Psychosocial factors associated with Pain and Sexual Function in women with Vulvodynia: A Systematic Review

ConclusionA range of general/pain ‐related distress and avoidance processes, and sex/intimacy avoidance or engagement processes were significantly associated with pain, sexual functioning or sexual distress and sexual satisfaction, supporting the role of a psychosocial approach to PVD. Depression, anxiety, catastrophising, pain‐ anxiety, pain acceptance, body‐exposure anxiety, attention to sexual cues, partner hostility and solicitousness, self‐efficacy, and penetration cognitions are highlighted as potentially important treatment targets in PVD. Due to the limited data available, developing a psychosocial model was not possible. Directions for future research include examining the replicability and generalisability of the factors identified, exploring differences/similarities across Vulvodynia subsets and testing tailored theoretically‐based treatments.

Source: European Journal of Pain - September 30, 2020 Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Claudia Chisari, Mani B. Monajemi, Whitney Scott, Rona Moss ‐Morris, Lance M. McCracken Tags: REVIEW ARTICLE Source Type: research