What Is Vaginismus?

Causes

Vaginismus can be caused by a blend of either physical or emotional stressors. Any damage to the vaginal region can cause vaginismus to develop. This includes a urinary tract infection, a yeast infection, childbirth, pelvic surgery, or rough sex. Alterations to the hormones, such as taking a medication or undergoing menopause, may also result in vaginismus. However, there are many situations in which the causes of vaginismus are entirely mental. A woman who feels stressed or nervous at the idea of vaginal penetration may end up with vaginismus. It is often linked to fear of an abusive partner, traumatic events in the past, exposure to sex too early, fear of pregnancy, or anxiety about sexual performance. More and more cases of vaginismus are being linked to religious ideas about sex. Women who grew up being told to save themselves for marriage may discover they have vaginismus after they get married.

Continue reading to learn about secondary vaginismus next.