Painful sex is one of the most common sexual problems that we see in our clinics. This can be due to a range of different factors. Two of the most common presentations of painful sex are what we call vaginismus and vulvodynia.
Vaginismus
Vaginismus involves recurrent or persistent involuntary tightening of the pelvic floor muscles around the vagina whenever penetration is attempted.
Vaginismus can disrupt or completely stop your sex life, and can lead to distress, a loss of confidence, and relationship problems. It may even prevent you starting a family. The condition can also make gynaecological and pelvic examinations difficult or impossible.
Symptoms can vary from one person to the next. Some are unable to insert anything into their vagina because it closes up completely, while others can insert something small (for example, a tampon) but are unable to have penetrative sex. Others are able to have sex but find it very painful.
Vulvodynia
Vulvodynia is persistent pain in the vulva (the external genital lips surrounding the entrance to the vagina) which is not accounted for by an infection or skin condition of the vulva. It can affect you at any age and often occurs in people who are otherwise healthy.
Links / resources
- Vaginismus – the NHS website
Information about the underlying causes of vaginismus, its diagnosis and treatment. - Vulvodynia (vulval pain) – the NHS website
Symptoms and possible causes of vulvodynia. - Hope & Her
Website with lots of useful information and an affordable eBook. - Vulval Pain Society
Resources, advice and information for people living with vulval pain, families, and healthcare providers.