For some women, the vaginal muscles involuntarily or persistently contract when they attempt vaginal penetration. This is called vaginismus. The contractions can prevent sexual intercourse or make it very painful. A gentle pelvic exam typically shows no cause of the contractions. No physical abnormalities contribute to the condition. Sexual dysfunction can occur in both males and females and can usually be treated.
Almost no vagina is too tight for intercourse. Sometimes, however, you have to help prepare a bit more for penetration. In its unaroused state, the vagina is three to four inches long. That might not seem long enough for some penises or sex toys.
In some case, even the thought of the object can cause the vagina to spasm. Vaginismus can be either primary or secondary. A woman diagnosed with primary vaginismus has never been able to have penetrative sex or experience vaginal penetration without pain. Other factors may include:.
Vaginismus is a condition in which involuntary muscle spasm prevents vaginal penetration. The underlying cause is generally a fear that penetration will hurt. Treatment may include behavior therapy such as graduated exposure therapy and gradual vaginal dilatation. Severity and pain during vaginal penetration varies. Vaginismus occurs when penetrative sex or other vaginal penetration cannot be experienced without pain.