Sexual Distress In Women Research Articles

Using network analysis to model associations between psychological symptoms, sexual function, and sexual distress in women

BackgroundPsychological difficulties, including depression, anxiety, and somatization, are among the most important predictors for women's sexual function (i.e., arousal, desire, lubrication, pain, and satisfaction) and sexual distress. These associations have largely been studied at the construct level, with little research examining which specific symptoms might be most important for maintaining links between psychological difficulties and domains of sexual function. The present research sought to establish and characterize networks of women's psychological symptoms, sexual function, and sexual distress, and identify potential bridge symptoms that connect them. MethodsIn a cross–sectional study, 725 women reported on their sexual function, sexual distress, and depressive, anxiety, and somatization symptoms. A series of network analyses was used to identify central symptoms and connections between psychological symptoms, sexual function domains, and sexual distress. ResultsAcross the modeled networks, sexual distress and pain during sex were consistent bridges between other sexual function domains and psychological symptoms. DiscussionOverall, our models revealed sexual distress as an important potential mediator between sexual function problems and psychological symptoms that might contribute to the development and maintenance of comorbid sexual function and psychological problems.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome elevates the distress of sexual pain in Iranian women with infertility

BackgroundSexual dysfunction may lead to sexual distress in women with infertility, while polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may escalate this distress. This study aimed to investigate the role of PCOS in the relationship between sexual dysfunction and sexual distress in Iranian women with infertility.MethodsThe Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R), and Depression and Anxiety modules of the DASS-21 were cross-sectionally investigated in 190 women with infertility (103 women with PCOS and 87 women without PCOS).ResultsThere were negative correlations between sexual function domains and sexual distress (P < .001) in the total sample. Moderation analysis revealed that higher levels of impaired desire, arousal, and pain elevated sexual distress in the PCOS group. After adjusting for depression and anxiety, only the association between sexual pain and sexual distress was moderated by PCOS condition (P = .008).ConclusionsThe findings suggest that impaired sexual function is associated with increased levels of sexual distress in infertile female patients. Importantly, comorbid PCOS renders patients susceptible to sexual distress where sexual pain is increased. Further research may shed light on the physiological, psychological, and relational aspects of sexual pain and associated distress in infertile female patients with comorbid PCOS.

Predicting Sexual Distress Based on Self-compassion in Women with a History of Mastectomy: Investigation of the Mediating Role of Body Image and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation

Background: The prevalence of sexual distress in women with a history of breast surgery is a critical issue that warrants investigation. Objectives: This study aimed to predict sexual distress in women with a history of breast surgery based on their self-compassion, considering the mediating roles of body image and emotion regulation abilities. Methods: This correlational descriptive study was conducted in 2022 - 2023. The participants comprised 160 patients with a history of breast surgery from Hazrat Rasool Akram, Bazarganan, and Tarbiat Modares hospitals, and Sepid Psychotherapy Clinic in Tehran. A purposive sampling method was employed. Questionnaires were distributed and completed both in-person and online. The instruments used included the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R), Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), and Body Image Scale (BIS). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients and structural equation modeling in SPSS 25 and R software. Results: The research results demonstrated satisfactory model fit. A positive and significant relationship was found between self-compassion and sexual distress, mediated by body image, in participants with a negative history of breast surgery (P &lt; 0.01). Additionally, difficulties in emotion regulation significantly and negatively mediated the relationship between self-compassion and sexual distress (P &lt; 0.01). Conclusions: The findings suggest that self-compassion and difficulties in emotion regulation, with the mediating role of body image, can predict sexual distress in women post-mastectomy. Self-compassion may shield against the impacts of mastectomy by fostering an empathetic and accepting view of oneself. This perspective helps patients adapt more easily to appearance changes, experience fewer emotional difficulties, and endure less sexual distress. Thus, to mitigate sexual problems, psychotherapists are encouraged to employ approaches that emphasize self-compassion, such as acceptance and commitment therapy.

Supervised Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Improves Sexual Function and Diminishes Sexual Distress in Women with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomised Controlled Study.

This study investigates the impact of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on sexual function and distress in women with multiple sclerosis (MS), a prevalent chronic nervous system disorder associated with sexual dysfunction. This study's primary aim was to assess the effectiveness of PFMT at improving sexual function and alleviating sexual distress in this population. In a randomised controlled trial, 82 women with MS were divided into two groups: Group A (41 women) underwent 12 weeks of PFMT, while Group B (41 women) served as a control group with no intervention. Both groups were assessed at the beginning and end of this study using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R). Statistical analysis, including Chi-square tests, was employed to compare the outcomes between the two groups, with a p-value of less than 0.05 considered significant. The results revealed no significant differences in baseline sexual function and distress between the groups. However, at the conclusion of the 12-week period, Group A exhibited statistically significant improvements in nearly all domains of FSFI and FSDS-R compared to Group B, except in the pain domain. This study concludes that PFMT can effectively enhance sexual function and reduce sexual distress in women suffering from MS. These findings underscore the potential of PFMT as a therapeutic intervention in managing sexual dysfunction associated with MS.

The Impact of Childhood Sexual Abuse on Adult Female Sexual Function and Sexual Distress: A Systematic Review and Meta- Analysis.

In this study, it was aimed to examine the impacts of exposure to childhood sexual abuse (CSA) on women's sexual function and sexual distress. In this systematic review and meta-analysis study, eight international (EBSCO, Psyc-Info, Proquest, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Ovid, Web of Science) and two national electronic databases (Dergipark and Thesis Database of the Turkish Council of Higher Education) were searched. Studies reporting outcomes of sexual function and sexual distress in women with and without a history of CSA were included. The data were synthesized by meta-analysis and narrative methods. Two dissertations and five research articles published between 2010 and 2021 were included in the study. In some studies that were not included in the meta-analysis, it was reported that there was no difference in the prevalence of sexual dysfunction, and sexual satisfaction in women with and without a history of CSA. Meta-analysis results demonstrated lower sexual function (sexual arousal, MD: -0.83, p<0.001; sexual desire, MD: -0.55, p<0.001; lubrication, MD: -0.78, p<0.01; pain, MD: -0.52, p<0.001) and more sexual distress (SMD: -0.79, p<0.05) in women with CSA history. This study showed that CSA negatively affects female sexual function and increases sexual distress. Healthcare professionals should be aware that women with a CSA history may have worse sexual functions and more sexual distress. More research is needed on the role of CSA in the etiology of sexual function problems and its possible mechanisms of action.

The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Sex Therapy on Multidimensional Sexual Issues and Sexual Distress in Women with Urotophobia Disorder

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of mindfulness-based sex therapy on multidimensional sexual issues and sexual distress in women with urotophobia disorder. The present study is a semi-experimental with a pretest-posttest design of two groups. The statistical population of this study was all women with urotophobia disorder in Tehran in 1402. In the present study, 18 women with urotophobia disorder were selected using purposive non-random sampling and then 9 women were selected randomly as control group and 9 others as experimental group and finally, 8 participants of each group successfully completed the treatment. The experimental group participated in 8 sessions of 120 minutes once a week (within 2 months) of mindfulness-based sex therapy while the control group did not receive any intervention. Multidimensional Sexuality and Sexual Distress Questionnaires were used. The collected data were analyzed using multivariate and univariate analysis of covariance. The results showed that there was a significant difference between the mean scores of the experimental and control groups and mindfulness-based sex therapy significantly improved multidimensional sexual issues and sexual distress. Based on the findings of this study, interventions based on this approach can be effective in improving multidimensional sexual issues, sexual security and sexual distress in women with urotophobia disorder.

The effectiveness of “Women’s Postpartum Sexual Health Program (WPSHP)” on Iranian women’s postpartum sexual health: A randomized clinical trial

In this study, we examined the effectiveness of Women’s Postpartum Sexual Health Program (WPSHP) on Iranian women’s sexual health in the postpartum period. A single-blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted in 2016 on 80 postnatal women in Iran. We used the Female Sexual Function Index, Sexual Quality of Life - Female questionnaire and Female Sexual Distress Scale. The intervention group received counseling based on WPSHP. After 28 weeks, the mean score of the Female Sexual Function Index and Female Sexual Quality of Life significantly increased in the WPSH group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001), while the mean score of the Female Sexual Distress significantly decreased in the WPSH group (p < 0.001). We concluded that Women’s Postpartum Sexual Health Program could promote postnatal women’s sexual function and female sexual quality of life and reduces female sexual distress in women suffering from sexual problems in the postpartum period.

The Effect of Psychosexual Education on Promoting Sexual Function, Genital Self-Image, and Sexual Distress among Women with Rokitansky Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

To assess the effectiveness of psychosexual education on promoting sexual function and genital self-image and reducing sexual distress through e-learning among women with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome. Randomized controlled trial. Imam Khomeini Hospital "Pelvic Floor Clinic" in Tehran. Thirty-eight 15- to 49-year-old women with MRKH syndrome who had undergone surgical or nonsurgical vaginal reconstruction techniques more than 6 months before the intervention were assigned to 2 parallel intervention and control groups of 19 each. Psychosexual education was delivered through e-learning for the intervention group over an 8-week period, with no limitations of time and space. Sexual function, genital self-image, and sexual distress were evaluated at baseline, and at 4 and 8 weeks after the intervention. The data collection tools included the Persian version of the Female Sexual Function Index, Female Genital Self-Image Scale, and the Revised Female Sexual Distress Scale. The between group mean differences of sexual function, genital self-image, and sexual distress after 4 weeks (-1.2 [95% CI, -2.1 to -0.1], P=.025; -1.9 [95% CI, -2.9 to -0.9], P < .001; 4.2 [95% CI, 2.0-6.4], P < .001, respectively), as well as after 8 weeks (-1.8 [95% CI, -3.1 to -0.5], P=.009; -3.0 [95% CI, -4.5 to -1.5], P < .001; 6.7, 95% CI, 3.9-9.6], P <0.001, respectively) after baseline were significant. Psychosexual education improved sexual function and genital self-image and reduced sexual distress in women with MRKH syndrome. Therefore, using this approach, we can raise individuals' sexual knowledge and skills and correct their sexual beliefs and attitudes.

The effect of PLISSIT based counseling model on sexual function, quality of life, and sexual distress in women surviving breast cancer: a single-group pretest\u2013posttest trial

BackgroundDiagnosis and treatment of breast cancer potentially leads to sexual dysfunction and sexual distress in women and negatively affects their quality of life (QoL). This study aimed at determining the effect of PLISSIT based counseling on sexual function, sexual distress, and QoL in women surviving breast cancer.MethodsIn this pre-test, post-test, single-group semi-experimental study, 65 women surviving breast cancer who were referred to the selected centers were included in the study via the available sampling method. Data gathering tools included a researcher-made demographic questionnaire, female sexual function index, beck depression inventory-II, State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory, World Health Organization QoL-Brief, and Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised. The counseling program (7 sessions 60 min each) was designed based on the PLISSIT model. The sexual function, sexual distress, and QoL were evaluated before, and 2 and 4 weeks after the intervention. To compare the mean scores of variables before and after the intervention, repeated-measured ANOVA was used.ResultsThe findings showed that PLISSIT based counseling significantly reduced sexual distress and increased the scores of QoL and all its domains, as well as sexual function and all its domains in women surviving breast cancer (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the mean scores of variables 2 and 4 weeks after the intervention.ConclusionsIt seems that PLISSIT based counseling reduces sexual dysfunction and sexual distress and improves the QoL of women surviving breast cancer. So, it is recommended that these counseling programs be integrated into the health care program of this group of women.Trial registrationTCTR202103170010, 17 March 2021, Retrospectively registered, at https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/.

Clinical Features Associated with Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: A Pilot Longitudinal Study.

(1) Background: Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is associated with physical and psychological complications. However, there is scarce literature on how women with FGM/C respond to treatment interventions. (2) Methods: In the present pilot longitudinal study, we assessed changes in general psychopathology (Symptom Check List-90-R), sexual functioning and distress (Female Sexual Function Index, Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised, and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) female sexual dysfunction criteria), body image (Body Shape Questionnaire), and sexual body image (Female Genital Self-Image Scale) in a sample of n = 15 women with FGM/C before and after reconstructive surgery. (3) Results: Sexual distress was significantly improved following surgery. We also observed an improvement in general psychopathology and genital self-image. However, sexual function was not improved. (4) Conclusions: These results provide evidence for the benefits of reconstructive surgery on sexual distress in women with FGM/C. The impact of surgery on sexual function cannot be conclusively evaluated.

Preliminary validation of the Sexual Distress Scale-Short Form: Applications to Women, Men, and Prostate Cancer Survivors

The Sexual Distress Scale (SDS) can be used to assess sexual distress in women, men, and prostate cancer (PCa) survivors. Despite its strong psychometric properties, researchers and clinicians could benefit from a short form of the scale. Two studies were conducted to develop (Study 1) and validate (Study 2) a short form of the SDS (SDS-SF) using samples of women, men, and PCa survivors from previous studies. Results of Study 1 suggested a 5-item SDS-SF. Study 2 showed that the SDS-SF items clustered in one factor with good fit across the three samples and excellent reliability. Sexual distress was associated with higher sexual bother, and poorer sexual satisfaction, sexual function, and relationship quality. The SDS-SF discriminated participants with and without distressing sexual problems. The SDS-SF facilitates the assessment of sexual distress in clinical settings by providing a quick way of screening patients with high levels of sexual distress.

Relation between sexual self-concept and sexual distress in women with multiple sclerosis who referred to Shahid Sadoughi Hospital of Yazd in 2017

Introduction: The prevalence of sexual disorders is high among women with multiple sclerosis in the world. Sexual dysfunction is considered as one of the effective psychological factors on self-concept sexual function. The present study was conducted to evaluate the relation between sexual self-concept and sexual distress in women with multiple sclerosis. Methods: The present descriptive correlational study was conducted on 115 married women with multiple sclerosis who were selected using convenient sampling method. Study population for the present study contained all the married women with multiple sclerosis who referred to ShahidSadoughi Hospital of Yazd in 2017. Data gathering tools were multi-dimensional sexual self-concept questionnaire and revised female sexual distress scale by DeRogatis. Achieved data were analyzed using independent t-test, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis and Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients. Results: Results showed that the mean scores of positive, negative, situational sexual self-concept were respectively 94.62 ± 30.30, 29.57 ± 10.89, and 36.91 ± 12.58 and the mean score of sexual distress was 13.82 ± 13.18. Furthermore, a reverse significant relation existed between the positive sexual self-concept of the married women and their sexual distress (p &lt; 0.05) and a direct significant relation existed between the negative sexual self-concept and sexual distress (p &lt; 0.05); but no significant relation was found between situational sexual self-concept and sexual distress (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: Results of the present study showed that married women with multiple sclerosis who had a positive sexual self-concept would experience less sexual distress. Therefore, sexual self-concept could be a predictor of sexual distress in women

Prevalence and Psychopathological Determinants of Sexual Dysfunction and Related Distress in Women With and Without Multiple Sclerosis

IntroductionSexual dysfunction (SD) is common but still underdiagnosed in women with multiple sclerosis (MS); in fact, the lack of a consistent use of validated diagnostic tools makes the prevalence of SD and related distress difficult to define precisely. AimTo assess the prevalence of SD in Italian women with MS compared with age-matched healthy control subjects (HC) and the association with demographic, psychological, and MS-related characteristics. MethodsThe Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Female Sexual Distress Scale were administered to 153 women with MS and 153 HC. Demographic, gynecologic, and neurologic data were obtained. Disability was assessed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale. Psychological symptoms were evaluated in MS patients with Profile of Mood State and the Beck Depression Inventory II. Main Outcomes MeasuresPrevalence of SD and sexual distress in women with MS compared with HC. ResultsAmong women sexually active in the last month, we found an increased prevalence of SD in MS patients compared with HC subjects (42.0% vs 16.0%, P = .0001). The prevalence of dysfunctional FSFI global scores (<26.55) was higher in women with MS compared with HC (49.6% vs 33.6%, P = .014). In the MS group, the prevalence of SD was similar between pre- and post-menopausal women. Both premenopausal and postmenopausal MS women presented a greater prevalence of SD if compared with the premenopausal and postmenopausal HC groups (30/79 [37.9%] vs. 5/74 [6.8%], P = .0001 and 20/40 [50.0%] vs 16/57 [28.1%], P = .03, respectively). A negative correlation was observed between the FSFI global score and age and Expanded Disability Status Scale. Depressive symptoms were more common in women with MS and SD than in those without. Clinical ImplicationsThis study suggests that sexual function investigation should always be a standard part of the consultation with healthcare professionals for MS. Strength & LimitationsThe strength of this study was the comparison with an age-matched healthy control group and the use of validated questionnaires to assess both sexual function and sexual distress. Larger and multicenter studies may further support our findings. ConclusionIn our cohort, the prevalence of SD and sexual distress was higher in women with MS compared to the HC group. Age, disability, and depressive symptoms were associated with increased SD.Gava G, Visconti M, Salvi F, et al. Prevalence and Psychopathological Determinants of Sexual Dysfunction and Related Distress in Women With and Without Multiple Sclerosis. J Sex Med 2019;16:833–842.

1020 - Pelvic floor muscle training improves sexual distress in women with stress urinary incontinence

1020 - Pelvic floor muscle training improves sexual distress in women with stress urinary incontinence

Sexual dysfunction and distress in premenopausal women with migraine: association with depression, anxiety and migraine-related disability.

Migraine is a chronic disorder associated with impaired quality of life as well as sexual function. However, data about the sexual distress in women with migraine were lacked.This study aimed to determine the incidence and associated risk factors of both sexual function and distress in premenopausal women with migraine. Sixty-nine women diagnosed with migraine were included. Sexual function and distress were assessed by Female sexual function index (FSFI) and Female sexual distress scale-revised (FSDS-R), respectively. Depression and anxiety were investigated by Hospital depression and anxiety scale (HADS). Migraine related disability was evaluated by Migraine disability assessment scale (MIDAS) and average severity of pain was determied by Visual analog scale (VAS). Fifty-five women reported to have sexual dysfunction. Any headache-related feature including MIDAS and VAS scores, depression or anxiety was found to be related with sexual dysfunction. Sexual distress was noted in 37 cases, and depression, VAS and MIDAS scores were significantly higher in women with sexual distress. This study showed that women with migraine should be screened both for sexual dysfunction and distress to help clinicians dealing with sexual medicine to improve the standart of patient care in their regular practice. Special attention should be given to the ones whose MIDAS and VAS scores were high and who had depression.

Sexual distress and sexual function in a sample of Iranian women with gynecologic cancers.

This study aims to examine the correlation between sexual function and sexual distress, and to determine the predictive factors of sexual function and sexual distress in women with gynecologic cancers. In this cross-sectional study, 387 subjects were referred to Velayat Hospital in Qazvin, Iran, using convenience sampling method between June and August 2016. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R). Mean scores of sexual function and sexual distress were 19.4 ± 6.7 and 29.2 ± 12.9, respectively. There was no significant correlation between sexual function and sexual distress. Multivariate predictors of FSFI were cancer stage (p = 0.023), cancer type (p = 0.025), duration of disease (β = -0.10, 95% CI [-0.17, - 0.02], p = 0.017) and social support (β = 0.53, 95% CI [0.24, 0.83], p < 0.001). Predictors of FSDS-R were economic status (p = 0.040) and type of cancer (p = 0.016). There was a negative relation between the overall score on FSDS-R and FSFI sub domains of desire (β = -1.4, p = 0.033) and arousal (β = -2.1, p = 0.024). This study did not support a relation between sexual function and sexual distress. Other factors, however, including cancer type, economic status and social support may affect sexual function and sexual distress. Future studies needed to determine further factors which can affect the sexual distress and sexual function of gynecologic cancer patients.

022 Predictors and Moderators of Sexual Distress in Women with Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder

022 Predictors and Moderators of Sexual Distress in Women with Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder

Body Esteem as a Common Factor of a Tendency Toward Binge Eating and Sexual Dissatisfaction Among Women: The Role of Dissociation and Stress Response During Sex

BackgroundSeveral studies have suggested a relevant overlap between eating disorders and sexual dysfunction involving the emotional component of body image esteem and dissociative experiences. AimTo evaluate the common maintaining factors of sexual dysfunction and vulnerability to pathologic eating behaviors and their relation to a physiologic stress response. MethodsIn the present cross-sectional study, we evaluated a non-clinical sample of 60 heterosexual women (25–35 years old) for dissociation during sex with a partner, body image disturbance, and tendency toward pathologic eating behaviors. We also evaluated the stress-induced hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation in response to a sexual stimulus and its association with binge eating and dissociation. OutcomesParticipants completed the Clinician-Administered Dissociative States Scale, the Sexual Satisfaction Scale–Women, the Body Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults, and the Eating Attitudes Test Short Version. Furthermore, we assessed cortisol levels before, during, and after exposure to explicit sexual stimuli shown within a laboratory setting. ResultsDysfunctional body image esteem and a tendency toward binge-eating behaviors were associated with greater sexual distress in women. In particular, body esteem was significantly associated with greater dissociation during sex with a partner. Moreover, women who reported greater dissociation during sex with a partner and a tendency toward binge-eating behaviors showed higher levels of cortisol in response to sexual stimuli. Clinical ImplicationsThese results support further research based on trans-diagnostic treatments targeted to dissociation and body image esteem, which could lessen sexual dysfunction and vulnerability to pathologic eating behaviors. Strengths and LimitationsDespite the small sample and self-reported questionnaires, this is the first study to consider the association of the stress response during sexual stimuli with sexual distress and with pathologic eating behaviors adopting a dimensional approach. ConclusionBody uneasiness and dissociation represented factors underlying pathologic eating behaviors and sexual dysfunction. Women reporting a tendency toward binge-eating episodes and dissociation during sexual experiences represented a subpopulation with a higher stress response during sexual stimuli.Castellini G, Lo Sauro C, Ricca V, Rellini AH. Body Esteem as a Common Factor of a Tendency Toward Binge Eating and Sexual Dissatisfaction Among Women: The Role of Dissociation and Stress Response During Sex. J Sex Med 2017;14:1036–1045.

Quality of Life and Sexual Distress in Women With Erosive Vulvovaginal Lichen Planus.

Erosive vulvovaginal lichen planus (EVLP) is a chronic and painful genital dermatosis. Little is published about its impact on quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate quality of life and sexual function in women with EVLP. Women with genital dermatoses were surveyed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Hospital Depression and Anxiety Scales. A subgroup completed the Female Sexual Distress Scale and Female Sexual Function Index subscales. Patient characteristics including age, diagnosis, and current treatment were recorded. Results from women with EVLP were compared with other diagnoses. Data from 77 women who participated between March 2013 and March 2014 were analyzed. Of these, 17 had EVLP. Comparator groups included women with vulval lichen sclerosus (n = 48) and vulval dermatitis (n = 12). In women with EVLP, 59% reported at least moderate impact on quality of life; mean DLQI scores: EVLP, 7.18; lichen sclerosus, 3.79; dermatitis, 8.67; p = .008. Overall, scores suggested depression in 14% and anxiety in 16% of participants. Sexual distress scores 11 or higher were recorded by 69% of women with EVLP, 63% of women with lichen sclerosus, and 56% of women with dermatitis. In those completing all sections of the survey (n = 40), DLQI was significantly correlated with depression (p = .004), sexual distress (p = .001), and sexual satisfaction (p = .01). Sixty-nine percent of women with EVLP reported sexual distress. Women with EVLP reported lesser quality of life than those with lichen sclerosus. Quality of life, anxiety and depression, sexual distress, and sexual function were all related in these participants.

Predictors of Sexual Distress in Women With Desire and Arousal Difficulties: Distinguishing Between Personal, Partner, and Interpersonal Distress

IntroductionAlthough impaired sexual function is relatively common, not all sexual impairments are associated with distress. To date, most studies on protective and risk factors for sexual distress have asked about distress in a more general manner and have failed to distinguish different dimensions of sexual distress. AimTo examine the association of several intra- and interpersonal factors with personal, perceived partner, and interpersonal distress due to an impairment in sexual functioning in women. MethodsThis study is a cross-sectional representative population-based survey with a two-level random selection of Flemish women 14 to 80 years old from the Belgian National Register. The data of 520 sexually active heterosexual women with a partner (weighted N) and impairment in sexual desire (n = 291) and/or sexual arousal (n = 273) were used for analysis. Main Outcome MeasuresDemographic information was obtained, and the five-item Mental Health Inventory, the Marital Adjustment subscale of the Maudsley Marital Questionnaire, and the four-item Dyadic Sexual Communication Questionnaire were used. Presence and severity of sexual impairments and associated sexual distress were assessed using the Sexual Functioning Scale. ResultsSeverity and number of sexual impairments were predictive of all types of sexual distress. Also, for desire and arousal impairments, lower mental well-being predicted personal distress, and lower relationship satisfaction predicted perceived partner distress. For desire impairments, lower relationship satisfaction and less communication about sexual needs were predictive of interpersonal distress. For impairments in sexual arousal, lower mental well-being and lower relationship satisfaction were predictive of interpersonal distress. ConclusionPersonal, perceived partner, and interpersonal distress due to sexual impairments have different types of predictors. Clinical assessment and treatment could benefit from differentiating between different types of distress and the intra- and interpersonal factors that are associated with them.