Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection that can develop when bacteria enter the urethra and multiplies in the bladder. Though most UTIs are not serious, some women may experience more severe symptoms, including vaginismus.
There are a few possible explanations for the link between UTI and vaginismus. One possibility is that the bacteria causing UTI may also contribute to vaginismus because the bacteria can irritate the vulva and vagina, leading to inflammation. The inflammation may then trigger the muscles of the vagina to spasm to protect the area from further irritation. Another possibility is that the pain associated with UTI may cause women to unconsciously tense their vaginal muscles to protect themselves from pain during sexual intercourse.
It’s also worth noting that some women may be more susceptible to developing both UTI and vaginismus due to anatomical factors. For example, women with a shorter urethra may be more likely to develop UTI because bacteria have less distance to travel to reach the bladder. In addition, those with a smaller vaginal opening may be more likely to develop vaginismus because their vaginal opening is more likely to close off completely when they experience muscle spasms.
