genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorde

Introduction

• unification of the previously distinct diagnoses of dyspareunia & vaginismus

Etiology

• risk factors
  • history of childhood trauma
  • negative sexual attitudes
  • low sexual satisfaction
  • comorbid psychiatric conditions
    • depression

Epidemiology

• relatively common (10-16%

Pathology

• clinical reality that pain, fear, & pelvic floor muscle dysfunction frequently co-occur & are difficult to reliably distinguish in practice

Clinical manifestations

• pain with attempted or actual penetration (dyspareunia)
• involuntary pelvic floor muscle contraction (vaginismus)
• anticipatory anxiety
• avoidance of sexual activity
• marked distress
• symptoms present > 75% of the time for > 6 months

Treatment:

• treatment of suxual dysfunction is multimodal
  • involves addressing both the underlying cause & the psychological & behavioral aspects of sexual function

More general terms

• sexual dysfunction

Components

• dyspareunia
• vaginismus