Vaginal tightness, or difficulty or inability to allow penetration for intercourse is the primary symptom of Vaginismus. Normally, the vaginal sphincter keeps the vagina closed until (sexual stimulation) the need to expand and relax. This relaxation allows intercourse, childbirth, medical examination and insertion of tampons. Therefore, vaginismus occurs when the vagina is unable to relax and permit the penetration of the penis during intercourse however, when vaginismus does occur, the sphincter goes into spasm resulting in the tightening of the vagina. With some women, vaginismus prevents all attempts at successful intercourse. Vaginismus is not uncommon and may occur later in life, even if a woman has a history of enjoyable and painless intercourse.

The cause of vaginismus is often a result of an aversive stimulus associated with penetration. Some of the more common aversive stimuli are traumatic sexual assaults, painful intercourse, and traumatic pelvic exam.

Vaginismus may not only result from past sexual trauma but also the patient having strong inhibitions about sex stemming from strict religious orthodoxy or cultural norms.

This disorder does not mean that women suffering from this disorder are frigid. Many are very sexually responsive and may have orgasms through clitoral stimulation. Many women with vaginismus may seek sexual contact and sexual foreplay as long as actual intercourse/vaginal penetration is avoided.

Concepts such as penetration, intercourse and even sex can cause fear or trepidation in the mind of may a young inexperienced woman who may hear stories about painful first intercourse, which then reinforce the fear of penetration. This fear can compound and create a pattern of sexual anxiety, causing the vagina to remain dry and unrelaxed before intercourse.

In some cases, vaginismus may occur after a history of successful and enjoyable intercourse due to a vaginal infection, the physical after-effects of childbirth, tiredness or some other cause. This may be triggered by painful intercourse, due to the condition and then possibly lead to a pattern of further vaginismus even though the original cause has disappeared.

Hypno-Analysis can help you to resolve any emotional conflicts within you that are effecting the problem. Think of them simply as bottled up emotions. Once identified and released, your greater emotional insight will help you to let go of the symptom they've cause.