Symptoms
- Pain or burning with attempted penetration
- Difficulty inserting a tampon or undergoing an examination
- Involuntary tightening of vaginal muscles
- Anxiety or fear related to penetration
How it is treated
Treatment is usually a combination of approaches rather than a single procedure, and is tailored to what is driving the problem in your case.
Pelvic-floor physiotherapy
Helps the patient learn to relax and control the pelvic-floor muscles.
Gradual vaginal dilators
Progressive dilator therapy can help the patient become comfortable with penetration.
Psychological / sex therapy
Particularly useful when fear, anxiety, trauma, or relationship factors contribute to the condition.
Treat underlying causes
Vaginal dryness, infections, vulvar pain, or other gynaecological problems should be identified and treated.
Botox in selected cases
Botulinum toxin injections into specific pelvic-floor muscles may be considered in refractory cases by appropriately trained specialists. Evidence is still evolving.
Important
Vaginismus is a recognised, treatable condition — not a failing, and not something you need to simply put up with. Most women improve with the non-surgical approaches above. Treatment moves at your pace, and nothing is done during an examination without your consent.
Next steps
Every one of these procedures begins with an in-person gynaecological assessment. At that consultation we go through your concern, examine where necessary, explain which options are genuinely suitable for you — including doing nothing — and give you a clear estimate before anything is scheduled.
Speak to Dr. Shilpi Sankhala
Consultations are private and confidential. There is no pressure to proceed.
Request an appointmentPlease note: this page is general health information, not a diagnosis or a treatment plan. Every patient is different — please consult a doctor about your own situation. In an emergency, call (+91) 999-890-9448 immediately.