Coping with dyspareunia, the importance of inter and intrapersonal context on women\u2019s sexual distress: a population-based study

Ameneh Alizadeh,Farnaz Farnam

doi:10.1186/s12978-021-01206-8

Ameneh Alizadeh, Farnaz Farnam

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-021-01206-8

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Journal: Reproductive Health	Publication Date: Jul 28, 2021
Citations: 5	License type: open-access

Affiliation: Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Abstract

BackgroundRecently 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.MethodsIn 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.ResultsIn 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.ConclusionsImproving 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.

Highlights

Sexual pain or Dyspareunia is a common problem that has significant effects on couples’ relationships
This paper addresses the pattern of sexual pain as well as some interpersonal and intrapersonal factors that may lessen sexual pain by mitigating sexual distress
Based on strict Binik’s criteria and sexual distress, the prevalence of severe Dyspareunia decreased to 10.5 %

Summary

Introduction

Sexual pain or Dyspareunia is a common problem that has significant effects on couples’ relationships. In DSM5, the formerly separate Dyspareunia and vaginismus are merged and called the genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD). Cultural and religious factors can affect Dyspareunia experience and sexual distress, only a few standard studies have been conducted on the prevalence of sexual pain and associated factors in the Middle Eastern and Muslim Countries [4]. In a systematic review of Iranian studies in 2017, a wide range of Dyspareunia (9–95.9 %) was reported due to many methodological problems such as the lack of standard questionnaires, inappropriate sample size, and the lack of population-based surveys. 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

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Results

Discussion

Conclusion