Which condition is characterized by painful intercourse and/or pain with vaginal penetration?

Vaginismus is characterized by involuntary muscle spasms in the pelvic floor that can cause significant discomfort or pain during attempts at vaginal penetration, which includes intercourse. This condition often leads to difficulties in engaging in sexual activity and may be accompanied by an intense fear of pain associated with penetration, further exacerbating the issue.

The pain experienced in vaginismus is typically related to the reflexive tightening of the vaginal muscles, which can lead to a range of symptoms from discomfort to severe pain, making it challenging for affected individuals to have penetrative intercourse. This condition can occur without any underlying physical pathology or may arise from psychological factors, including anxiety surrounding sexual activity.

In contrast, while conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and ovarian cysts can also lead to pelvic pain or discomfort, they typically involve distinct physiological processes or pathologies that cause pain, rather than the involuntary muscle contractions seen in vaginismus. Each of those conditions can create pain during intercourse, but the mechanism and characteristics of the pain differ significantly from those of vaginismus.