Vaginismus

vaginismus [‚vaj·ə′niz·məs]

(medicine)

Painful vaginal spasm.

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Vaginismus 

an increased sensitivity of the female external genitalia whereby an attempt at sexual relations results in spasm of the muscle of the pelvic floor and vagina.

Vaginismus generally occurs after a psychological trauma caused by the first clumsy sexual relations and ensuing antipathy toward the male partner, and so forth. It is sometimes due to male impotence and inability to complete the sexual act. In some cases spasm may occur simply at the thought of the possible pain of intercourse. It may be triggered by a careless gynecological examination that frightens the patient. When the fear is allayed (usually by a careful gynecological examination), the vaginismus gradually disappears. In more severe cases systemic restorative treatment combined with psychotherapy may be required.

V. A. POKROVSKII