Vaginismus in an involuntary tightness of the muscles around the vagina, called the pelvic floor muscles. This can result in problems with pain or burning in the vagina with intercourse and can result in a woman being unable to have vaginal intercourse or even insert tampons, have a vaginal examination or cervical smear test.
Once other medical causes for the pain have been excluded, treatment focuses on behavioural therapy to relearn concious control of the pelvic floor muscles. Therapy concentrates on pelvic floor relaxation rather than pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercises. Often physiotherapists, continence nurses or physical therapists that are experienced in treating this condition can help with treatment. Using Vaginal Dilators can also help many women who suffer with this condition.
Dyspareunia refers to pain with intercourse. Vaginismus is one of the many causes of dyspareunia.
