vaginismus

noun

vag·​i·​nis·​mus ˌva-jə-ˈniz-məs How to pronounce vaginismus (audio)
: a painful spasmodic contraction of the vagina

Examples of vaginismus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Additionally, chronic stress may contribute to pelvic muscle tension, leading to discomfort, pain during intercourse (dyspareunia), or conditions like vaginismus. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 27 July 2023 Hannah has secondary vaginismus. Ella Glover, refinery29.com, 17 Jan. 2022 Sadly, not much is taught about vaginismus in medical school. Marija Butkovic, Forbes, 8 Aug. 2022 Patients often don’t realize that these symptoms are common and point to a treatable condition called vaginismus. Marija Butkovic, Forbes, 8 Aug. 2022 While many things can cause painful intercourse (formally called dyspareunia), including vaginismus and low vaginal estrogen, there’s usually a remedy for those problems, says Dr. King. Kaitlyn Pirie, Good Housekeeping, 24 June 2022 Cat Carmichael is the owner of a thriving naughty bakeshop — who hasn't been intimate with her boyfriend in almost two years thanks to a muscular condition called vaginismus. Elizabeth Berry, Woman's Day, 9 May 2022 The Vaginismus Network is a support network for those suffering with vaginismus. Ella Glover, refinery29.com, 17 Jan. 2022 There are some physical medical conditions that exist, like vaginismus or dyspareunia, or psychological factors that might be contributing to painful vaginal intercourse. Anna Pulley, chicagotribune.com, 18 Dec. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vaginismus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

vagina + New Latin -ismus, suffix in names of ailments caused by involuntary muscle control (such as strabismus, trismus) — more at -ism

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vaginismus was in 1861

Dictionary Entries Near vaginismus

Cite this Entry

“Vaginismus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vaginismus. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

vaginismus

noun
vag·​i·​nis·​mus ˌvaj-ə-ˈniz-məs How to pronounce vaginismus (audio)
: a painful spasmodic contraction of the vagina

More from Merriam-Webster on vaginismus

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