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vaginismus

American  
[vaj-uh-niz-muhs] / ˌvædʒ əˈnɪz məs /

noun

Pathology.
  1. a painful spasm of the vagina.


vaginismus British  
/ -ˈnɪsməs, ˌvædʒɪˈnɪzməs /

noun

  1. painful spasm of the vagina

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of vaginismus

From New Latin, dating back to 1865–70; see origin at vagina, -ism

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It notes that some conditions like endometriosis, vaginismus and being menopausal can make the screening painful.

From BBC • Feb. 1, 2025

To date, the clinic has treated 1,150 women for vaginismus.

From US News • Sep. 15, 2014

Dyspareunia must not be confused with true vaginismus.

From Woman Her Sex and Love Life by Robinson, William J.

Other causes may be disease of the uterus, laceration of the cervix, inflammation of the ovaries, vaginismus, disease of the thyroid gland, etc.

From Woman Her Sex and Love Life by Robinson, William J.