Therapy for vaginismus: in vivo versus in vitro desensitization.
OBJECTIVE
To verify the effectiveness of desensitization exercises with dilators in the treatment of vaginismus, while comparing 2 therapeutic variations with differing instruction procedures ("in vivo" versus "in vitro") during the desensitization exercises.


METHODS
A consecutive random sample of 44 female outpatients in sexual therapy were divided into groups for either treatment on a random basis. All patients were treated until the symptoms abated on the basis of a structured therapy program. The stability of the therapeutic success was verified through follow-up interviews.


RESULTS
Forty-three (97.2%) of the patients were able to have sexual intercourse after an average of 6.3 therapeutic sessions. One-third reported an increase in their sexual desire. Thirty-four of 39 patients (87.2%) would be prepared to repeat the therapy. There were no significant differences in the success and the required number of consultations for the cure between the 2 groups investigated.


CONCLUSIONS
Desensitization through exercises with dilators is an effective method for treating vaginismus. The choice of instruction procedure can be left to the patient.
Schnyder
U
U
Psychiatric Outpatient Department, University of Bern, Switzerland. uschnyd@psyp.unizh.ch
Schnyder-Lüthi
C
C
Ballinari
P
P
Blaser
A
A
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000628:therapy*