Retrospective Analysis of Vaginismus Patients Referred to Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic in a University Hospital

Abstract

Background: In this study, we have aimed to reveal the socio-demographic characteristics of vaginismus patients and to determine the underlying causes. In addition, we have also aimed to examine the contribution of group therapy to vaginismus treatment.Materials and Methods: The participants of this study consist of 30 patients who came to the outpatient psychiatry clinic of Harran University Medical Faculty between December 2014 and August 2016 and who were diagnosed with vaginismus. These patients were composed of patients who received vaginismus group psychotherapy in groups of 5 people on average. Patients' files were reviewed retrospectively and socio-demographic data were obtained.For statistical analysis, a Windows-compatible IBM SPSS 23.0 (Chicago, USA) package program was used. Dates were calculated as mean ± standard deviation (SD).Results: The mean age of the patients included in the study was found to be 23,1 ± 4,02. Eight of the patients were younger than 20 years (26.7%), 15 were between 21-25 years (50%), and 7 were 26 years or older (23.3%). The youngest patient was 17 and the oldest was 31 years old. Only two patients had a child (6.7%). All patients underwent gynecological examination (100%). In our study, there were 3 patients (10%) who received vaginismus therapy in the external center and discontinued the treatment. Eighteen of the patients were primary school graduates; housewife (60%). The remaining 12 patients were university graduates; (40%). All of the patients in our study were primary vaginismus; never had penile penetration before (100%). In our study, there were 4 women with an additional psychiatric disease (13.3%). Three of the patients had sexual dysfunction in their husbands (10%). The mean marriage duration of the patients included in our study was 8.8 ± 9.3 months. Conclusion: Since vaginismus can affect many aspects of marriage, it is important to diagnose and treat this sexual dysfunction as early as possible. According to our clinical observations, vaginismus group psychotherapy has been significantly easier and faster than individual psychotherapy. If diagnosis and treatment are made in the time of vaginismus, we can help more patients to overcome this kind of disease.