---
title: Decoding Vaginismus
date: 2021-01-06T03:00:00-05:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/decoding-vaginismus"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Decoding Vaginismus

This nonjudgmental article offers information on what causes vaginismus, helpful language for speaking with doctors, possible treatments, resources for queer and trans folks, and more

> Vaginismus is a condition that makes inserting anything—a tampon, a finger, a toy, a penis—into a vagina excruciatingly painful. It’s difficult to estimate its prevalence because it is understudied, underreported and underdiagnosed. But anyone with a vagina can experience vaginismus—trans women, trans men, non-binary people and cis women included.

Note on terminology: There’s debate in the medical world about whether "vaginismus" as a diagnosis is outdated. Along with some disturbing historical baggage, the term "vaginismus" describes a symptom, rather than the underlying medical condition causing a patient's pain -- often pelvic floor dysfunction or vestibulodynia.

[Read the full article ](https://xtramagazine.com/health/decoding-vaginismus-193199)

SOURCE: Xtra\* • AUTHOR: Andy Bandyopadhyay • LAST UPDATED: January 6, 2021

![A medical model of a vagina with vaginismus and one without](data:image/png;base64,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) [Ihor](https://stock.adobe.com/contributor/209669462/ihor?load_type=author&prev_url=detail)/Adobe Stock

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ sexual anatomies & sexual health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/sexual-anatomies-sexual-health)
- [ vulvovaginal & urinary problems](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/vulvo-vaginal-urinary-problems)
- [LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/lgbtqia-lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender-queer-intersex-and-asexual)
- [painful sex](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/painful-sex)
- [pelvic pain](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/pelvic-pain)
- [vagina](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/vagina)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[ResourcesRead

## When Sex is Painful

A concise, factual, and helpful outline of the various types of vulvovaginal pain and their treatments.

![A woman lies in bed with a sad or disappointed look on her face](data:image/png;base64,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)

A concise, factual, and helpful outline of the various types of vulvovaginal pain and their treatments.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/when-sex-is-painful)

[Stories & ConversationsListen

## Loving Relationships and Vulvovaginal Pain

In this podcast episode, a married couple shares how they navigate their sexual and emotional relationship when penetration causes vulvovaginal pain.

![Two hands clasped together with flowers](data:image/png;base64,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)

In this podcast episode, a married couple shares how they navigate their sexual and emotional relationship when penetration causes vulvovaginal pain.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/loving-relationships-and-vulvovaginal-pain)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## Stories of Chronic Vulvovaginal and Pelvic Pain

This multimedia zine is a fantastic resource for people with chronic vulvovaginal and pelvic pain (and those who care about them).

![Opening Up Zine](data:image/png;base64,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)

This multimedia zine is a fantastic resource for people with chronic vulvovaginal and pelvic pain (and those who care about them).](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/stories-of-chronic-vulvovaginal-and-pelvic-pain)

[ResourcesRead

## The History of the Word "Vagina" Illuminates Our Problem With Sexist Medicine

Even our language betrays the sexist bias of reproductive health studies. Elizabeth Hlavinka discusses how we're still being harmed by a long history of ignoring, misperceiving, and discounting women's bodies.

![A woman sits on a desk with her reproductive system exposed](data:image/png;base64,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)

Even our language betrays the sexist bias of reproductive health studies. Elizabeth Hlavinka discusses how we're still being harmed by a long history of ignoring, misperceiving, and discounting women's bodies.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/the-history-of-the-word-vagina-and-sexist-medicine)

[ResourcesRead

## Ten Things Every LGBT Older Adult Should Know about Heart Disease

This factsheet provides tips for maintaining heart health, with a particular focus on LGBT older adults.

![pexels-centre-for-ageing-better-11674389](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAEeElEQVRIiXVWzbK1NgyTDV/f/7266bpv0UXbQ2xJXTjh3v4xGYbDAclSROL49ZefAdiWJEuiJIkWLcIKK6CEE85AAgGEDUCS5Kaq+bSe6k/xU/0pPsVFtZQAbBj/e/g/fhjz2vfbPjcNnJONez82t7wHfFjtgM9bQMB2YD8zGPO39zVka+7Ktm+9xF/D57Uj7eDZiC8OW7ZgQbJtybItax+WdPtb7fLfLiC8imw75mrr3Yj/GBQlSqRaaurma5k2rgwfnaFDsA0Y7C1nEGfw+2g12a2WbupYpP3OET5FOuycK8CwgJjYGZJFv6Bsdaub3aw5858EkGDaMmTIYcPS/AcDzp0ZWJZMbWi+0MVqVnF1F3U3sQvyLtzCRCGkkMLK8QvWDujOD+VvtbNLXexiVdeq1Szpbg0+LMA2bQlnhJQTFAtwnEzDlvGaPrhdXdWreq16qp/qEu/izuk2ndsccJc/ro1FYRuIyYK2gm6ewk/tq9eqp2tRd9M7eXqt10aXYtYMcyxKbxGT/WPRtqVX1+qNvtZT/ZB3tY9H3s5QkIJKMUSbEHfIgDjfuWTS/SpYU37XqvWsZ61P1UPei2dx+OZ7kEFKTNFqjAI7RsEppqlD0H3Qa9UajqqHfVfr1Rx/Jxh0q3ck7cAhGKk0yW726l7d1VVVq2qttdaz1ucQ7JJCghhikEmmOtWX2uJl2Q7jJaBAma35rrq6q3r1K6HWWl0vwYEWgwwx2clB78u0dFmHIGxQIN1D0P3GaE/FWrU+1XVXcwhCPOX3oKfaqqOAttMIxztfvRWMTbNQlKpUi/2oH9W6qwk7LJihDnZoCCpZVnlcsi5bnoUovOfL2gSlGSxxmct83B/zubt6W2QOehz0S+XhMPO7AoQV8kyyRJpttlRWQQWt0JP6pD53dwOAx58hqF3+VlB2X6LhNBKBiatiVlOJB7qhgiu80s+Fz40/huCd5A7Wa5G4pCUtq20lfBlCBBIOOTjpnTS74QpUojLqjnXHnz/F718EocbMASu5kpVa5rIX1DYv2Ig8BHs3ki3BBTTQgU7UHXXn+nF94N9ufinoUIF1LFqpMh+7oJqN7gKMDGQgZwvd+zwaqIzO6My+su5cP11/BJ5bXWcOGodAw6FlLWvBZQthIByZSCCB1O48NLVHdEZf2ffVP65l/x6Bm/xSADZUsTnWxQUt6AEKUMCIMNJxRVzYImwoghHMYGZf2Xf2j7uMCuE2+2xWDRbYIyJYfhWgAoyxJy7gSlzANd81wkBHdERn8rp4qW+XgRRuHQVWg211qMEKlVnQgp9wRTDgQEZcyBtQhICcZmwrSF6pK3VflNtABG6L00NBbRFsc+I0n0yFi14RnQEqI+94W73JFIxghCKUyWtoLv6bQLvhFaEO7WmXK7BkKpHI3fMFpvZpYgY9UiFnOtOXaQOB29qrqf22RJx9WOpQy51oR8twXAISaUTMBCAAjGMBRyjCmUo7DRj36WBP62B5usbdfMngDOytL316ysCmCBjhCEfgPWfAwF8/+dlDkZzctgAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==)

This factsheet provides tips for maintaining heart health, with a particular focus on LGBT older adults.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/10-things-lgbt-heart-disease)

[ResourcesRead

## Finding an LGBTQ+ Inclusive Long-Term Care Community

A guide for people seeking inclusive long-term care for LGBTQ+ elders.

![Georg arthur pflueger elder care unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

A guide for people seeking inclusive long-term care for LGBTQ+ elders.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-guide-to-finding-an-lgbtqia-inclusive-long-term-care-community)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Using the Media To Explore My Asexuality

MB discusses the role of the media in teaching her about asexuality and the asexuality spectrum.

![My Story- Using the Media To Explore My Asexuality](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAET0lEQVRIiW2WbZYruQ1DL0BV98t72W6WkV3MCnMmH90uEfkhyfbMGZunulx2AyJAidQ//vkbgXTmnXn3/Z37ux9fub/y+Mr9xXzQtzIFtu3yGK5R4/K4PIbHcJWrZMtaL87bQgLg+fcvXoEAJAkhYT94fZu8/Ww/DskAEFpfCEkBsUDWD7M/JdIiWURJOvtqpROIaVCQEIHht7XoXA/HWW6iNJAmdNzpZ8xIUbcQCJZC0ZZkSFKIhDBqWKLlbfkk6UCQApkdzZ5GQoYJElGiRF7iHwIL0PrvFmI7pJ1K6BWdlXwSaLFXIi3RjRUTa+eyHR1GKImyMLX1eXmbJE03mUDHEENHHOOdThdl6a1uxFsGUmChe7lNxHGym570DFGb7nS8fY463a2aaiNjHTMFjFqVIVpCihRtfUjI0mdmzvStJFJsp5NOR2n1VA+mZWOj7egiGV4inkcRYVfaNjmd7p6TvtMNyM4sVWe0elJDNVnoNtIqoQUwSoRVVVuiFoYWWujp9EzfuW/6BiTh0rx7Do2hGriowo6E/yD48mBtMZbwhlYO784g8858ZN5kJVG4VENzUIMqXLHjLfJe9DvBQm/tFA/6Ipjp2fOR+zs9AcmLgBUeKceOvAhaHIlM8iLwLrPNAZ00mem75yPzO/NBAtoEvqiRqrjiai90PffKsBLWLnwW0SueHMmdfvT8yv1NTwAX86KuzJEaT4KWWzRb5bEOpRZWchx6oauhw0xm8kh/9fxv+kGCBr6YV+ojPeLRdsttT7ZEEcPqgNV5X/uCVrOLdoa78+h8Jf/O/E8y0UX/SH0mn8kVj3a1alqNWupFcFa6pOu99mcS6uyY0R2+Ov9KvhPIF/o9/D38DJ/J1RnT1fHUIYAhGsGB3jQ+GbhxcEeN7ugr+o52twjA78md/Go+O1dSTQWF5bOG1OzTqDeosq/OuW/c8YwfMTGrpZ3a+180wIiNLK+DSNJArRDNrdsRUG8ZxMHrfqZOWa9T1yvmzlXPnbCaQsZ2Mqu0/gy99KGSSoqM04n6EKyW40GVVHahWo1IImiIGYEaTZjwV0I5FAyYfhGclhP/Tf7Elz2igUuydqkwUJMj9J/CJ48KhhLjDAl92rh/yL/wj/gjHtGQHdlPgjARZMJEJ/wm0UaHMuMSH+g7Waf7L/kn/oE/5AuNuHBtHyDLZBLoqJc++UMSG10llZURfiIrEh/oh/S59JEvXHGhfeTtjgYz+0iYaHX2pwfHgKVPmQzxiYpYDOlD/pA/8CUPPJBxHfQtUaMkvdG1bhL12QerTsTOoFHpRXBJH/KQBy65sFkZIMQ4FXcWzlv9vJIACxsXuaQQw5Au+bLHi0CLQMhrNhqoE1Z73Oi8oZ9pDWv1dFE0xNLYsQlKHqfv+0wuGmf66ZVKzjC048UBkuwkGKWkZb3lFbVvtFv/U6LXmLznrOeI+hy33ziQn3tMWwrpObbL2NJr6Ps/SLOOQ/Jh97MAAAAASUVORK5CYII=)

MB discusses the role of the media in teaching her about asexuality and the asexuality spectrum.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-using-the-media-to-explore-my-asexuality)

[ResourcesRead

## A Report on American Indian and Alaska Native LGBT Adults in the US

A report on American Indian and Alaska Native LGBT adults in the United States, with information on how aging and care impact those populations and communities.

![48382470241_7c511908e5_c](data:image/png;base64,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)

A report on American Indian and Alaska Native LGBT adults in the United States, with information on how aging and care impact those populations and communities.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-report-on-american-indian-and-alaska-native-lgbtqia-adults-in-the-us)