Experience of Symptoms, Sexual Function, and Attitudes Toward Counseling of Women Newly Diagnosed With Vulvodynia

Abstract

Women with newly diagnosed vulvodynia report substantial impact of vulvar pain but feel little control over symptoms. Sexual desire and sexual satisfaction are low. Most of the respondents would consider counseling to help address these issues.

Experiences of internet-based treatment for vulvodynia: A qualitative study

“…Regarding treatment content, the information part of the internet-based treatment was perceived as very important for understanding the bodily reactions associated with chronic pain. Highly educated women with vulvodynia perceive themselves as having very little power to control and understand their symptoms [26]. Patient education could enhance the sense of empowerment and be advantageous for the management of vulvodynia.…”

Women with vulvodynia: awareness and knowledge of its care among student healthcare staff

“…In turn, this sense of trust facilitates a more detailed description of her vulvodynia symptoms and intimate problems (1,55). It is also found that women with newly diagnosed vulvodynia are open to counselling to address the psychosexual aspects of their vulvar pain, and they report that it has helped them to cope with intimacy problems (56).…”

Impact of a single‐session psychosocial counseling intervention for women with vulvodynia

“…Multiple studies suggest that there is a need to address the psychosocial aspects of living with vulvodynia in every treatment plan, as many of these patients have depression, anxiety, emotional distress, somatization, irritability, and anger. [11][12][13][14] Additionally, women with vulvodynia tend to have increased difficulty expressing feelings and communicating with their partners.…”

“…The psychosocial needs of patients with vulvodynia and their partners have been demonstrated in numerous reports. Multiple studies suggest that there is a need to address the psychosocial aspects of living with vulvodynia in every treatment plan, as many of these patients have depression, anxiety, emotional distress, somatization, irritability, and anger 11–14 …”

“…Multiple studies suggest that there is a need to address the psychosocial aspects of living with vulvodynia in every treatment plan, as many of these patients have depression, anxiety, emotional distress, somatization, irritability, and anger. 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 …”