title: Psychosexual aspects of vulvovaginal pain.
abstract: Vulvovaginal pain problems are major health concerns in women of childbearing age. Controlled studies have shown that vulvovaginal pain can adversely affect women and their partners' general psychological well-being, relationship adjustment, and overall quality of life. These women have significantly lower levels of sexual desire, arousal, and satisfaction, as well as a lower intercourse frequency than normal controls. They also report more anxiety and depression, in addition to more distress about their body image and genital self-image. Empirical studies indicate that specific psychological and relationship factors may increase vulvovaginal pain intensity and its psychosexual sequelae. Randomized clinical trials have shown that psychosexual interventions, namely cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), are efficacious in reducing vulvovaginal pain and improving associated psychosexual outcomes. Women reporting significant psychological, sexual, and/or relationship distress should be referred for psychosexual treatment. A multimodal approach to care integrating psychosexual and medical management is thought to be optimal.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada. Electronic address: sophie.bergeron.2@umontreal.ca.
authors.forename: Sophie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bergeron
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, College of Medicine, Department of Ob-gyn, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA.
authors.forename: Wendy M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Likes
authors.affiliation: Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, STI unit, Institut national de santé publique, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Steben
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D056650:Vulvodynia / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy
keywords: cognitive–behavioral therapy; provoked vestibulodynia; psychological adjustment; sexual function; vulvodynia; vulvovaginal pain