Vaginismus
The following explanations are borrowed from the Vaginismus Awareness Network:
- Vaginismus is the defensive reaction a vagina has when she is afraid or in pain.
- Vaginismus is pelvic muscles clamping shut in anticipation of pain.
- Vaginismus is the medical condition which makes it painful or impossible for a woman to insert anything inside her.
The “official” medical definition of vaginismus, according to the Vaginismus Awareness Network, is:
“The persistent or recurrent difficulties of the woman to allow vaginal entry of a penis, a finger, and/or any object, despite the woman’s expressed wish to do so. There is often (phobic) avoidance and anticipation/fear/experience of pain, along with variable involuntary pelvic muscle contraction. Structural or other physical abnormalities must be ruled out/addressed.” (Revised Definitions of Women’s Sexual Dysfunction)
Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome (VVS)
“VVS is an inflammation of the vestibule, or opening to the vagina and the tissues immediately around the vaginal opening. This condition is also sometimes called vestibular adenitis. The classic description of VVS involves redness of the vulvar vestibule, especially with small red spots; pain with intercourse or tampon insertion and stinging pain when urinating.” (“Vulvodynia and Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome FAQ”)
“Women with primary VVS are women who have pain ever since their first attempt at intercourse. In fact, most women with primary VVS have had pain when they first started to use tampons. Approximately 20-25% of women with VVS have primary VVS. Women with secondary VVS have pain beginning after some period of pain free intercourse.” (“14 Different Treatments for Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome”)
