vaginismus

[ vaj-uh-niz-muhs ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. a painful spasm of the vagina.

vaginismus

/ -ˈnɪsməs; ˌvædʒɪˈnɪzməs /

noun

1. painful spasm of the vagina

Word History and Origins

Origin of vaginismus¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1865–70; vagina, -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of vaginismus¹

C19: from New Latin, from vagina + -ismus; see -ism

Example Sentences

I discovered that with the right psychological and physical help, my vaginismus was easily controlled.

From The Guardian

Tanya Reynolds, whose character Lily has vaginismus, said: "I didn't even know it had a name. So many women will watch this and realised there's not something wrong with them."

From BBC

Previously known as vaginismus, the condition can involve painful vaginal spasms when something enters the vagina and is thought to be caused by a fear of penetration.

From Washington Post

Patients with vaginismus often describe the feeling as like “hitting a brick wall” in both body and mind.

From The Guardian

She was diagnosed with vaginismus – which the NHS describes as the body’s automatic reaction to the fear of vaginal penetration.

From The Guardian