Female Sexuality and Cancer

Vaginal tightness

Tight muscles around the opening of the vagina are a common cause of pain during sex.

Sometimes vaginal dryness during menopause can make intercourse painful. If you start expecting pain with intercourse, the muscles in your body might tighten, including the ones at the opening of the vagina. This is called vaginismus, and you don’t have a lot of control over it.

Vaginismus often starts because of reacting to pain when having sex again after being abstinent or after having a medical problem that caused pain during intercourse. Sometimes, even after your body has healed from treatment, the muscle spasms stay.

If you have a lot of vaginal tightness, think about using a vaginal dilator.
If you have tight pelvic floor muscles, do pelvic floor exercises.

Related Links

Kegel exercises
The "Low Down" on "Down There" class offered by Cancer Care Alberta
Cancer Care Alberta: Sexual Health Information for Women with Cancer

Current as of: September 27, 2024

Author: OASIS Sexual Health Consultation Services, Supportive Care Services, Cancer Care Alberta, Alberta Health Services

Go to Top

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.

Include ImagesLarge Print