Vaginismus is a sexual pain disorder where women experience an involuntary tightening of muscles around the vagina whenever penetration is attempted.

Few know about it, even though a 2017 study found that nearly one in 10 British women find sex painful.

Vaginismus can develop at any time throughout a woman’s life and can appear after they experience anything from thrush or childbirth to sexual trauma or the menopause.

But some sufferers discover they have the condition when they try – and fail – to have sex for the first time. Shame and taboo often stops them from seeking help, despite it being curable.

Producer: Sophia Smith Galer

Camera: Soraya Auer