VAGINISMUS

muscle spasm that closes the opening to the vagina in the female reproductive tract. The vagina serves as a birth canal for the delivery of babies and as the copulatory organ during sexual intercourse. The spasm may be so intense that the vagina seems pathologically obstructed. Vaginismus is a protective mechanism that sometimes develops when there are tender lesions in the reproductive tract. More commonly, it is an involuntary physiological manifestation of fear or anxiety that is experienced at the prospect of sexual intercourse. Vaginismus can totally prevent coitus or make it extremely difficult, a condition known as dyspareunia.