Ms. Wang, a reader from Shanxi, asked: I remarried not long ago, and my married life is not going well. I checked online and found that my symptoms were consistent with vaginismus. How to treat this?

Answer: Vaginismus is a type of female sexual dysfunction, commonly known as vaginal cramps. It mainly refers to the involuntary violent and continuous contraction of the vaginal and pelvic floor muscles during sex, making it impossible for the penis to be inserted, or although it can be inserted, pain and discomfort occur at or deep into the vagina during or after sexual intercourse. The causes of vaginismus are mostly related to psychological factors. For example, if there is a lack of sexual knowledge, the family education received since childhood has a negative attitude towards sex. Pain during sexual intercourse for the first time, conditioned reflexes induced and formed, as well as sexual violence, or a history of trauma to the vulva or vagina, may all lead to vaginismus. Inconsistency between husband and wife can also have an impact.

It is recommended that Ms. Wang go to the hospital for targeted treatment. Vaginismus can be cured if it is caused by malformations or lesions in the reproductive organs. If it is caused by psychological factors or improper sexual intercourse, both husband and wife should take classes to learn correct sexual knowledge. When necessary, Ms. Wang can provide vaginal dilation treatment and psychological counseling with the assistance of a doctor.