Pain characteristics, sexual script flexibility, and penetration control cognitions in those experiencing anodyspareunia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Anodyspareunia is the experience of recurrent or persistent anal pain during receptive anal penetration. We examined pain characteristics and the role of control cognitions and sexual flexibility in those with anodyspareunia. We recruited two online convenience samples (N = 96, N = 123) of individuals who experienced pain during receptive anal penetration. Those with anodyspareunia reported pain, on average, during 44% of penetrative activity occasions. Most participants first experienced pain during their first anal penetrative experience and described the pain as located at the anal opening or inside the anus and lasting primarily during entry and thrusting. As predicted, the examination of penetration cognitions suggested that more cognitions related to a loss of control were associated with worse pain symptoms and sexual distress. While sexual flexibility did not significantly moderate the relationships between control cognitions and pain or sexual distress, greater flexibility was significantly associated with less sexual distress. This study provides novel information on the characteristics of those who experience anodyspareunia. In addition, we found an association between control cognitions and pain intensity in those with anodyspareunia. Sexual flexibility is a potential point of intervention for those who experience sexual distress due to anodyspareunia.