Vaginismus

The Basics

Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate пїЅ пїЅ

What is vaginismus? " пїЅ Vaginismus is a condition that happens when the muscles around the opening to the vagina tighten up. The muscles tighten when something is about to be put in the vagina, such as a penis, tampon, or medical device. Vaginismus causes pain during sex. A woman might also have pain if a doctor or nurse does a pelvic exam. пїЅ пїЅ

Vaginismus can happen if a woman has anxiety about sex or pelvic exams or has had a bad experience with either of these in the past. It can also happen if a woman has an infection or other medical condition in the vagina. пїЅ пїЅ

What are the symptoms of vaginismus? " пїЅ The main symptom of vaginismus is pain when something is put in the vagina, such as a penis, finger, tampon, or medical device. Sometimes, the pain is so bad that nothing can be put in the vagina. пїЅ пїЅ

Should I see a doctor or nurse? " пїЅ If having sex is painful, see your doctor or nurse. He or she can look for the cause. If you feel pain during a pelvic exam or the pain is so bad that you cant start or continue an exam, let the doctor or nurse know when you feel it and where the pain is. пїЅ пїЅ

Is there a test for vaginismus? " пїЅ No. There is no specific test. Your doctor or nurse should be able to tell if you have it by learning about your symptoms and doing an exam. He or she might be able to feel the muscles around the opening to your vagina tighten during an exam. пїЅ пїЅ

How is vaginismus treated? " пїЅ Treatments include: пїЅ пїЅ

Treatment for any medical condition that is causing pain, such as an infection or skin irritation
Exercises to help relax the tight muscles
Physical therapy to loosen the muscles around your vagina
Devices called "dilators " пїЅ you place in your vagina " пїЅ These can help you get used to having something in the vagina. You can use numbing medicine when using the dilators so that they cause less pain.

All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. пїЅ пїЅ

This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. пїЅ пїЅ

Topic 83177 Version 2.0 пїЅ пїЅ

Release: 22.8 - C22.206 пїЅ пїЅ

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.The use of UpToDate content is governed by the UpToDate Terms of Use. пїЅ пїЅ2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. пїЅ пїЅ

Vaginismus

The Basics

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

Copyright