title: Sexual Functioning and Cognitions During Sexual Activity in Men With Genital Pain: A Comparative Study.
abstract: Male genital pain is frequently associated with sexual dysfunction, and some studies suggest it is influenced by cognitive factors. However, there is little evidence on how these factors discriminate male genital pain from other sexual problems. This study intends to explore differences on sexual functioning and self-reported cognitions during sexual activity between men with genital pain, men with sexual dysfunction, and sexually healthy men. A total of 134 men divided in three groups based on their clinical condition (i.e., genital pain, sexual dysfunction, or no sexual/pain complaints) and matched for demographic variables completed measures of sexual functioning (IIEF) and thoughts during sexual activity (SMQ). Findings showed that men with genital pain and men with sexual dysfunctions reported significantly lower levels of overall satisfaction with sexual life, compared to men without sexual problems. Additionally, men with genital pain and men with sexual dysfunctions presented significantly more failure anticipation thoughts in comparison to sexually healthy men. Overall, findings emphasize the role of negative cognitions as a common factor associated with male genital pain and sexual dysfunctions, suggesting that genital pain should be regarded as a sexual problem and that clinical interventions should include sex therapy techniques as well as cognitive-behavioral procedures.
authors.affiliation: a University of Porto, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences , Porto , Portugal.
authors.forename: Raquel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pereira
authors.affiliation: a University of Porto, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences , Porto , Portugal.
authors.forename: Cátia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Margarida Oliveira
authors.affiliation: a University of Porto, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences , Porto , Portugal.
authors.forename: Pedro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nobre
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D060825:Cognitive Dysfunction / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005832:Genital Diseases, Male / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005837:Genitalia, Male / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain; D012649:Self Concept; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012747:Sexual Partners; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires