Vaginismus is a condition which affects the ability of the vagina to be penetrated (e.g. sexual, tampon insertion, gynaecological examination) caused by a conditioned reflex of the pubococcygeous muscle. Primary causes are generally based around fear of sex or sexual abuse. Secondary causes (previously able to acheive penetration) may be infection, childbirth or psychological causes.

The treatment is a variety of psychosexual techniques.