Effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) on the sexual function of Iranian women with lifelong vaginismus

ABSTRACT

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a new treatment recommended for vaginismus. To investigate the effectiveness of EMDR in lifelong vaginismus (LLV), a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test and post-test design was conducted. Fifteen LLV patients completed socio-demographic, female sexual function index, Zung self-rating anxiety scale, The World Health Organization quality of life questionnaire and Larson sexual questionnaire at baseline, post completion of EMDR and after eight weeks at follow-up session. Full intercourse also was assessed as main outcome via daily reports of participants. After the treatment, one successful intercourse without pain and fear and three painful intercourses were provided. The total scores of sexual function, orgasm, sexual satisfaction and mental quality of life increased and the anxiety scores decreased significantly compared with pre-treatment (P < 0.05) but differences between post-treatment and follow-up session were not significant. These findings support previous idea that fear/avoidance is the core of the vaginismus. Considering the low rate of EMDR success in the current study, it seems that focusing on the reduction of negative thoughts and beliefs about penetration during a desensitization process with feared objects is associated with better treatment outcomes, rather than retrieving and integrating information from previous experiences into a positive emotional and cognitive model. Randomized controlled trial(RCT) has been registered in http://irct.ir, code: IRCT2016020126319N1

KEYWORDS:

• Female
• vaginismus
• sexual dysfunction
• EMDR

Acknowledgement

This article is a part of MD Psychiatry thesis and has been approved by Behavioral Sciences Research Centre, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran (Code: 393901).The financial support provided by the university is highly appreciated.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

Behavioral sciences research center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences [grant number 393901].

Notes on contributors

F. Jebelli

Fatemeh Jebelli, MD, is a resident in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.

M. Maaroufi

Mohsen Maaroufi, MD, psychiatrist is an associate professor at the Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.

M. R. Maracy

Mohammad Reza Maracy, PhD, is a full professor in Biostatistics at the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.

M. Molaeinezhad

Mitra Molaeinezhad, PhD, Post doctorate researcher in Psycho somatic Medicine, certified psycho-sexologist.She is an assistant professor in Sexual and Reproductive health at the Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. She provides psychosexual therapy in Isfahan psychosexual clinic, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.