Couple Therapy and Vaginismus: A Single Case Approach

Abstract

Although Vaginismus, or an involuntary contraction of the vaginal muscles, is one of the reasons sexual intercourse difficulty is relatively common in Iran, few studies have addressed it. This research is a single-case type (AB) design. Initially, a pretest was taken from all participants. The number of sessions was estimated between 4 and 6 sessions, and the duration of each session was 45–60 minutes. Couple therapy sessions were conducted by an individual with a PhD in sexual and reproductive health. An FSFI questionnaire was completed before counseling, just after counseling, and 4 weeks after the last counseling session. During each session, the therapist reviewed the homework assignments of the previous session regarding emotions, thoughts, and experiences, and at the end of each session, the therapist answered the couples' questions. We introduce and follow up on five casesof couples who suffer from Vaginismus. The mean age for females was 29.5, and for males it was 32. The mean length of marriage was more than 5 years. The FSFI score of participants improved from baseline (A) after intervention (B). The study would appear to show that this treatment format may be a cost effective intervention for couples presenting with Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (Vaginismus).

Notes

1 Female Sexual Function Index