Vaginismus could be physical or psychological in nature. Physical causes vary from an imperforated hymen, a dry atrophied vagina to even endometriosis. While psychological causes may vary from the dislike of partner, rape, incest, childhood molestation, fear of penetration & pain near the vaginal area.

Fear of penetration & pain may develop from inadequate sex knowledge, myths and misconceptions, and from the stories of painful sexual intercourse experiences narrated by others. Mostly, the first time / first night stories of pain & bleeding, during attempts for penetration, horrifies the one who has not yet undergone penetration.

Whatever is the cause, the anticipating pain during the next attempt of penetration, send signals from brain to the muscles around vagina, to close the vaginal opening tight & shut. As a result, the vagina is so tightly closed that attempted penetration becomes more and more difficult and painful. Finally the whole process goes beyond the woman’s conscious control.