The Pathophysiology and Etiology of Vaginismus

SummaryVaginismus is defined as an involuntary spasm of the pelvic muscles surrounding the outer third of the vagina, especially the perineal muscles and the levator ani muscles. Its severe form usually makes penetration virtually impossible and causes a severe, burning pain, and leads to unconsummated marriage. There appears to be basic agreement that vaginismus is a psychosociologic disorder with phobic elements resulting from actual or imagined negative experiences with penetration attempts. Fear and anxiety concerning penetration is expressed physiologically via the involuntary vaginal muscle spasm that characterizes vaginismus. Since 1547, when vaginismus was first described, thousands of research papers have been published on this female sexual disorder. However, the etiology of vaginismus remains controversial. Women with vaginismus generally experience shame, disgust and dislike toward their genitals. They frequently have or have had other phobias. They are usually overprotected by their fathers and have been “good girls” since childhood. Their sexual partners are usually kind, gentle, considerate and passive “nice guys”. The male partner's lack of aggressiveness actually leads to unconsummation of the marriage. The sexually secure husband can usually overcome mild degrees of vaginismus by persistent but firm penile insertion. For moderate to severe degrees of vaginismus, medical intervention is usually necessary to lead to consummation of the marriage