Effects of predisposing factors on the success and treatment period in vaginismus

OBJECTIVE: There are many predisposing factors associated with vaginismus, but there is lack of data in the literature regarding which and how of these factors influence the success rate of treatment. Our aim is to investigate the effects of factors that are considered as predisposing factors for vaginismus on treatment prognosis and success rate, with cognitive-behavioral therapy and desensitization exercises after sexual therapy. METHODS: Patients with vaginismus were divided into three groups. Group 1: patients who successfully completed vaginal penetration exercises after sexual therapy and experienced vaginal sexual intercourse; Group 2: patients who started penetration exercises but could not reach success; Group 3: patients who discontinued treatment before starting exercises. Demographic and sexual parameters were compared between the groups. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of history of vaginismus in relatives (4.3%, 23% and 35.7%, p=0.047, respectively), the unsuccessful therapy history (69%, 61% and 21.4%, p=0.014, respectively), and anal and/or oral sex ratios (47.8%, 7.7% and 57.1%, p=0.019, respectively). Mean number of sessions were significantly higher in patients saying, “It is my fault” than among those perceiving it as a common problem (10.6±2.9 ve 7.5±5.7, p=0.042, respectively), and in patients with sexual disorder in their male partners than those not having any problem (13.3±3.7 ve 8.2±3.7, p=0.013, respectively). CONCLUSION: Patients are more resistant to treatment if they have a history of vaginismus among relatives or when one of the couple say, it is his or her fault.