Learn More About Penetration Disorder

Diagnostic Criteria

A. Persistent or recurrent difficulties with one (or more) of the following

• Vaginal penetration during intercourse
• Marked vulvovaginal or pelvic pain during vaginal intercourse or penetration attempts
• Marked fear or anxiety about vulvovaginal or pelvic pain in anticipation of, during, or as a result of vaginal penetration
• Marked tensing or tightening of the pelvic floor muscles during attempted vaginal penetration

B. The symptoms in Criterion A have persisted for a minimum duration of approximately 6 months

C. The symptoms in Criterion A cause clinically significant distress in the individual

D. The sexual dysfunction is not better explained by a nonsexual mental disorder or as a consequence of a severe relationship distress (e.g., partner violence) or other significant stressors and is not attributable to the effects of a substance/medication or another medical condition

Specify whether:

• Lifelong: The disturbance has been present since the individual became sexually active
• Acquired: The disturbance began after a period of relatively normal sexual function

Specify whether:

• Mild: Evidence of mild distress over the symptoms in Criterion A
• Moderate: Evidence of moderate distress over the symptoms in Criterion A
• Severe: Evidence of severe or extreme distress over the symptoms in Criterion A

Female penetration disorder (FPD) sufferers are women who experience an inability to have sexual penetration into their vaginal canal due to an involuntary tensing of the vaginal wall, or who experience pain and pressure when attempting vaginal insertion.

Psychological causes of vaginismus

• past sexual abuse, rape, incest, or other traumatic sexual experience
• emotional abuse
• fear of becoming pregnant
• fear of rejection by partner
• fear of loss of control
• self-image problems
• relationship problems with partner
• life stresses, such as financial worries, job loss, or divorce
• guilt about sex or sexual pleasure
• Lack of sexual education

Treatment for vaginismus should start with a consult with your primary care physician to rule out physical problems. Since there are so many different causes for vaginismus it’s important to look into all possible causes. A combination of treatment from your physician and from a mental health professional will have the best outcomes.

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