The female sexual pain disorders: genital pain or sexual dysfunction?
Vaginismus and dyspareunia have been typically classified as sexual dysfunctions. In practice and research, this conceptualization has led to a focus on sexual and interpersonal issues after biological causes were excluded. Although this approach has been very useful, it has not led to significant theoretical or therapeutic progress in the last 20 years. We propose a reconceptualization of vaginismus and dyspareunia as pain disorders that interfere with sexuality rather than as sexual disorders characterized by pain. This reconceptualization focuses the clinician and researcher on the central phenomenon-pain. It also suggests new approaches to research and treatment. Data from diagnostic, etiologic, and therapeutic studies will be presented to illustrate these points.
Binik
Yitzchak M
YM
Department of Psychology, McGill University and Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. binik@ego.psych.mcgill.ca
Reissing
Elke
E
Pukall
Caroline
C
Flory
Nicole
N
Payne
Kimberley A
KA
Khalifé
Samir
S
D000328:Adult; D004414:Dyspareunia / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005836:Genitalia, Female / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*