Vaginismus is more common in women in their late teens to early 30s. Anyone with a vagina can get it.

The main symptom of vaginismus is your vaginal muscles tightening up on their own when you try to put something in your vagina. This can cause a burning or stinging pain.

It can happen when:

• you put a tampon into your vagina
• you try to have vaginal penetration during sex, including with a finger, sex toy or penis
• you have cervical screening (a smear test)
• something is put near your vagina (due to fear of penetration)

Vaginismus is an automatic reaction, which you do not have control over.

Occasionally, you can get vaginismus even if you have previously enjoyed painless penetrative sex.

Vaginismus does not necessarily affect your ability to get aroused and enjoy other types of sexual contact.

See a GP or go to a sexual health clinic if:

If you see a GP about vaginismus, they will ask you about your symptoms and may ask to examine your vagina.

You can ask to be seen by a female doctor, and you can bring someone you trust along for support.

Before the examination, you can discuss ways to make it as comfortable as possible for you.

The examination is usually very quick. Your doctor will take a quick look to rule out other conditions, like an infection.

If your doctor thinks you have vaginismus, you may be referred to a specialist, such as a sex therapist.

Treatment for vaginismus usually focuses on:

• managing your feelings around vaginal penetration
• exercises to gradually get you used to vaginal penetration

Treatment is initially done under the guidance of specialised therapists. You'll then usually be expected to practise some of the exercises at home.

If you're in a relationship, you can choose to involve your partner.

The reasons for vaginismus are not always clear. Some things thought to cause it include:

• anxiety or fears about having sex
• a painful sexual experience
• sexual assault or abuse
• an unpleasant medical examination or difficult experience giving birth
• believing sex is shameful or wrong
• a painful medical condition, like thrush