How Do You Spell POSTERIOR VAGINISMUS?

Pronunciation: [pɒstˈi͡əɹɪə vˈad͡ʒɪnˌɪsməs] (IPA)

Posterior vaginismus is a medical condition where the muscles at the opening of the vagina involuntarily tighten or spasm, making sexual intercourse and even gynecological exams extremely painful or impossible. The spelling of this word can be broken down phonetically as /pɑːˈstɪr.i.ər vəˌdʒɪn.ɪz.məs/. The emphasis is placed on the second syllable in both words, with the "posterior" being pronounced as "paw-stir-ee-er" and "vaginismus" being pronounced as "vuh-ji-niz-muhs".

POSTERIOR VAGINISMUS Meaning and Definition

1. Posterior vaginismus refers to a medical condition characterized by involuntary muscle contractions and spasms in the muscles surrounding the lower portion of the vagina, particularly the area closer to the rectum or anus. These contractions cause pain, burning sensations, and discomfort during any attempted vaginal penetration, be it sexual intercourse or the insertion of tampons or a medical instrument.

   This form of vaginismus is categorized as posterior as it primarily affects the rear portion of the vaginal opening. The involuntary tightening of the vaginal muscles can make penetration extremely painful or nearly impossible, resulting in distress and anxiety for individuals experiencing this condition.

   The causes of posterior vaginismus can vary and may be rooted in physical, psychological, or emotional factors. Physical causes may include infections, trauma, injury, or surgery that can create muscle tension in the pelvic floor region. Psychological causes often involve anxiety, fear of penetration, past traumatic experiences, or negative attitudes towards sex. Emotional factors may include stress, relationship issues, or cultural and societal beliefs that can contribute to sexual discomfort.

   Treatment for posterior vaginismus typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, involving healthcare professionals such as gynecologists, psychologists, and physical therapists. Treatment options may include a combination of techniques like counseling, pelvic floor muscle exercises, gradual desensitization, and the use of vaginal dilators to progressively relax and widen the vaginal muscles over time.

2. Spasmodic stenosis of the vagina caused by contraction of the levator ani muscle.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for POSTERIOR VAGINISMUS

• posteriorvaginnismus
• posterioarvaginismus
• posteriorevaginismus
• po sterior vaginismus
• pos terior vaginismus
• post erior vaginismus
• poste rior vaginismus
• poster ior vaginismus
• posteri or vaginismus
• posterio r vaginismus
• posterior v aginismus
• posterior va ginismus
• posterior vag inismus
• posterior vagi nismus
• posterior vagin ismus
• posterior vagini smus
• posterior vaginis mus
• posterior vaginism us
• posterior vaginismu s

Etymology of POSTERIOR VAGINISMUS

The term "vaginismus" comes from the Latin word "vagina", which means "sheath" or "scabbard", referring to the vaginal canal, and the Greek word "ismós", meaning "a condition or state". "Vaginismus" in its general sense denotes a condition characterized by involuntary muscle spasms or contractions in and around the vagina, leading to pain, discomfort, or difficulty with penetration.

The addition of the term "posterior" to vaginismus helps specify the particular area affected. In this context, "posterior" refers to the back or the rear. Therefore, "posterior vaginismus" indicates that the muscle spasms primarily occur in the back or lower part of the vagina.