vaginismus

Painful spasm of the vagina preventing intercourse. SYN: vaginism, vulvismus. [vagina + L. -ismus, action, condition]

- posterior v. spasmodic stenosis of the vagina caused by contraction of the levator ani muscle.

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vag·i·nis·mus .vaj-ə-'niz-məs n a painful spasmodic contraction of the vagina

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n.

sudden and painful contraction of the muscles surrounding the vagina, usually in response to the vulva or vagina being touched. Sexual intercourse may be impeded, and the condition may be associated with fear of or aversion to coitus. Other causative factors include vaginal injury or ulceration, dryness or shrinkage of the lining membrane of the vagina, and inflammation of the vagina or bladder. See also dyspareunia.

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vag·i·nis·mus (vaj″ĭ-nizґməs) [L.] painful spasm of the vagina due to involuntary contraction of the vaginal musculature, usually severe enough to prevent intercourse; the cause may be organic or psychogenic.