Symptoms of vaginismus include the following:
- difficult or impossible penetration of the vagina, because the muscles in the vagina have tightened
- burning or stinging pain and tightness of the vagina if penetrated by a tampon, finger or penis
- fear of pain
- intense fear of penetration and avoidance of sex
- loss of sexual desire if penetration is attempted
Symptoms of vaginismus vary in severity:
- Some women are unable to insert anything into their vagina.
- Some women can insert a tampon and complete a gynaecological exam, but intercourse isn’t possible.
- Other women can try to have intercourse, but it is very painful.
- Some women are able to have intercourse, but tightness and pain prevent orgasm.
- Some women experience years of occasional difficulty with sex and have to be constantly ready to control and relax their vagina when the symptoms occur.
Involuntary symptoms
These symptoms are completely involuntary and you cannot do anything to stop them. The body has learned to associate penetration with pain. Whenever the body expects penetration, the vaginal muscles tighten as a protective reaction.
It is not true that women who have vaginismus do not like or do not want to have sex. Many women with vaginismus enjoy closeness and share sexual pleasure with their partner. They can achieve orgasm during mutual masturbation, foreplay and oral sex. It is only when sexual intercourse is suggested or attempted that the vagina tightens to prevent penetration.
