vaginismus
Penetration-blocking muscle spasm
Vaginismus is an involuntary tightening of the vaginal muscles that makes penetration painful or impossible.
The condition can affect sexual intercourse, gynecological exams, or tampon insertion.
It may have physical causes, psychological origins, or both: She was diagnosed with vaginismus after years of painful sex.
Treatment typically involves pelvic floor therapy and gradual desensitization.
Of the hip girdle
- gynecologyFemale reproductive medicine
- diagnosisIdentification of illness
- chronicPersisting over time
- hypertonicHigher solute than reference
primary · secondary · lifelong · acquired · prevalence · comorbidity · prognosis · examination
Persistent apprehensive distress
- fearEmotional response to threat
- traumaLasting psychological wound
- phobiaPersistent irrational dread
- avoidanceDeliberate keeping away
anticipation · catastrophizing · hypervigilance · panic · PTSD · shame · embarrassment · distress
Involuntary muscle contraction
- contractionReduction in size
- involuntaryNot under conscious control
- tensionStretched or strained state
- perinealOf the pelvic floor
tightness · clenching · guarding · reflex · sphincter · relaxation · kegel · tonicity
Reduced response over time
- biofeedbackTraining via physiological monitoring
- botoxToxin that smooths skin
- psychotherapyTreatment through guided conversation
- counselingProfessional guidance for problems
mindfulness · lubricant · multidisciplinary · recovery · progress
Entry into something
- intercourseCommunication or sexual connection
- relationshipConnection between entities
- partnerOne who shares activity
- communicationExchanging ideas or information
trust · vulnerability · sexuality · avoidance · unconsummated · connection · disclosure · support
pelvic
Of the hip girdle
- gynecologyFemale reproductive medicine
- diagnosisIdentification of illness
- chronicPersisting over time
hypertonic · primary · secondary · lifelong · acquired · prevalence · comorbidity · prognosis · examination · speculum
anxiety
Persistent apprehensive distress
avoidance · anticipation · catastrophizing · hypervigilance · panic · PTSD · shame · embarrassment · distress · apprehension
spasm
Involuntary muscle contraction
- contractionReduction in size
- involuntaryNot under conscious control
- tensionStretched or strained state
perineal · tightness · clenching · guarding · reflex · sphincter · relaxation · kegel · tonicity
desensitization
Reduced response over time
- biofeedbackTraining via physiological monitoring
- botoxToxin that smooths skin
- psychotherapyTreatment through guided conversation
counseling · mindfulness · lubricant · multidisciplinary · recovery · progress
penetration
Entry into something
- intercourseCommunication or sexual connection
- relationshipConnection between entities
- partnerOne who shares activity
communication · trust · vulnerability · sexuality · avoidance · unconsummated · connection · disclosure · support · patience