12% of women in Spain suffer from vaginismus, a dysfunction that can make pregnancy difficult.

Pain during sexual intercourse, a burning or stinging sensation, or intense discomfort during gynecological examinations are symptoms that many women suffer in silence, assuming them as normal. However, they could be related to a sexual dysfunction called vaginismus, a condition that affects 12% of women in Spain, according to data from the Spanish Society of General Medicine (SEMG).

Vaginismus manifests as an involuntary contraction of the pelvic floor muscles that surround the vagina, which can make vaginal penetration difficult or impossible. This does not mean that a woman cannot become aroused or experience pleasure, but it does limit sexual relations involving penetration, which in turn can hinder natural conception.

“Most cases are not due only to a physical cause, but are closely linked to the emotional state of the woman,” explained Dr. Clara Colomé, medical director of IVI Mallorca.

Factors such as anxiety, negative sexual experiences, trauma, low self-esteem, or lack of knowledge about the female body are among the most common causes. Although less frequent, there are also physical causes such as infections, inflammation, hymen rigidity, or hormonal changes.

There are two main types: primary vaginismus, which occurs in women who have never been able to have sexual intercourse with penetration, and secondary vaginismus, which appears after having had unproblematic relations in the past.

Often, the symptoms of this dysfunction are minimized by the environment or even by the women who suffer from it, which delays diagnosis and access to appropriate treatment. This lack of awareness and visibility causes many women to feel shame or guilt, which increases the psychological and emotional impact of vaginismus. Therefore, breaking the silence around this condition becomes a matter of public health.

Symptoms can vary depending on the degree of muscle tension and the emotional context. Some women experience mild discomfort while others may feel intense spasms in the pelvic area, legs, or even the lower back. In addition to physical pain, vaginismus can generate anticipatory anxiety before intimate contact, affecting libido and the quality of sexual and emotional life of the patient.

The treatment of vaginismus requires a comprehensive approach, combining gynecological and psychological care. Therapies include pelvic floor physiotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, progressive use of vaginal dilators, and, in some cases, personalized psychological interventions. Additionally, open communication with the partner is key during the therapeutic process.

Despite the difficulties, many women manage to overcome vaginismus and regain a normal sexual life. For those who do not completely succeed, assisted reproduction techniques—such as artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization—offer viable alternatives for achieving pregnancy. “Suffering from vaginismus is not incompatible with motherhood. With an appropriate and personalized approach, it is possible to fulfill the desire to become a mother,” concluded Dr. Colomé.

Professional support is fundamental, but so is empathy from the environment. In that process, proper accompaniment can make a big difference in the evolution of the treatment.

Making vaginismus visible is the first step to breaking taboos, normalizing access to professional help, and improving the sexual and reproductive health of thousands of women.