Vaginismus: When genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder makes intercourse seem impossible

Abstract

This chapter outlines the etiology, assessment, and treatment of women suffering from vaginismus. Vaginismus is conceptualized here as the lifelong inability to experience vaginal penetration despite the woman’s expressed desire to do so. A case study using a variation of the ter Kuile et al.’s therapist-aided exposure approach will illustrate a highly effective evidence-based treatment option for women with vaginismus.