What is the difference between dyspareunia and vaginismus?
Dyspareunia is defined as pain during intercourse, while vaginismus refers to involuntary muscle spasm that makes vaginal penetration painful or impossible.
Detailed Medical Explanation
Dyspareunia is a symptom—pain with intercourse—which can have many causes, including hormonal changes, infections, or pelvic disease. Vaginismus is a specific diagnosis involving reflex tightening of pelvic floor muscles, which makes penetration painful or impossible. Vaginismus almost always causes dyspareunia, but not all dyspareunia is due to vaginismus. Accurate diagnosis is important for effective treatment. NHS: Vaginismus.
Clinical Context
Assessment by a specialist helps determine whether dyspareunia is due to vaginismus, another cause, or both. Treatments differ and may include pelvic floor therapy, counselling, or medication.
Evidence-Based Approaches
NICE and BASHH recommend individualised care based on the underlying cause. Pelvic floor rehabilitation and psychosexual therapy are key for vaginismus. BASHH: Vaginismus.