There is not one cause of vaginismus. Usually nothing specific has taken place, so few can blame it on a trauma or particular event. There are as many different reasons as there are girls with vaginismus. One way to get insight into the problem is asking yourself: “what is the spasm protecting me from?”

One factor that is often involved is a problem with setting boundaries, like saying "no" if you don't want something. The psychological barriers of vaginistic girls are often not well developed. A shaky sense of self can create a fear of disintegration and loss of self. Vaginismus is a bodily response to this fear. The spasm makes it impossible for something or someone to enter, preventing anyone from coming too close. Penetration might unconsciously be experienced as an invasion.