Vaginismus Diagnosis & Tests

Women often suspect they have vaginismus from their symptoms. Medical diagnosis is typically determined by gynecological exam to rule out the possibility of other conditions and patient history.

Quick diagnosis chart - common manifestations of vaginismus

Strong indicators of vaginismus include any of the following

Difficult penetration or impossible intercourse / unconsummated couples

Female penetration problems and unconsummated marriages are typically due to vaginismus. Entry tightness and pain are common symptoms of vaginismus.

Ongoing sexual pain after a pelvic problem, medical issue, or surgery

The experience of ongoing sexual pain or tightness after resolving or managing a pelvic medical or pain issue is typically due to vaginismus.

Ongoing sexual pain after childbirth

The experience of ongoing sexual pain or tightness following childbirth (after everything has healed) is typically due to secondary vaginismus.

Ongoing sexual pain and tightness with no discernible physical cause

Vaginismus often occurs only during sex attempts. Physicians may initially be unable to find any problem or cause for the sexual difficulties.

Avoidance of sex due to pain and/or failure

When a woman states that she avoids being intimate with her husband because sex does not feel good or has become very painful, vaginismus should be strongly considered.

Is there a simple medical test I can take that would tell me if I have vaginismus?

What is vaginismus?

There is no medical test that can be taken to confirm the vaginismus condition. Vaginismus is diagnosed through patient history and description of problem/pain, and gynecological examination to rule out the possibility of other conditions.

The medical diagnosis of vaginismus

Women often suspect they have vaginismus from their symptoms, but getting medical confirmation can be challenging. Confirming a formal diagnosis of vaginismus may take some planning and perseverance. No definitive medical test exists for the diagnosis of vaginismus so it may take a number of visits to several physicians or specialists before a medical diagnosis is obtained. When physicians are initially unable to find any specific medical problem (a common experience of vaginismus sufferers), no diagnosis or misdiagnosis is a common outcome of initial medical exams. Many physicians are unfamiliar with vaginismus, so part of the process is simply finding a physician that is knowledgeable about the condition. A successful medical diagnosis of vaginismus is typically determined through patient history and description of the problem, gynecological examination and the process of ruling out the possibility of other conditions.

Talking to physicians about sexual problems can be difficult. Embarrassment, shame and anxiety are often present, making it hard to communicate and obtain appropriate care. Women may need to strongly advocate for themselves, insisting on a full diagnosis from a knowledgeable professional to rule out any other medical condition and properly confirm the vaginismus diagnosis. A medical diagnosis is helpful in removing any doubts or anxiety related to identifying the condition and enables women to have more confidence in moving toward treatment solutions.