Living with genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder in a heterosexual relationship: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of interviews with eight women

Vaginismus means an involuntary contraction of the muscles in the outer third of the vagina that causes the woman pain and/or coital difficulties. Earlier research has concentrated on causes and treatment of vaginismus. This study investigates the experiences of women living with vaginismus. Interviews were conducted with eight women with vaginismus, living in a heterosexual relationship. The interviews were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Five different experiences were identified, which are presented beneath the headings Fear, Failure, Loneliness, Loss and It does not make a great difference. According to the women, the relationship to the partner, the duration of the problem and the personality of the woman mediate their experience of living with vaginismus. This study also suggests that the image of sexuality that the woman and the surrounding society have influences how the vaginismus affects self-experienced psychological health.