Citation

Desrochers G, Bergeron S, Landry T, Jodoin M. J. Sex Marital Ther. 2008; 34(3): 198-226.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, Université du Québecà Montréal and Sex and Couple Therapy Service; and the Department of Psychology, McGill University Health Centre (Royal Victoria Hospital), Montréal, Québec, Canada. genevieve.desrochers@internet.uqam.ca

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/00926230701866083

PMID

18398760

Abstract

The aim of this review was to critically examine published studies concerning the psychosexual aspects of provoked vestibulodynia. Despite the presence of several methodological limitations, some findings were consistently replicated. Overall, women with vestibulodynia demonstrate impaired sexual functioning, namely, lower levels of sexual desire, arousal, and frequency of intercourse. Childhood physical and sexual abuse represent potential risk factors for the development of this condition. Additionally, specific psychological states such as anxiety, fear of pain, hypervigilance, catastrophizing, and depression, are more frequently reported by these women. More rigorous studies are needed to establish which psychosexual variables may exacerbate and/or maintain vestibulodynia.

Language: en