(033) Exploring the Link Between Autoimmune Disorders and Painful Sex in Ova-Having Bodies

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Sexual pain in females is an increasingly relevant issue, presenting frequently in offices of couple and sex therapists alike. A study of 3,000 Americans ages 18 to 59 found that sexual dysfunction was more prevalent for women (43%) than men of the same age group (31%), and that the marker of poor health in females was directly related to sexual pain specifically (Laumann et al., 1999). A multitude of studies show a circular relationship amongst immune function, inflammation, and sexual activity. This circular relationship sometimes becomes a feedback loop from which sexual pain occurs (Lorenz et al., 2015). Additionally, an important overlap between research in autoimmunity and research around inflammation and sexual pain is the presence of adverse childhood experiences (ACE’s), identification of low socioeconomic status, and education status (Basson, 2012; Khandker, 2011), making this problem potentially relevant to the entire family system. Objectives 1: To attain understanding of psychoneuroimmunology, autoimmunity, and pain with sex as separate key factors. 2: To begin tracing the bidirectional influences of mind-body interactions on both expression of autoimmunity and on pain with sex in ova-having bodies. 3: To conceptualize the proposed comorbidity of autoimmunity and pain with sex in ova-having bodies and why it is important to systemic therapists. Methods The presenters examine and review existing data and literature from the fields of psychology, medicine, psychoneuroimmunology, and sex therapy. Results Current research supports a connection between chronic stress and its effect on the immune system, and chronic stress’ effect on those possessing ovarian reproductive systems during sexual activity. The presenters noticed a tendency of comorbid diagnosis of autoimmune disease in many ova-having individuals who present to therapy with the experience of pain during sexual intercourse. Conclusions Given that autoimmune disorders and pain with sex are prominent issues in ova-having persons, this literature provides a new option in clinical considerations when a client with the comorbid diagnosis of autoimmune disorder and sexual pain comes in for treatment. Knowing that an overlap in diagnosis exists, this research informs and encourages clinicians to investigate the comorbidity of pain with sex if autoimmune disorder is present and vice versa. Therapists can better assist with the emotional and cognitive aspects of autoimmune disorders and pain with sex. Both diagnoses are correlated to anxiety, depression, perfectionism, and high/chronic stress levels. Whether to help heal preventively or to aid the client in emotions and stress after the diagnosis has been made, the therapist is key to aiding the client’s cognitive and emotional aspects of diagnosis. Disclosure No.