Definition

A condition where the muscles of the vagina tighten involuntarily, causing pain during attempts at penetration, such as during sexual intercourse.

Example

Many women with vaginismus experience discomfort during intimate moments.

Conversation

Have you heard about vaginismus?

Yeah, I read it can be really painful for some women.

It sounds awful, especially when it affects intimacy.

Definitely. It's important to talk about these issues openly.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Vaginismus** → It is formed from "vagina" (from Latin *vagina*, meaning sheath or scabbard) and "-ismus" (from Greek *-ismos*, a suffix used to form nouns indicating a condition or state). The word refers to a condition involving involuntary contraction of the vaginal muscles, akin to a sheath closing tightly.

Memory Tip

Think of 'vagina' as a 'sheath' that is 'tightening' due to a condition, which helps you remember that vaginismus involves involuntary muscle contractions.

Visually Confused Words