Coping with dyspareunia, the importance of inter and intrapersonal context on women’s sexual distress: a population-based study

Abstract

Background Recently known as the genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD), Dyspareunia is considered a negative factor affecting a couple’s sexual health. This paper analyzes pain in Dyspareunia cases and determines protective factors causing lower levels of sexual distress among patients. Methods In a population-based cross-sectional study conducted in 2017, the cluster quota sampling technique was adopted to randomly select 590 Iranian married women aged 18–70 years from 30 health centers. The research tools included demographic data, a sexual distress scale, and Binik’s GPPPD questionnaire. Results In this study, the prevalence of self-report Dyspareunia, confirmed moderate Dyspareunia, and confirmed severe Dyspareunia (based on Binik’s proposed criteria) were 33 %, 25.8 %, and 10.5 %, respectively. Interestingly, 32 (34 %) out of 94 women who experienced severe pain based on Binik’s criteria reported no sexual distress. Compared to women with distress, they also had more positive body images, higher self-confidence, higher levels of sexual satisfaction, and more intimacy in their relationships (P = 0.000). In contrast, 8.5 % of the participants reported significant sexual distress even without confirmed Dyspareunia. Conclusions Improving intrapersonal characteristics such as self-confidence and body image as well as interpersonal factors such as sexual satisfaction and intimacy with a spouse can effectively treat Dyspareunia by alleviating sexual distress. The partner’s role in female pain and distress management would be more critical than previously thought.

The Importance of Sociocultural Factors for Understanding and Managing Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder

“…Women's sexuality is inherent not only to biological determinants but also to psychological (Binik, 2010), sociocultural, intrapersonal, and interpersonal factors (Alizadeh and Farnam, 2021). It is acknowledged that any physiological or pathological process that impacts neurological or endocrine functions is a risk factor for women's sexual dysfunction (Alizadeh and Farnam, 2021). However, when dealing with GPP/PD, other elements seem to be more pivotal, especially because it is usually seen in young and seemingly healthy females.…”

“…Like any other chronic pain disorder, it can be related to depression and anxiety levels (Alizadeh and Farnam, 2021). Furthermore, intrapersonal factors like self-body image and self-confidence also seem to be contributing (Alizadeh and Farnam, 2021), along with childhood sexual interference (Reissing et al, 2003), childhood physical trauma (Ward and Ogden, 1994), and negative sexual self-schema (Reissing et al, 2003). In addition, other determinants like hypervigilance, lack of pain self-efficacy, and lack of communication or intimacy between the couples have been included (Chisari et al, 2021).…”

“…In fact, there are only a few studies that attempt to determine its causing factors. Like any other chronic pain disorder, it can be related to depression and anxiety levels (Alizadeh and Farnam, 2021). Furthermore, intrapersonal factors like self-body image and self-confidence also seem to be contributing (Alizadeh and Farnam, 2021), along with childhood sexual interference (Reissing et al, 2003), childhood physical trauma (Ward and Ogden, 1994), and negative sexual self-schema (Reissing et al, 2003).…”

Avaliação da autoimagem corporal e genital em mulheres com dispareunia

“…Ou seja, quanto mais leve a dispareunia, melhor a autoimagem genital. Em um estudo realizado por Alizadehe e Farnam [32], foi relatado que fatores como autoconfiança e autoimagem positivas podem resultar em um efeito protetor contra o sofrimento sexual. Nessas mulheres, o efeito protetor da satisfação sexual pode ser entendido pela utilização de outras atividades sexuais ao invés de apenas penetração, fazendo com que diminua a atenção e a ansiedade em relação a dispareunia.…”

Postmenopausal endometriosis: a challenging condition beyond menopause

“…Sexual health can be adversely affected by postmenopausal endometriosis 117,118 . Dyspareunia, pain during sexual intercourse, can lead to decreased sexual desire and intimacy issues that affect a woman's overall sexual satisfaction and the well-being of her intimate relationships 119 . Addressing and managing this aspect of postmenopausal endometriosis are important to improve sexual health and to preserve healthy relationships 42,71,120 …”