaction toward sexual stimulation, e.g. disgust both at a deliberate level and a more implicit level, and strict conservative moral education, which also can elicit negative emotions. […] The cause of primary vaginismus is often unknown. […] Secondary vaginismus occurs when a person who has previously been able to achieve penetration develops vaginismus. This may be due to physical causes, such as a yeast infection or trauma during childbirth, psychological causes, or a combination of causes.

• #128 Vaginismus – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaginismus

  Vaginismus may be considered an older term for pelvic floor dysfunction. […] The underlying cause is generally a fear that penetration will hurt. Risk factors include a history of sexual assault, endometriosis, vaginitis, or a prior episiotomy. […] A few of the main factors that may contribute to primary vaginismus include: chronic pain conditions like vulvodynia and harm-avoidance behavior, negative emotional reaction toward sexual stimulation, e.g. disgust both at a deliberate level and a more implicit level, and strict conservative moral education, which also can elicit negative emotions. […] The cause of primary vaginismus is often unknown. […] Secondary vaginismus occurs when a person who has previously been able to achieve penetration develops vaginismus. This may be due to physical causes, such as a yeast infection or trauma during childbirth, psychological causes, or a combination of causes.

• #129 Vaginismus – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaginismus

  Vaginismus may be considered an older term for pelvic floor dysfunction. […] The underlying cause is generally a fear that penetration will hurt. Risk factors include a history of sexual assault, endometriosis, vaginitis, or a prior episiotomy. […] A few of the main factors that may contribute to primary vaginismus include: chronic pain conditions like vulvodynia and harm-avoidance behavior, negative emotional reaction toward sexual stimulation, e.g. disgust both at a deliberate level and a more implicit level, and strict conservative moral education, which also can elicit negative emotions. […] The cause of primary vaginismus is often unknown. […] Secondary vaginismus occurs when a person who has previously been able to achieve penetration develops vaginismus. This may be due to physical causes, such as a yeast infection or trauma during childbirth, psychological causes, or a combination of causes.

• #130 Vaginismus: Dyspareunia, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15723-vaginismus

  Vaginismus symptoms may appear during the late teen years or early adulthood when a person has sex for the first time. The condition can also happen the first time a person tries to insert a tampon or has a pelvic exam at a healthcare providers office. […] Healthcare experts arent sure why some people experience vaginismus. It can cause physical, psychological and sexual issues. Bladder infections, UTIs and yeast infections can worsen vaginismus pain. […] Factors that may contribute to vaginismus include: Anxiety disorders. Childbirth injuries, such as vaginal tears. Prior surgery. Fear of sex or negative feelings about sex, perhaps due to past sexual abuse, rape or trauma. […] We don’t know what causes some people to develop vaginismus. There also isnt any known way to prevent it.

• #131 Vaginismus – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaginismus

  Specific muscle involvement is unclear, but the condition may involve the levator ani, bulbocavernosus, circumvaginal, or perivaginal muscles. […] The diagnosis of vaginismus, as well as other diagnoses of female sexual dysfunction, can be made when „symptoms are sufficient to result in personal distress.” […] According to a 2011 study, those with vaginismus are twice as likely to have a history of childhood sexual interference and held less positive attitudes about their sexuality, whereas no correlation was noted for lack of sexual knowledge or (nonsexual) physical abuse. […] Anxiolytics and antidepressants are other pharmacotherapies that have been offered to people in conjunction with other psychotherapy modalities and to people with high levels of anxiety from their condition. Evidence for these medications is limited.

• #132 Vaginismus – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaginismus

  Vaginismus may be considered an older term for pelvic floor dysfunction. […] The underlying cause is generally a fear that penetration will hurt. Risk factors include a history of sexual assault, endometriosis, vaginitis, or a prior episiotomy. […] A few of the main factors that may contribute to primary vaginismus include: chronic pain conditions like vulvodynia and harm-avoidance behavior, negative emotional reaction toward sexual stimulation, e.g. disgust both at a deliberate level and a more implicit level, and strict conservative moral education, which also can elicit negative emotions. […] The cause of primary vaginismus is often unknown. […] Secondary vaginismus occurs when a person who has previously been able to achieve penetration develops vaginismus. This may be due to physical causes, such as a yeast infection or trauma during childbirth, psychological causes, or a combination of causes.

• #133 Vaginismus: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

  https://pelvicare.uk/blog/vaginismus-causes-symptoms-treatment

  The precise cause of vaginismus remains unknown. However, some researchers suggest that the squeezing of the vaginal muscles in this way is linked to an involuntary psychological anxiety about possible pain during vaginal penetration. […] Some may develop anxiety about penetration after pelvic injury, surgery, or giving birth. Others may find it follows as the result of the discomfort of menopausal vaginal dryness, interstitial cystitis, or an underlying vaginal infection, resulting in what is termed as Secondary Vaginismus. […] Primary vaginismus is diagnosed when women have always felt pain during penetration, even when young and attempting to use a tampon for the first time. In such cases, anxiety about penetration may come as a result of a lack of sexual education, fear of intercourse, worry about getting pregnant, or a history of sexual abuse.

• #134 Vaginismus

  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginismus/

  Vaginismus is when the vagina suddenly tightens up when you try to insert something into it. […] Vaginismus is more common in women in their late teens to early 30s. […] The main symptom of vaginismus is your vaginal muscles tightening up on their own when you try to put something in your vagina. […] 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. […] 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.

• #135 Vaginismus: Diagnostic Challenges and Proposed Diagnostic Criteria

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10767778/

  Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a widespread condition that is least addressed in clinical practice worldwide. Vaginismus is a relatively rare FSD with a low prevalence in society but a higher reported clinical prevalence rate of 5-7%. Vaginismus is caused mainly by psychological factors. Dyspareunia is associated with sexual abuse, whereas vaginismus is related to sexual and emotional abuse. Excessive dread of pain during penetration is a common symptom reported by people with vaginismus. A phobia is defined as a marked and persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable that is triggered by the presence or anticipation of a specific object or situation; thus, vaginismus is considered a phobia. Vaginismus is a phobic disorder characterized by significant emotional distress, fear, or anxiety with vaginal penetration, which helps to differentiate between the two. Vaginismus is a phobic disorder, whereas dyspareunia is a pain disorder. Some people with painful genital conditions experience pain and spasms that are out of proportion to the underlying condition, resulting in phobic fear of penetration, a condition better called as dyspareunia vaginismus overlap syndrome. According to the newly proposed criteria, those who meet the subjective, objective, and frequency duration criteria and the exclusion criteria are classified as having vaginismus.

• #136

  https://www.drdropin.no/en/physical/diagnosis/womenshealth/vaginism

• #137 Vaginismus/pelvic floor dysfunction (inability to experience vaginal penetration) – Vulvovaginal Disorders

  https://vulvovaginaldisorders.org/pelvic-floor-dysfunction/

  Compared with controls, partners in a painful sexual relationship experienced significantly poorer sexual communication, and less satisfaction with sex. […] Vaginismus may develop in response to a man’s sexual problems, or vaginismus may cause sexual problems in men. […] The etiologic complexity of GPPPD, the slow-moving (if voluminous) research effort, and the clinical resistance to the adoption of evidence-based treatments require a high tolerance for ambiguity and a dogged determination to keep working at solving the GPPPD puzzle. […] The future research effort centering on pain resolution or on its management, is going to require randomized clinical trials with a strong biopsychosocial design. […] The GPPPD diagnosis is in a position of marked change if the current research on PVD bears fruit.

• #138

  https://www.intimaterose.com/pages/vaginismus?srsltid=AfmBOopW0RSvNNE1-mwI6UkuiWLRZC33ROJL_empp2Ukp10GBHYG6krr

  Anxiety, stress, and depression can play a role in the onset of vaginismus. […] Emotional distance, trust issues, or other relationship-related stressors can sometimes be underlying causes. […] In some cases, strict cultural or religious teachings about sex and virginity can create anxiety and contribute to vaginismus. […] Sometimes, the mere anticipation or fear of pain, even in the absence of any physical issue, can trigger vaginismus. […] Often, it is not a single factor but a combination of physical and psychological factors that cause vaginismus. […] In some cases, there is no identifiable cause for vaginismus. This can make diagnosis and treatment more challenging, requiring a more holistic approach to care.

• #139 Understanding Vaginismus: Symptoms, Treatment & Exercises | Bodyotics

  https://bodyotics.com/blogs/learn/understanding-vaginismus-causes-symptoms-treatment-exercises?srsltid=AfmBOorYchDsoJyx7A7MzFWaqktB067tKYWA6Wtpruv0CODNYhNJzVK8

  Vaginismus is a complex and often misunderstood condition. It’s essential to recognize that it’s not solely a physical issue psychological factors play a crucial role. Women with vaginismus experience a tightening of the muscles around the vagina, triggered by various stimuli. […] Understanding the causes of vaginismus is essential for effective management. It can be rooted in past traumatic experiences, cultural factors, fear of pain, or even underlying medical conditions. Exploring these causes can help you gain a deeper insight into your own situation. […] Some contributing causes may include: Psychological factors, such as past trauma or anxiety; Negative sexual experiences; Fear of pain or penetration; Cultural or religious beliefs; Medical conditions affecting the pelvic region.

• #140 What Causes Vaginismus? | Primary Care Physicians & Internal Medicine located in Clayton, GA | Life Point Medical, LLC

  https://www.drtsbeck.com/blog/what-causes-vaginismus

  A number of emotional and psychological factors can also contribute to vaginismus. A few of the most common include anxiety, fear, or negative feelings about sex. Women who have a history of sexual abuse, including rape or trauma, may be more likely to experience vaginismus. […] The mental and physical elements of vaginismus are closely linked, and they often work together to worsen your symptoms. […] Sometimes, theres no clear cause for vaginismus. Its commonly diagnosed in teens and young adult women when they experience pain with sex or other types of vaginal penetration. However, older women may develop vaginismus with no prior symptoms.

• #141 Vaginismus/pelvic floor dysfunction (inability to experience vaginal penetration) – Vulvovaginal Disorders

  https://vulvovaginaldisorders.org/pelvic-floor-dysfunction/

  Abundant research efforts of the last 30 years have resulted in a rich literature pointing to the important role of cognitive, affective, and behavioral factors in the experience of painful sex. […] Anxiety and depressive symptoms appear to be prominent affective correlates of painful sex, and they may predate the pain. […] The strongest relational predictor of pain experience and the couple’s sexual and relationship adjustment, however, is partner responses to the pain problem. […] The latest study delved into the interdependence of both partners’ responses in the context of GPPPD. […] There is growing evidence that some, but not all, people with chronic musculoskeletal pain avoid a wide variety of stimuli, including those directly (e.g. physical activities) and indirectly (e.g. social activities) associated with pain.

• #142 Vaginismus/pelvic floor dysfunction (inability to experience vaginal penetration) – Vulvovaginal Disorders

  https://vulvovaginaldisorders.org/pelvic-floor-dysfunction/

  Abundant research efforts of the last 30 years have resulted in a rich literature pointing to the important role of cognitive, affective, and behavioral factors in the experience of painful sex. […] Anxiety and depressive symptoms appear to be prominent affective correlates of painful sex, and they may predate the pain. […] The strongest relational predictor of pain experience and the couple’s sexual and relationship adjustment, however, is partner responses to the pain problem. […] The latest study delved into the interdependence of both partners’ responses in the context of GPPPD. […] There is growing evidence that some, but not all, people with chronic musculoskeletal pain avoid a wide variety of stimuli, including those directly (e.g. physical activities) and indirectly (e.g. social activities) associated with pain.

• #143 Vaginismus/pelvic floor dysfunction (inability to experience vaginal penetration) – Vulvovaginal Disorders

  https://vulvovaginaldisorders.org/pelvic-floor-dysfunction/

  The cross-over of studies that focus on vulvodynia as opposed to vaginismus (GPPPD) is a natural consequence of the difficulties in the diagnosis of each. […] If known causes of vulvovaginal pain have been eliminated, pain and burning related to sexual intercourse comprise the problem. […] It is amazing that it has taken so long to find evidence to support the 500-year old definition of vaginismus as related to spasms of the muscles of the pelvic floor. […] In the vaginismus literature, there is frequent mention of “negative sexual attitudes:” negativity about sex before marriage and sexuality in general, sexual guilt, plus sexual ignorance and lack of sexual education. […] A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis found a significant relationship between a history of sexual and emotional abuse and the diagnosis of dyspareunia.

• #144 Clinical assessment and management of vaginismus

  https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2024/january-february/clinical-assessment-and-management-of-vaginismus

  The fear-avoidance model of pain is often used to conceptualise the development and maintenance of vaginismus. […] The experience of vaginismus is then exacerbated and perpetuated in a vicious cycle. […] A differential diagnosis of vaginismus can be made with a thorough history-taking, genital examination and single digit vaginal examination (if able). […] Successful treatment of vaginismus is generally multidisciplinary and involves a combination of patient education, pelvic floor muscle relaxation, use of vaginal trainers and psychological therapy. […] We currently lack an understanding of the aetiology of vaginismus, but the fear-avoidance model can be helpful to conceptualise the condition. […] Predisposing factors for vaginismus include explicit and implicit sociocultural attitudes around sex.

• #145 Vaginismus/pelvic floor dysfunction (inability to experience vaginal penetration) – Vulvovaginal Disorders

  https://vulvovaginaldisorders.org/pelvic-floor-dysfunction/

  And finally, long expected findings of fear and avoidance behaviors appeared to be the primary distinguishing features. […] The construction of an etiology for any clinical syndrome with vast connections to psychological and relational well-being is arduous. […] The act of intercourse is significantly altered by GPPPD; this new classification transforms sexual intercourse into a stage, a mere location where pain puts on its disagreeable act. […] After forty years of sometimes conflicting research, there is strong evidence that the vulva and vagina have unique inflammatory and immunological properties, representing pain from pro-inflammatory substances as the etiology of genital pain. […] The fact that vulvodynia tends to overlap with other chronic pain conditions leads to the inference that central mechanisms are involved.

• #146 Clinical assessment and management of vaginismus

  https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2024/january-february/clinical-assessment-and-management-of-vaginismus

  The fear-avoidance model of pain is often used to conceptualise the development and maintenance of vaginismus. […] The experience of vaginismus is then exacerbated and perpetuated in a vicious cycle. […] A differential diagnosis of vaginismus can be made with a thorough history-taking, genital examination and single digit vaginal examination (if able). […] Successful treatment of vaginismus is generally multidisciplinary and involves a combination of patient education, pelvic floor muscle relaxation, use of vaginal trainers and psychological therapy. […] We currently lack an understanding of the aetiology of vaginismus, but the fear-avoidance model can be helpful to conceptualise the condition. […] Predisposing factors for vaginismus include explicit and implicit sociocultural attitudes around sex.

• #147 Management of Dyspareunia and Vaginismus | AAFP

  https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2000/0415/p2511.html

  Dyspareunia and vaginismus are the two most common sexual dysfunctions in women. […] Vaginismus is a conditioned pain caused by involuntary spasm of the muscles around the lower one third of the vagina, resulting from the association of sexual activity with pain and fear. […] The immediate cause of vaginismus is involuntary spasm of the muscles around the lower one third of the vagina. This initial response may be secondary to sexual abuse, frightening childhood medical procedures, painful first intercourse, relationship problems, sexual inhibition or fear of pregnancy. […] Primary vaginismus is diagnosed in women who have never experienced vaginal penetration, while secondary vaginismus denotes prior successful vaginal penetration.

• #148 Vaginismus/pelvic floor dysfunction (inability to experience vaginal penetration) – Vulvovaginal Disorders

  https://vulvovaginaldisorders.org/pelvic-floor-dysfunction/

  And finally, long expected findings of fear and avoidance behaviors appeared to be the primary distinguishing features. […] The construction of an etiology for any clinical syndrome with vast connections to psychological and relational well-being is arduous. […] The act of intercourse is significantly altered by GPPPD; this new classification transforms sexual intercourse into a stage, a mere location where pain puts on its disagreeable act. […] After forty years of sometimes conflicting research, there is strong evidence that the vulva and vagina have unique inflammatory and immunological properties, representing pain from pro-inflammatory substances as the etiology of genital pain. […] The fact that vulvodynia tends to overlap with other chronic pain conditions leads to the inference that central mechanisms are involved.

• #149 Vaginismus/pelvic floor dysfunction (inability to experience vaginal penetration) – Vulvovaginal Disorders

  https://vulvovaginaldisorders.org/pelvic-floor-dysfunction/

  Abundant research efforts of the last 30 years have resulted in a rich literature pointing to the important role of cognitive, affective, and behavioral factors in the experience of painful sex. […] Anxiety and depressive symptoms appear to be prominent affective correlates of painful sex, and they may predate the pain. […] The strongest relational predictor of pain experience and the couple’s sexual and relationship adjustment, however, is partner responses to the pain problem. […] The latest study delved into the interdependence of both partners’ responses in the context of GPPPD. […] There is growing evidence that some, but not all, people with chronic musculoskeletal pain avoid a wide variety of stimuli, including those directly (e.g. physical activities) and indirectly (e.g. social activities) associated with pain.

• #150 Dyspareunia and Vaginismus | GLOWM

  https://www.glowm.com/section-view/heading/Dyspareunia%20and%20Vaginismus/item/429

  The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) states that sexual trauma, negative attitudes towards sex, and youth are etiologic or associated features of vaginismus. […] Other factors reported include physical abuse, sexual ignorance, lack of differentiation, and relationship difficulties. […] One study confirms that a history of sexual trauma and less positive attitudes about sexuality were more commonly reported in the vaginismus group compared with women with vulvar vestibulitis and those in a no pain group. […] These findings support other authors who invite us to reconsider our traditional approach to identifying and treating dyspareunia and vaginismus as a sexual dysfunction and approach it as a pain syndrome. […] Pelvic floor muscle spasm is the defining physical finding on digital examination that is diagnostic of vaginismus.

• #151 Vaginismus/pelvic floor dysfunction (inability to experience vaginal penetration) – Vulvovaginal Disorders

  https://vulvovaginaldisorders.org/pelvic-floor-dysfunction/

  Vaginismus has been a problem child for over 150 years. Gynecologist Marion Sims in 1862 spoke in an address to the Obstetrical Society of London, describing what he called vaginismus as “involuntary spasmodic closure of the mouth of the vagina, attended with such excessive supersensitiveness as to form a complete barrier to coition. […] Some authors believe that the degree of distress, anxiety, and self reported interference with penetration is more central to the diagnosis than is muscle tone. […] After Sims’ description, the medical world expended great effort to confirm the hypertonic, spasmotic muscle state of vaginismus, and to consider, without supporting evidence, this as a largely psychosomatic diagnosis. […] Women with vaginismus did, however, display higher muscle tonicity, lower muscle strength, and significantly greater distress and avoidance behavior during pelvic examinations.

• #152 Dyspareunia and Vaginismus | GLOWM

  https://www.glowm.com/section-view/heading/Dyspareunia%20and%20Vaginismus/item/429

  Binik states that „the available empiric evidence does not support this definition”. […] He argues that the diagnosis of vaginismus and dyspareunia „be collapsed into a single entity, called genitopelvic pain/penetration disorder”. […] Most sexual medicine physicians would argue that despite the lack of empiric evidence, superficial dyspareunia and/or vaginismus CAN be easily diagnosed with a careful history, visual examination, Q-tip test, and a one-finger vaginal examination. […] The incidence of primary vaginismus is estimated to be 12%. […] In clinic populations, secondary vaginismus is by far more common finding and often accounts for over 50% of women with coital pain.

• #153 Vaginismus (Causes, Symptoms and Treatment)

  https://patient.info/doctor/vaginismus

  Vaginismus is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as a 'genitopelvic pain disorder and/or penetration disorder’ (GPPPD), which attempts to bring together the concepts and full spectrum of painful vaginal penetration. […] These problems are common and may be related to numerous factors in the woman’s life: Overwork, Depression, Unrelated disease, Relationship problems, Drug abuse, Alcohol problems, Hormonal changes, Prescribed drugs. […] Research methodology is often flawed in this area and there is a lack of meaningful data on psychological causes. Negative perceptions of the woman’s own sexuality are common. Events such as an early adverse sexual experience (although not necessarily assault or rape) or unsympathetic genital examination are thought to contribute. Cultural factors are thought to contribute in some. An organic factor may be a vestibulodynia – a tender area at the entrance to the vagina. This may be caused by postmenopausal oestrogen deficiency, trauma associated with genital surgery, abnormalities of the hymen, genital tract infections, skin disorders or pelvic radiotherapy.

• #154 Vaginismus: Diagnostic Challenges and Proposed Diagnostic Criteria

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10767778/

  Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a widespread condition that is least addressed in clinical practice worldwide. Vaginismus is a relatively rare FSD with a low prevalence in society but a higher reported clinical prevalence rate of 5-7%. Vaginismus is caused mainly by psychological factors. Dyspareunia is associated with sexual abuse, whereas vaginismus is related to sexual and emotional abuse. Excessive dread of pain during penetration is a common symptom reported by people with vaginismus. A phobia is defined as a marked and persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable that is triggered by the presence or anticipation of a specific object or situation; thus, vaginismus is considered a phobia. Vaginismus is a phobic disorder characterized by significant emotional distress, fear, or anxiety with vaginal penetration, which helps to differentiate between the two. Vaginismus is a phobic disorder, whereas dyspareunia is a pain disorder. Some people with painful genital conditions experience pain and spasms that are out of proportion to the underlying condition, resulting in phobic fear of penetration, a condition better called as dyspareunia vaginismus overlap syndrome. According to the newly proposed criteria, those who meet the subjective, objective, and frequency duration criteria and the exclusion criteria are classified as having vaginismus.

• #155 Dyspareunia and Vaginismus | GLOWM

  https://www.glowm.com/section-view/heading/Dyspareunia%20and%20Vaginismus/item/429

  The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) states that sexual trauma, negative attitudes towards sex, and youth are etiologic or associated features of vaginismus. […] Other factors reported include physical abuse, sexual ignorance, lack of differentiation, and relationship difficulties. […] One study confirms that a history of sexual trauma and less positive attitudes about sexuality were more commonly reported in the vaginismus group compared with women with vulvar vestibulitis and those in a no pain group. […] These findings support other authors who invite us to reconsider our traditional approach to identifying and treating dyspareunia and vaginismus as a sexual dysfunction and approach it as a pain syndrome. […] Pelvic floor muscle spasm is the defining physical finding on digital examination that is diagnostic of vaginismus.

• #156 Vaginismus (Causes, Symptoms and Treatment)

  https://patient.info/doctor/vaginismus

  Vaginismus is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as a 'genitopelvic pain disorder and/or penetration disorder’ (GPPPD), which attempts to bring together the concepts and full spectrum of painful vaginal penetration. […] These problems are common and may be related to numerous factors in the woman’s life: Overwork, Depression, Unrelated disease, Relationship problems, Drug abuse, Alcohol problems, Hormonal changes, Prescribed drugs. […] Research methodology is often flawed in this area and there is a lack of meaningful data on psychological causes. Negative perceptions of the woman’s own sexuality are common. Events such as an early adverse sexual experience (although not necessarily assault or rape) or unsympathetic genital examination are thought to contribute. Cultural factors are thought to contribute in some. An organic factor may be a vestibulodynia – a tender area at the entrance to the vagina. This may be caused by postmenopausal oestrogen deficiency, trauma associated with genital surgery, abnormalities of the hymen, genital tract infections, skin disorders or pelvic radiotherapy.

• #157

  https://www.intimaterose.com/pages/vaginismus?srsltid=AfmBOopW0RSvNNE1-mwI6UkuiWLRZC33ROJL_empp2Ukp10GBHYG6krr

  Vaginismus is a medical condition in which involuntary muscle spasms in the pelvic floor muscles make any kind of vaginal penetration difficult or impossible. This can cause pain, discomfort, and emotional distress. […] Causes may include psychological factors like fear, anxiety, or past trauma, although it can sometimes be linked to physical conditions. […] Secondary vaginismus occurs in women who have had pain-free penetrative sex before but start experiencing pain later in life. This may happen due to a variety of factors, such as hormonal changes, medical conditions, surgeries, or psychological factors like relationship stress or trauma. […] The causes of vaginismus can be complex and multifactorial, often involving both physical and psychological elements. Understanding the underlying causes can be crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment. Below are some of the common causes:

• #158 Vaginismus/pelvic floor dysfunction (inability to experience vaginal penetration) – Vulvovaginal Disorders

  https://vulvovaginaldisorders.org/pelvic-floor-dysfunction/

  Compared with controls, partners in a painful sexual relationship experienced significantly poorer sexual communication, and less satisfaction with sex. […] Vaginismus may develop in response to a man’s sexual problems, or vaginismus may cause sexual problems in men. […] The etiologic complexity of GPPPD, the slow-moving (if voluminous) research effort, and the clinical resistance to the adoption of evidence-based treatments require a high tolerance for ambiguity and a dogged determination to keep working at solving the GPPPD puzzle. […] The future research effort centering on pain resolution or on its management, is going to require randomized clinical trials with a strong biopsychosocial design. […] The GPPPD diagnosis is in a position of marked change if the current research on PVD bears fruit.

• #159 Clinical assessment and management of vaginismus

  https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2024/january-february/clinical-assessment-and-management-of-vaginismus

  The fear-avoidance model of pain is often used to conceptualise the development and maintenance of vaginismus. […] The experience of vaginismus is then exacerbated and perpetuated in a vicious cycle. […] A differential diagnosis of vaginismus can be made with a thorough history-taking, genital examination and single digit vaginal examination (if able). […] Successful treatment of vaginismus is generally multidisciplinary and involves a combination of patient education, pelvic floor muscle relaxation, use of vaginal trainers and psychological therapy. […] We currently lack an understanding of the aetiology of vaginismus, but the fear-avoidance model can be helpful to conceptualise the condition. […] Predisposing factors for vaginismus include explicit and implicit sociocultural attitudes around sex.

• #160 Dyspareunia and Vaginismus | GLOWM

  https://www.glowm.com/section-view/heading/Dyspareunia%20and%20Vaginismus/item/429

  Binik states that „the available empiric evidence does not support this definition”. […] He argues that the diagnosis of vaginismus and dyspareunia „be collapsed into a single entity, called genitopelvic pain/penetration disorder”. […] Most sexual medicine physicians would argue that despite the lack of empiric evidence, superficial dyspareunia and/or vaginismus CAN be easily diagnosed with a careful history, visual examination, Q-tip test, and a one-finger vaginal examination. […] The incidence of primary vaginismus is estimated to be 12%. […] In clinic populations, secondary vaginismus is by far more common finding and often accounts for over 50% of women with coital pain.

• #161 Clinical assessment and management of vaginismus

  https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2024/january-february/clinical-assessment-and-management-of-vaginismus

  The fear-avoidance model of pain is often used to conceptualise the development and maintenance of vaginismus. […] The experience of vaginismus is then exacerbated and perpetuated in a vicious cycle. […] A differential diagnosis of vaginismus can be made with a thorough history-taking, genital examination and single digit vaginal examination (if able). […] Successful treatment of vaginismus is generally multidisciplinary and involves a combination of patient education, pelvic floor muscle relaxation, use of vaginal trainers and psychological therapy. […] We currently lack an understanding of the aetiology of vaginismus, but the fear-avoidance model can be helpful to conceptualise the condition. […] Predisposing factors for vaginismus include explicit and implicit sociocultural attitudes around sex.

• #162 Clinical assessment and management of vaginismus

  https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2024/january-february/clinical-assessment-and-management-of-vaginismus

  The fear-avoidance model of pain is often used to conceptualise the development and maintenance of vaginismus. […] The experience of vaginismus is then exacerbated and perpetuated in a vicious cycle. […] A differential diagnosis of vaginismus can be made with a thorough history-taking, genital examination and single digit vaginal examination (if able). […] Successful treatment of vaginismus is generally multidisciplinary and involves a combination of patient education, pelvic floor muscle relaxation, use of vaginal trainers and psychological therapy. […] We currently lack an understanding of the aetiology of vaginismus, but the fear-avoidance model can be helpful to conceptualise the condition. […] Predisposing factors for vaginismus include explicit and implicit sociocultural attitudes around sex.

• #163 Clinical assessment and management of vaginismus

  https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2024/january-february/clinical-assessment-and-management-of-vaginismus

  The fear-avoidance model of pain is often used to conceptualise the development and maintenance of vaginismus. […] The experience of vaginismus is then exacerbated and perpetuated in a vicious cycle. […] A differential diagnosis of vaginismus can be made with a thorough history-taking, genital examination and single digit vaginal examination (if able). […] Successful treatment of vaginismus is generally multidisciplinary and involves a combination of patient education, pelvic floor muscle relaxation, use of vaginal trainers and psychological therapy. […] We currently lack an understanding of the aetiology of vaginismus, but the fear-avoidance model can be helpful to conceptualise the condition. […] Predisposing factors for vaginismus include explicit and implicit sociocultural attitudes around sex.

• #164 Clinical assessment and management of vaginismus

  https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2024/january-february/clinical-assessment-and-management-of-vaginismus

  The fear-avoidance model of pain is often used to conceptualise the development and maintenance of vaginismus. […] The experience of vaginismus is then exacerbated and perpetuated in a vicious cycle. […] A differential diagnosis of vaginismus can be made with a thorough history-taking, genital examination and single digit vaginal examination (if able). […] Successful treatment of vaginismus is generally multidisciplinary and involves a combination of patient education, pelvic floor muscle relaxation, use of vaginal trainers and psychological therapy. […] We currently lack an understanding of the aetiology of vaginismus, but the fear-avoidance model can be helpful to conceptualise the condition. […] Predisposing factors for vaginismus include explicit and implicit sociocultural attitudes around sex.

• #165 Vaginismus – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaginismus

  Specific muscle involvement is unclear, but the condition may involve the levator ani, bulbocavernosus, circumvaginal, or perivaginal muscles. […] The diagnosis of vaginismus, as well as other diagnoses of female sexual dysfunction, can be made when „symptoms are sufficient to result in personal distress.” […] According to a 2011 study, those with vaginismus are twice as likely to have a history of childhood sexual interference and held less positive attitudes about their sexuality, whereas no correlation was noted for lack of sexual knowledge or (nonsexual) physical abuse. […] Anxiolytics and antidepressants are other pharmacotherapies that have been offered to people in conjunction with other psychotherapy modalities and to people with high levels of anxiety from their condition. Evidence for these medications is limited.

• #166 Clinical assessment and management of vaginismus

  https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2024/january-february/clinical-assessment-and-management-of-vaginismus

  The fear-avoidance model of pain is often used to conceptualise the development and maintenance of vaginismus. […] The experience of vaginismus is then exacerbated and perpetuated in a vicious cycle. […] A differential diagnosis of vaginismus can be made with a thorough history-taking, genital examination and single digit vaginal examination (if able). […] Successful treatment of vaginismus is generally multidisciplinary and involves a combination of patient education, pelvic floor muscle relaxation, use of vaginal trainers and psychological therapy. […] We currently lack an understanding of the aetiology of vaginismus, but the fear-avoidance model can be helpful to conceptualise the condition. […] Predisposing factors for vaginismus include explicit and implicit sociocultural attitudes around sex.

• #167 Vaginismus/pelvic floor dysfunction (inability to experience vaginal penetration) – Vulvovaginal Disorders

  https://vulvovaginaldisorders.org/pelvic-floor-dysfunction/

  Compared with controls, partners in a painful sexual relationship experienced significantly poorer sexual communication, and less satisfaction with sex. […] Vaginismus may develop in response to a man’s sexual problems, or vaginismus may cause sexual problems in men. […] The etiologic complexity of GPPPD, the slow-moving (if voluminous) research effort, and the clinical resistance to the adoption of evidence-based treatments require a high tolerance for ambiguity and a dogged determination to keep working at solving the GPPPD puzzle. […] The future research effort centering on pain resolution or on its management, is going to require randomized clinical trials with a strong biopsychosocial design. […] The GPPPD diagnosis is in a position of marked change if the current research on PVD bears fruit.

• #168 Clinical assessment and management of vaginismus

  https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2024/january-february/clinical-assessment-and-management-of-vaginismus

  The fear-avoidance model of pain is often used to conceptualise the development and maintenance of vaginismus. […] The experience of vaginismus is then exacerbated and perpetuated in a vicious cycle. […] A differential diagnosis of vaginismus can be made with a thorough history-taking, genital examination and single digit vaginal examination (if able). […] Successful treatment of vaginismus is generally multidisciplinary and involves a combination of patient education, pelvic floor muscle relaxation, use of vaginal trainers and psychological therapy. […] We currently lack an understanding of the aetiology of vaginismus, but the fear-avoidance model can be helpful to conceptualise the condition. […] Predisposing factors for vaginismus include explicit and implicit sociocultural attitudes around sex.

• #169 Clinical assessment and management of vaginismus

  https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2024/january-february/clinical-assessment-and-management-of-vaginismus

  The fear-avoidance model of pain is often used to conceptualise the development and maintenance of vaginismus. […] The experience of vaginismus is then exacerbated and perpetuated in a vicious cycle. […] A differential diagnosis of vaginismus can be made with a thorough history-taking, genital examination and single digit vaginal examination (if able). […] Successful treatment of vaginismus is generally multidisciplinary and involves a combination of patient education, pelvic floor muscle relaxation, use of vaginal trainers and psychological therapy. […] We currently lack an understanding of the aetiology of vaginismus, but the fear-avoidance model can be helpful to conceptualise the condition. […] Predisposing factors for vaginismus include explicit and implicit sociocultural attitudes around sex.

• #170 Clinical assessment and management of vaginismus

  https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2024/january-february/clinical-assessment-and-management-of-vaginismus

  The fear-avoidance model of pain is often used to conceptualise the development and maintenance of vaginismus. […] The experience of vaginismus is then exacerbated and perpetuated in a vicious cycle. […] A differential diagnosis of vaginismus can be made with a thorough history-taking, genital examination and single digit vaginal examination (if able). […] Successful treatment of vaginismus is generally multidisciplinary and involves a combination of patient education, pelvic floor muscle relaxation, use of vaginal trainers and psychological therapy. […] We currently lack an understanding of the aetiology of vaginismus, but the fear-avoidance model can be helpful to conceptualise the condition. […] Predisposing factors for vaginismus include explicit and implicit sociocultural attitudes around sex.

• #171 Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder – Women’s Health Issues – Merck Manual Consumer Version

  https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/sexual-function-and-dysfunction-in-women/genito-pelvic-pain-penetration-disorder

  Provoked vestibulodynia may result from a combination of factors, including inflammation or an immune reaction, an increased number of nerve fibers, menopause or other causes of decreased production of estrogen, and problems with the pelvic floor muscles. […] Levator ani syndrome (vaginismus) can be treated with progressive desensitization (done by hand or with dilators). This technique enables women to gradually get used to the genital area being touched.

• #172 Clinical assessment and management of vaginismus

  https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2024/january-february/clinical-assessment-and-management-of-vaginismus

  The fear-avoidance model of pain is often used to conceptualise the development and maintenance of vaginismus. […] The experience of vaginismus is then exacerbated and perpetuated in a vicious cycle. […] A differential diagnosis of vaginismus can be made with a thorough history-taking, genital examination and single digit vaginal examination (if able). […] Successful treatment of vaginismus is generally multidisciplinary and involves a combination of patient education, pelvic floor muscle relaxation, use of vaginal trainers and psychological therapy. […] We currently lack an understanding of the aetiology of vaginismus, but the fear-avoidance model can be helpful to conceptualise the condition. […] Predisposing factors for vaginismus include explicit and implicit sociocultural attitudes around sex.

• #173 Vaginismus – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaginismus

  Specific muscle involvement is unclear, but the condition may involve the levator ani, bulbocavernosus, circumvaginal, or perivaginal muscles. […] The diagnosis of vaginismus, as well as other diagnoses of female sexual dysfunction, can be made when „symptoms are sufficient to result in personal distress.” […] According to a 2011 study, those with vaginismus are twice as likely to have a history of childhood sexual interference and held less positive attitudes about their sexuality, whereas no correlation was noted for lack of sexual knowledge or (nonsexual) physical abuse. […] Anxiolytics and antidepressants are other pharmacotherapies that have been offered to people in conjunction with other psychotherapy modalities and to people with high levels of anxiety from their condition. Evidence for these medications is limited.

• #174 Vaginismus Causes

  https://hopeandher.com/pages/vaginismus-causes

  Though normally very effective, life experiences may be internalized in a way that causes the limbic system to respond with vaginismus. […] Vaginismus does not always have an obvious cause. Sometimes women with near-perfect childhoods, great relationships, no physical problems, and few anxieties, have trouble identifying a trigger to their vaginismus. The cause might remain a mystery even after vaginismus is fully resolved. […] Fortunately, vaginismus is fully treatable. Women can gain control over their vaginal muscles and override the limbic system reaction that causes the tightness.

• #175

  https://www.yourdaye.com/en-us/vitals/womens-health/what-is-vaginismus-causes-diagnosis-treatment/?srsltid=AfmBOoqSkxcRcFyX8NWyFLNHpLjhqPm0u_FDKTGwAnz2uDVqjV4GVUVq

  Vaginismus is a very complex condition and has a huge impact on a persons quality of life. Intercourse becomes painful, if not impossible, which is made even worse by societys obsession with penetrative sex. […] Vaginismus is a psychosomatic condition, and although there are symptoms when penetration is attempted, the body and genitals appear unaffected. […] The challenge is because the muscular tension in the pelvic floor is a normal part of functioning, however the muscles are going beyond their normal way of working, and are more tense in certain situations preventing comfortable penetration. […] Vaginismus is curable, societal stigma and lack of research means it can be very hard to find a treatment that works for each individual, as its a unique experience rather than a one-size-fits-all scenario. […] Vaginismus is a psychosomatic, meaning treatment is not as straightforward as that for thrush, or perhaps a cyst its most often time consuming and multi-disciplinary. […] Both mind and body play a big part in vaginismus, and so it’s important to tackle both sides of the condition.

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