The effects of sexual counseling and pelvic floor relaxation on sexual functions in women receiving vaginismus treatment: a randomized controlled study

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of sexual counseling and pelvic floor relaxation on sexual functions in women receiving vaginismus treatment. Methods A total of 34 women at the vaginismus treatment stage, including 17 in the experiment group and 17 in the control group, were included in the study with a randomized controlled design. In addition to the routine treatment protocol, women in the experiment group were provided with pelvic relaxation and sexual counseling based on the Information, Motivation, Behavior (IMB) model consisting of four sessions. The control group received the routine treatment protocol. The assessments were made at the 3rd week and 2nd month after coitus. The women filled out an Information Form, the validated Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and the Vaginal Penetration Cognition Questionnaire (VPCQ). Results The mean age of the women was 27.59 +/- 5.32, and their mean duration of marriage/relationship was 33.44 +/- 12.11 months. After the treatment statistically significant increases were observed in the total FSFI scores and the desire, arousal, and pain dimension scores of the experiment group in comparison with the control group (p<0.05). In the VPCQ total scores, there was a significant reduction in the experiment group in comparison with the control group and after the treatment in comparison with before the treatment (p<0.01). Conclusions The sexual counseling based on the IMB model and pelvic relaxation interventions provided to the women who were receiving vaginismus treatment affected their sexual function positively. It may be recommended to conduct comparative studies with a broader sample and different models.