Pelvic Health and Alignment

Vaginismus can be another cause of pain with intercourse and can sometimes prevent any kind of penetrative sex. What is it? Vaginismus is the involuntary reflexive contraction of the pelvic floor muscles (in particular those around the vaginal opening) in response to attempted penetration, whether it be from a tampon, speculum or penis. You may or may not experience any pain with this. The muscular response can vary from a slight contraction but still allow for penetration (albeit usually uncomfortable or painful) or completely close the vagina to not allow any penetration at all. For the partner, it can feel like 'running into a brick wall' when the muscles are so firmly contracted. Vaginismus may or may not be experienced in combination with Vestibulodynia . What causes it? There is not always a obvious cause of vaginismus. In a lot of cases it is a learned response of the muscles due to a painful experience with penetration or after an event such as childbirth...