Sensory Processing Dysfunction and Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder: Women share their experiences of participating in a sensory-based home programme

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Sensory processing dysfunction (SPD) has only recently been described in women with genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD). However, female sexual pain is a virtually unknown area of practice for occupational therapists providing intervention for adults with SPD AIM: To describe the experiences of women with GPPPD with identified sensory processing dysfunction (SPD) who followed a sensory-based home programme METHODS: Purposive, non-probability sampling was used to recruit participants for the qualitative arm of the study after they presented with SPD in the quantitative part of the study. Semi-structured individual interviews were used to gather information and sufficient information power was reached after five participants were interviewed. Data were analysed descriptively using inductive thematic and saliency analyses RESULTS: Two themes were identified. Theme one: Changes experienced after participating in a sensory-based home programme, reflected increased insight into SPD (allowing participants to identify sensory triggers) and intra-personal changes (increased tolerance of sensory stimuli, feelings of control and I can breathe again). Theme two: Coping strategies employed by women with SPD and GPPPD, included sensory seeking, changes to home and work environments, positive reinterpretation/growth, acceptance, and socio-emotional support (you're not the only one. There are plenty of us out there CONCLUSION: A sensory-based home programme, catering to specific sensory profiles is beneficial as a non-invasive occupational therapy intervention approach (based on sensory integrative therapy) for women with both SPD and GPPPD Implications for occupational therapy: • SPD in the context of sexual pain is an emergent field in occupational therapy, thus occupational therapists need to expand service-delivery to this population and other practitioners such as gynaecologists must be alerted to occupational therapy as a non-invasive, and non-pharmaceutical intervention option for patients. • Contribute to the knowledgebase of sensory integration in the adult population. • Improve the occupational therapist's role in sexuality. • Emphasize the importance of insight as part of a treatment programme.