How common is vaginismus?
Vaginismus, or genito pelvic pain penetration disorder, is a condition not discussed openly. It is often a hidden sexual problem.
Many women often experience relief when they are finally diagnosed with the condition. Finally, there is a name to what they have silently suffered with for many years.
They did not understand why vaginal penetration wasn’t possible. Why their vaginal muscles tightened. Why they unconsciously and automatically pulled away from their partner when he tried to touch them.
This led to them feeling confused, anxious and fearful. Feeling like they had no control over their body.
My vaginismus clients often tell me, “I never heard of vaginismus before I was diagnosed. I felt alone before. Now I have a name, I can start focusing on resolving this.”
Even though you may feel alone with vaginismus, know that you are not alone. This condition is widespread across the world. During the past 14 years of my private sex hypnotherapy practice, I have worked with many women who want to have sex. However, fear and vaginismus holds them back
What is Vaginismus?
Vaginismus is a sexual dysfunction condition that causes the vaginal muscles to involuntary contract. This causes penetrative sex, gynaecological examinations, or using tampons difficult or impossible.
Fear of sexual intercourse, muscle tightness, tension and sexual pain are also associated with the condition.
Vaginismus is classed as either primary or secondary.
Primary vaginismus
Primary vaginismus occurs when women have never been able to have penetrative sex. This often starts in the teenager years, or early adulthood, when first attempting to insert a tampon, or have sex for the first time. Many women who experience primary vaginismus may be married, but are still a virgin.
Secondary vaginismus
Secondary vaginismus occurs when a woman has previously been able to have sexual intercourse, had a healthy sex life, but is no longer able to do.
Vaginismus does not discriminate
One thing I discovered with my own experience of this condition and working with women is that vaginismus does not discriminate.
For some women, it may be connected to childhood experiences, trauma, a previous abusive relationship, fears about sex, strict religious or conservative upbringing, or even a disconnect from the body and vagina. For others, the inability to have sex suddenly appears without warning, even though they had positive sexual experiences in the past.
The emotional pain of trying to have sex
The emotional impact of suffering from vaginismus can be huge for some women.
Women can experience deep shame and a loss of identity. This can lead some women to avoid vaginal penetration or even relationships.
They can put off starting a family because they are afraid to start dating. Being afraid of sex and fearful of painful sex causes women to lead an unlived life.
Vaginismus statistics
There are many worldwide studies done on the statistics of vaginismus.
It is estimated 4 - 17 percent of women are affected by it. Although the true number may be higher, many women unfortunately do not seek vaginismus treatment or diagnosis.
The vaginismus statics is also available on vulvatech.com.
Here is a breakdown:
47% of women who suffer from vaginismus are either single or dating
53% of women are married
53% of women who experience vaginismus are aged between 26 and 35 years
26% of women are between 36 and 50 years old.
You are also more than a statistic
It is my hope that this article gives you an understanding of how common vaginismus is. As well as providing hope for resolving this condition.
Now that you understand how common vaginismus is, you may be ready to find the courage and seek treatment for it.
There are many different ways to resolve vaginismus, and it’s important to find the path suitable for you.
Perhaps sexual solutions for sexual problems may be suitable for you. If you have any questions, do let us know, as we are ready to answer them.
Linda Connors, a Sex Hypnotherapist and Confidence Coach, specialises in working with vaginismus. John Donlon is a Couples Sex Therapist and IFS Relationship Counsellor, and specialises in working with sexless marriages.
We provide a free safe and confidential 30-minute telephone consultation.