Percepções do viver com vaginismo: estudo por meio do Desenho-Estória com Tema / Perceptions of living with vaginismus: study through Thematic Drawing and Story / Percepciones de vivir con vaginismo: estudio a través de Dibujo-Cuento con Tema

Considerando que experienciar uma disfunção sexual afeta profundamente a autopercepção e a qualidade de vida, este estudo almejou compreender a experiência de viver com vaginismo. Trata-se de uma pesquisa empírica, qualitativa, de caráter exploratório, em que participaram nove mulheres diagnosticadas em algum período da vida com vaginismo. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas semidirigidas e do procedimento de desenhos-estórias com o tema "Vaginismo", sendo que, neste trabalho, destaca-se a análise dos desenhos e histórias devido à riqueza deste instrumento. O material foi interpretado em conjunto possibilitando a construção de três categorias temáticas: "Representações: o vaginismo como protagonista", "O percurso e a história de vida: os diferentes momentos do vaginismo" e "A solidão e os relacionamentos". Os resultados apontaram para diferentes percepções do vaginismo de acordo com o momento do tratamento, destacando-se a longa duração dos sintomas e o árduo processo de viver com esta disfunção. (AU)

Considering that sexual dysfunction profoundly affects self-perception and quality of life, this study aims to understand the experience of living with vaginismus. This is an empirical, qualitative, exploratory research, in which nine women diagnosed with vaginismus at some point in their lives participated. Data were collected through individual semi-directed interviews and application of the drawing and story procedure with the theme "Vaginismus". In this paper, the analysis of the drawings and stories is highlighted due to the richness of this instrument. The material was interpreted together, enabling the construction of three thematic categories: "Representations: vaginismus as a protagonist", "The course and history of life: the different moments of vaginismus" and "Loneliness and relationships". The results pointed to different perceptions of vaginismus according to the time of treatment, highlighting the long duration of symptoms and the arduous process of living with this disorder. (AU)

Considerando que experiencia una disfunción sexual afecta profundamente la autopercepción y la calidad de vida, este trabajo tiene como objetivo comprender la experiencia de vivir con vaginismo. Se trata de una investigación empírica, cualitativa, exploratoria, en la que participaron nueve mujeres diagnosticadas de vaginismo en algún momento de su vida. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de entrevistas individuales semidirigidas y aplicación del procedimiento de dibujo-cuento con el tema "Vaginismo". En este trabajo se destaca el análisis de los dibujos y cuentos por la riqueza de este instrumento. El material fue interpretado en conjunto, posibilitando la construcción de tres categorías temáticas: "Representaciones: el vaginismo como protagonista", "El curso y la historia de la vida: los diferentes momentos del vaginismo" y "La soledad y las relaciones". Los resultados apuntaron a diferentes percepciones del vaginismo según el tiempo de tratamiento, destacando la larga duración de los síntomas y el arduo proceso de convivencia con este trastorno. (AU)

Comparative Study of 150 vs. 200 Units of Botulinum Toxin as Treatment for Vaginismus / Estudo comparativo de 150 vs. 200 unidades de toxina botulínica como tratamento para vaginismo

Abstract Objective To comparatively evaluate the outcome of treatment with 150 versus 200 units (U) of botulinum toxin in achieving pain-free intercourse and relieving muscle contraction in order to allow gynecological examination. Methods In this comparative prospective observational study, 99 patients with vaginismus were treated with botulinum toxin injections from September 2016 to August 2021. Diagnosis and grading of vaginismus severity were assessed using a Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. Under local or general anesthesia, botulinum toxin diluted with preservative-free saline (150 U and 200 U) was injected into, above, and below the right and left bulbospongiosus muscle and the lateral submucosal areas of the introitus and perineal body using an insulin syringe. Patients were recalled after 2 weeks, and the postoperative outcome was recorded using a similar preoperative questionnaire. Results Overall, the mean age of patients was 30.2 years. The baseline and clinical characteristics were comparable between the 2 groups (p > 0.05). Significant improvements were seen in the pain and anxiety scores of finger penetration, dilator use, intercourse, and cotton swab in individual groups. The intergroup comparisons between 150 U and 200 U of Botox were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion Low-dose Botox (150 U) is equally effective as high dose Botox injections (200 U) in vaginismus patients. Therefore, Botox-150 U can be used to treat vaginismus as an alternative to high doses of the same substance.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar comparativamente o resultado do tratamento com 150 versus 200 unidades (U) de toxina botulínica na obtenção de relações sexuais sem dor e no alívio da contração muscular para permitir o exame ginecológico. Métodos Neste estudo observacional prospectivo comparativo, 99 pacientes com vaginismo foram tratadas com injeções de toxina botulínica de setembro de 2016 a agosto de 2021. O diagnóstico e a classificação da gravidade do vaginismo foram avaliados usando um questionário Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Sob anestesia local ou geral, injetou-se toxina botulínica diluída em soro fisiológico sem conservantes (150 U e 200 U) nos músculos bulbo esponjoso direito e esquerdo e nas áreas submucosas laterais do intróito e corpo perineal, utilizando-se uma seringa de insulina. Os pacientes foram chamados após 2 semanas, e o resultado pós-operatório foi registrado usando um questionário pré-operatório semelhante. Resultados No geral, a média de idade dos pacientes foi de 30,2 anos. As características basais e clínicas foram comparáveis entre os 2 grupos (p > 0,05). Melhorias significativas foram observadas nos escores de dor e ansiedade à penetração com dedo, uso de dilatador, relação sexual e cotonete em grupos individuais. As comparações intergrupos entre 150 U e 200 U Botox foram não estatisticamente significativas (p > 0,05). Conclusão Botox de baixa dose (150 U) é tão eficaz quanto injeções de Botox de alta dose (200 U) em pacientes com vaginismo. Portanto, o Botox-150 U pode ser usado para tratar o vaginismo como alternativa às altas doses da mesma substância.

Meu corpo refletindo minha história: vivências de mulheres com vaginismo / My body reflecting my history: experiences of women with vaginismus / Mi cuerpo reflejando mi historia: experiencias de mujeres con vaginismo

Vaginismo é uma contração muscular que causa desconforto, dificultando e/ou impossibilitando a penetração vaginal, sendo uma temática com escassa produção nacional. Este trabalho buscou investigar a experiência de viver com vaginismo e os impactos dessa disfunção na vida das mulheres. Optou-se por um estudo qualitativo-exploratório, com nove mulheres que vivenciaram o vaginismo. A coleta foi realizada individualmente por meio de entrevistas semidirigidas, sendo os dados submetidos à análise de conteúdo. Os resultados foram organizados em três categorias referentes às primeiras manifestações dos sintomas, a descoberta e enfrentamento e, por fim, aos impactos psicossociais. Nota-se que viver com vaginismo envolve um longo processo, permeado por frustrações, que impactam profundamente a saúde mental, as relações pessoais e o cotidiano. A busca por tratamento abrange diversas dificuldades pessoais, se configurando como um investimento psíquico, físico e financeiro. Logo, compreende-se a necessidade de suporte e escuta dessas mulheres, a partir de uma compreensão ampliada da sexualidade.

Vaginismus is a muscle contraction that causes discomfort, making vaginal penetration difficult and/or impossible, being a theme with limited size national production. This work sought to investigate the experience of living with vaginismus and the impacts of this dysfunction on women's lives. We opted for a qualitative-exploratory study, with nine women who experienced vaginismus. The data collection was carried out individually through semi-directed interviews, and the data were submitted to content analysis. The results were organized into three categories regarding the first manifestations of symptoms, the discovery and coping and, finally, the psychosocial impacts. It is noted that living with vaginismus involves a long process, permeated by frustrations, which profoundly impact mental health, personal relationships and daily life. The search for treatment encompasses several personal difficulties, becoming a psychological, physical and financial investment. Therefore, the need for support and listening to these women is highlighted, based on an expanded understanding of sexuality.

El vaginismo es una contracción muscular que causa malestar, dificultando y/o imposibilitando la penetración vaginal, siendo un tema de poca producción nacional. Este trabajo buscó investigar la experiencia de vivir con vaginismo y los impactos de esta disfunción en la vida de las mujeres. Optamos por un estudio cualitativo-exploratorio, con nueve mujeres que experimentaron vaginismo. La recolección se realizó de manera individual a través de entrevistas semidirigidas y los datos fueron sometidos a análisis de contenido. Los resultados se organizaron en tres categorías en cuanto a las primeras manifestaciones de síntomas, el descubrimiento y afrontamiento y, finalmente, los impactos psicosociales. Se observa que vivir con vaginismo implica un largo proceso, impregnado de frustraciones, que impactan profundamente la salud mental, las relaciones personales y la vida diaria. La búsqueda de tratamiento engloba varias dificultades personales, convirtiéndose en una inversión psicológica, física y económica. Por tanto, se comprende la necesidad de apoyar y escuchar a estas mujeres, a partir de una comprensión ampliada de la sexualidad.

A importância da intervenção fisioterapêutica no vaginismo: uma revisão sistemática / The importance of physiotherapeutic intervention in vaginism: a systematic review

Objetivo: Descrever a importância da intervenção fisioterapêutica para mulheres com vaginismo. Fonte de dados: Foram utilizadas as bases de dados SciELO, PubMed, Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde (BVS) e Literatura Cinza, incluindo artigos nacionais e internacionais, sem delimitação temporal. Foram propostas para as buscas as seguintes palavras-chave e operadores boleanos: [("vaginismus") AND ("physiotherapy" OR "intervention" OR "efficiency")], sendo esses posteriormente adequados para as demais bases que foram utilizadas nesta revisão sistemática. Seleção dos estudos: A seleção dos estudos foi realizada por três examinadores independentes. Coleta de dados: Inicialmente foram excluídos estudos com base no título, em seguida os resumos foram analisados e, dos 353 artigos encontrados inicialmente, quatro foram elegíveis para esta revisão. Síntese dos dados: Os artigos incluídos descreveram que o tratamento fisioterapêutico é de extrema importância para as mulheres com vaginismo, pois aumenta a força e o controle sobre a musculatura do assoalho pélvico, diminuindo os sintomas do vaginismo e promovendo o incremento da satisfação sexual. Conclusão: A intervenção fisioterapêutica é imprescindível para mulheres que apresentam vaginismo, tendo em vista que suas técnicas têm efetividade na prevenção e tratamento do vaginismo, além de promover melhora importante na qualidade de vida e na satisfação sexual das mulheres.(AU)

Objective: To describe the importance of physical therapy intervention for women with vaginismus. Data source: The SciELO, PubMed, Virtual Health Library (BVS) and Gray Literature databases were used, including national and international articles, without temporal delimitation. The following keywords and Boolean operators were proposed for the searches: [("vaginismus") AND ("physiotherapy" OR "intervention" OR "efficiency")], which were later suitable for the other bases that were used in this systematic review. Study selection: Study selection was performed by three independent examiners. Data collection: Initially, studies were excluded based on the title, then the abstracts were analyzed and of the 353 articles found initially, 4 were eligible for this review. Data synthesis: The articles included described that physical therapy treatment is extremely important for women with vaginismus, as it increases strength and control over the pelvic floor muscles, decreasing the symptoms of vaginismus and promoting increased sexual satisfaction. Conclusion: Physical therapy intervention is essential for women who have vaginismus, considering that its techniques are effective in preventing and treating vaginismus, in addition to promoting an important improvement in women's quality of life and sexual satisfaction.(AU)

Family, religion, and sex education among women with vaginismus: a qualitative study / Família, religião e educação sexual em mulheres com vaginismo: um estudo qualitativo / Familia, religión y educación sexual en mujeres con vaginismo: un estudio cualitativo

The diagnosis and treatment of vaginismus are complex, involving biopsychological factors and insufficient etiological assessment. For this reason, we discuss the aspects implicated in vaginismus concerning religion, family, and sex education from the perspective of women affected by vaginismus. This qualitative, exploratory study addressed nine women who experienced vaginismus, accompanied by dyspareunia or not. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using content analysis. The results are distributed into two categories: learned concepts about sex and searching for knowledge to fill in information gaps concerning sexuality and sexual dysfunctions. Inadequate sex education leads to ignorance, rigidity, and misconceptions, generating insecurity. Thus, it is relevant to instruct and sensitize families, workers, and those in religious contexts regarding a healthy and constructive way to address sexuality while respecting beliefs and values. There is also a need to improve the health care services provided to this population.

O diagnóstico e o tratamento do vaginismo são complexos porque envolvem fatores biopsicossociais e insuficiente avaliação etiológica. Por conta disso, buscou-se discutir aspectos do vaginismo referentes à religião, família e educação sexual, sob a perspectiva de mulheres que apresentam essa disfunção. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, de caráter exploratório, com nove mulheres que experienciaram vaginismo acompanhado ou não de dispareunia. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas e analisados a partir da análise de conteúdo. Os resultados foram dispostos em duas categorias referentes às concepções apreendidas sobre sexo e a busca por conhecimento diante das lacunas de informações sobre sexualidade e disfunções sexuais. Percebe-se que uma educação sexual inadequada propicia desconhecimento, rigidez e equívocos, o que gera insegurança. Portanto, é necessário instruir e conscientizar as famílias, os profissionais e os contextos religiosos acerca de formas saudáveis e construtivas de abordar a sexualidade, respeitando crenças e valores. Aponta-se ademais para a necessidade aprimoramento na prestação de serviços em saúde para essa população.

El diagnóstico y tratamiento del vaginismo son complejos, implican factores biopsicosociales y una evaluación etiológica insuficiente. Debido a esto, buscamos discutir aspectos del vaginismo relacionados con religión, familia y educación sexual, desde la perspectiva de las mujeres con vaginismo. Este es un estudio exploratorio cualitativo con nueve mujeres que experimentaron vaginismo, con o sin dispareunia. Los datos se recopilaron a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas y se analizaron en función del análisis de contenido. Los resultados fueron organizados en dos categorías con respecto a los conceptos aprendidos sobre sexo y la búsqueda de conocimiento frente a lagunas de información sobre sexualidad y disfunciones sexuales. Se percibe que una educación sexual inadecuada proporciona ignorancia, rigidez y malentendidos, generando inseguridad. Por lo tanto, es necesario instruir y crear conciencia entre familias, profesionales y contextos religiosos sobre formas saludables y constructivas de abordar la sexualidad, respetando creencias. También señala la necesidad de mejorar la provisión de servicios de salud para esta población.

Physiotherapeutic resources in vaginismus / Recursos fisioterapêuticos no vaginismo

Vaginismus consists of involuntary spasms in the external musculature of the vagina, the etiology of which is still unknown, but there are cases of biopsychosocial factors such as sexual abuse, strict sex, education, emotional trauma, religious beliefs, low-quality sexual relations, fear of sex, or even changes of ostemioarticular origin, can lead to this condition, making vaginal penetration impossible during sexual intercourse, gynecological exams or use of tampons. Objective: To highlight as physical therapy practices, their validation for the treatment of vaginismus and to verify the effectiveness of the analyzed practices. Methods: Systematic literature review carried out through digital bibliographic research on scientific articles published in electronic and electronic journals, randomized clinical trials, with no period between the years 2010 to 2020, in the electronic databases PubMed, Bireme and PEDro. Results: There was no great variability in the resources used and the studies showed positive and similar results. Conclusion: Physical therapy proved to be beneficial for cases of vaginismus, with the use of functional electrical stimulation (FES) in an analogue way, pelvic floor muscle relaxation exercises, local desensitization performed with vaginal dilator and massage. However, more research is needed, considering the moderate methodological scores found in the studies analyzed. (AU)

Vaginismo consiste em espasmos involuntários na musculatura do terço externo da vagina, com etiologia ainda desconhecida, mas há evidências de que fatores biopsicossociais como abuso sexual, sexo estrito, educação, trauma emocional, crenças religiosas, relações sexuais de baixa qualidade, medo do sexo, ou mesmo alterações de origem osteomioarticular, podem acarretar nesta condição, impossibilitando a penetração vaginal em relações sexuais, exames ginecológicos ou no uso de absorventes internos. Objetivo: Evidenciar as práticas fisioterapêuticas, sua validação para o tratamento do vaginismo e verificar a eficácia das práticas analisadas. Material e métodos: Revisão sistemática de literatura realizada através de busca bibliográfica digital em artigos científicos publicados em revistas impressas e eletrônicas, ensaios clínicos randomizados, no período compreendido entre os anos de 2010 a março de 2020, nas bases de dados eletrônicas Pubmed, Bireme e Pedro. Resultados: Não houve grande variabilidade dos recursos utilizados e os estudos apresentaram resultados positivos e semelhantes. Conclusão: A fisioterapia mostrou-se benéfica para os casos de vaginismo, com a utilização de estimulação elétrica funcional (FES) de forma analgésica, exercícios de relaxamento da musculatura do assoalho pélvico, dessensibilização local realizada com dilatador vaginal e massagem. No entanto, mais pesquisas são necessárias, tendo em vista os escores metodológicos moderados encontrados nos estudos analisados. (AU)

Dispareunia y vaginismo, trastornos sexuales por dolor / Dispareunia and vaginism, sexual disorders due to pain

Introducción: Dentro de los trastornos sexuales por dolor, se estudian la dispareunia y el vaginismo. El Manual diagnóstico y estadístico de los trastornos mentales V, los engloba bajo la categoría trastorno de dolor génito-pélvico y penetración. En Cuba, no existen muchos referentes teóricos de estas enfermedades. Objetivo: Sistematizar y actualizar los referentes teóricos relacionados con la dispareunia y el vaginismo, desde un enfoque sexológico. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión de la literatura publicada sobre el tema, de los últimos diez años, a texto completo, en las bases de datos SciELO y desde la búsqueda con Google académico con las palabras claves: trastornos sexuales por dolor, dispareunia y vaginismo. Desarrollo: La dispareunia y el vaginismo presentan una etiología multifactorial y variables grados de afectación del disfrute sexual de las parejas. Se presentan los aspectos esenciales de ambas entidades, fundamentalmente la clasificación, etiología, caracterización clínica, evaluación y el tratamiento. Conclusiones: La dispareunia y el vaginismo, son dos afecciones que afectan la vida sexual plena y satisfactoria y requieren de conocimientos, orientación y tratamiento especializado para que los resultados sean satisfactorios(AU)

Introduction: Within sexual disorders due to pain, dyspareunia and vaginismus are studied. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders V encompasses them under the category of pelvic pain and penetration disorder. In Cuba, there are not many theoretical references of these diseases. Objective: Systematize and update the theoretical references related to dyspareunia and vaginismus, from a sexological approach Methods: A review of the literature published on the subject, of the last ten years, in full text, in the SciELO databases and from the search with academic Google with the keywords: sexual disorders due to pain, dyspareunia and vaginismus. Development: Dyspareunia and vaginismus have a multifactorial etiology and varying degrees of impairment of sexual enjoyment of couples. The essential aspects of both entities are presented, fundamentally the classification, etiology, clinical characterization, evaluation and treatment. Conclusions: Dyspareunia and vaginismus are two conditions that affect full and satisfactory sex life and require specialized knowledge, guidance and treatment for the results to be satisfactory(AU)

Female genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder: review of the related factors and overall approach / Perturbação de dor Gênito-pélvica e da penetração: revisão dos fatores associados e abordagem geral

Abstract Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD) can be an extremely bothersome condition for patients, and a tough challenge for professionals regarding its assessment and treatment. The goal of the present paper is to review the etiology, assessment, and treatment of GPPPD, especially focusing on the cognitive aspects of the disease and cognitive-behavioral treatment options, through a non-systematic review of articles indexed to the Medline, Scopus and Web of Science databases, using the following MeSH queries: pelvic pain; dyspareunia; vaginismus; vulvodynia; and cognitive therapy. Altogether, 36 articles discussing the etiology, diagnosis and management of GPPPD were selected. We provide an overview of GPPPD based on biological, psychological and relational factors, emphasizing the last two. We also summarize the available medical treatments and provide strategies to approach the psychological trigger and persisting factors for the patient and the partner. Professionals should be familiarized with the factors underlining the problem, and should be able to provide helpful suggestions to guide the couple out of the GPPPD fear-avoidance circle.

Resumo A perturbação de dor gênito-pélvica e da penetração (PDGPP) é uma patologia com elevado impacto no bem-estar das pacientes, e traduz-se num desafio diagnóstico e de tratamento para os profissionais que as acompanham. O objetivo deste artigo é rever a etiologia e o tratamento da PDGPP, tendo em conta, principalmente, os aspetos cognitivos e as abordagens de inspiração psicoterapêutica cognitivo-comportamental. Para tal, foi efetuada uma revisão não sistemática dos artigos indexados às bases de dados Medline, Scopus e Web of Science, usando os termos: dor pélvica; dispareunia; vaginismo; vulvodinia; e terapia cognitiva. No total, foram incluídos 36 artigos discutindo a etiologia, diagnóstico e tratamento da PDGPP. Neste artigo, proporcionamos uma revisão do tratamento da PDGPP baseado em fatores biológicos, psicológicos e relacionais, enfatizando os últimos dois. Também resumimos as opções de tratamento

Atuação da fisioterapia nas disfunções sexuais / Performance of physiotherapy in sexual dysfunctions

As disfunções sexuais femininas (DSFs) são consideradas um problema de saúde pública pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). A disfunção sexual na mulher pode influenciar sua saúde física e mental. Dentre os transtornos sexuais femininos, os mais evidentes são vaginismo edispareunia. O vaginismo é a dificuldade de relaxamento da musculatura vaginal no momento da relação, e a dispareunia é definida como dor recorrente ou persistente associada à relação sexual. Assim, o objetivo desta revisão foi identificar as principais disfunções sexuais e verificar as intervenções da fisioterapia nas mesmas por meio de uma revisão da literatura. Foram encontrados artigos científicos nos idiomas inglês, português e espanhol, nas bases de dados Scielo e Pubmed. Os artigos analisados relatam o impacto negativo na vida das mulheres e mostram que a fisioterapia possui inúmeras técnicas para o tratamento dessas disfunções. Na busca inicial para a realização desta revisão integrativa, foram encontradas 28 publicações nas bases de dados Scielo e Pubmed. A maioria dos estudos analisados nesta revisão mostrou que a fisioterapia tem contribuído significantemente para a melhora da função sexual nas mulheres Os recursos utilizados pela Fisioterapia são: Cinesioterapia, Eletroestimulação, Ginástica Hipopressiva, Biofeedback, Cones Vaginais e Terapia Manual. A não padronização dos tratamentos dificulta concluir a melhor terapia, porém todos os estudos apresentaram melhora ou cura dos sintomas associados às disfunções sexuais, demonstrando os benefícios da fisioterapia.(AU)

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is considered a public health issue by the World Health Organization (WHO). Sexual dysfunction in women can influence their physical and mental health. Among the female sexual disorders, vaginismus and dyspareunia are the most evident. Vaginismus is the difficulty in relaxing the vaginal muscles during sexual relations and dyspareunia is defined as a persistent or recurrent pain associated with sexual intercourse. The purpose of this review was to verify the effectiveness of physical therapy treatments in female sexual dysfunction, through an literature review. The databases searched were PubMed and SciELO. 28 studies were found in English, Portuguese and Spanish. The analyzed articles report the negative impact of sexual dysfunction in women's lives and show that physical therapy has numerous techniques for treating such disorders. Most of the analyzed studies show a significant contribution of physical therapy to improve sexual function in women through resources such as kinesiotherapy, electrostimulation, hypopressive exercises, biofeedback, vaginal cones and manual therapy. The lack of standardization of treatments makes it difficult to conclude what the best therapy in the treatment of female sexual dysfunction is. However, all studies showed improvement or cure of the symptoms associated with sexual dysfunction, demonstrating the benefits of physical therapy in this condition.(AU)

Multimodal therapeutic approach of vaginismus: an innovative approach through trigger point infiltration and pulsed radiofrequency of the pudendal nerve / Terapêutica multimodal do vaginismo: abordagem inovadora por meio de infiltração de pontos gatilho e radiofrequência pulsada do nervo pudendo

Abstract Vaginismus is a poorly understood disorder, characterized by an involuntary muscular spasm of the pelvic floor muscles and outer third of the vagina during intercourse attempt, which results in aversion to penetration. It is reported to affect 1-7% of women worldwide. With this report the authors aim to describe the case of a young patient with vaginismus in whom techniques usually from the chronic pain domain were used as part of her multimodal therapeutic regimen.

Resumo O vaginismo é uma doença pouco compreendida que se caracteriza por uma contração muscular involuntária dos músculos do pavimento pélvico e do terço externo da vagina durante as tentativas de intercurso sexual, o que resulta em aversão à penetração. Estima-se que possa afetar entre 1%-7% da população feminina mundial. Com este relato os autores pretendem apresentar o caso de uma paciente jovem com vaginismo na qual foram usadas técnicas habitualmente do domínio da medicina da dor crônica como parte do seu esquema terapêutico multimodal.

Sexual Pain Disorder with Anxiety and Depressive Psychopathology as Complication: A Case-Report

Vaginismus is a sexual dysfunction which results from vaginal musculature spasm and makes the penetration almost impossible. It is commonly associated with significant emotional distress. On several occasions, fear of pain during sexual intercourse may perpetuate the sexual dysfunction. We report a case of primary vaginismus that was associated with psychiatric squeale of anxiety and depression psychopathology. It suggests that psychological problems related to a mentalhealth problem in vaginismus should be dealt adequately for a holistic approach. A combination of behavioural, psychological and pharmacological treatment is important to ensure a good prognosis outcome.

A fisioterapia pélvica no tratamento de mulheres portadoras de vaginismo / The pelvic-floor physical therapy for the treatment of woman suffering from vaginismus

O vaginismo é uma desordem sexual caracterizada por espasmos involuntários persistentes ou recorrentes da musculatura perineal e que interferem na relação sexual, levando ao comprometimento das relações interpessoais e conjugais da mulher. A fisioterapia é um recurso terapêutico recente na área da urologia e ginecologia e ainda são raros os estudos os quais abordam este tratamento para o vaginismo. Por causa disso, objetivou-se pesquisar a importância da fisioterapia pélvica e os recursos utilizados no tratamento de mulheres portadoras de vaginismo. Foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica, tendo como base de dados Lilacs, PubMed e SciELO e incluindo teses, documentos legais e livros sobre o tema, entre os anos de 2001 e 2014. Quanto ao manejo da problemática, o fisioterapeuta se encontra preparado para abordar e tratar a queixa, pois é envolto de vários recursos e técnicas para compreender e abordar o vaginismo, ressaltando a importância do diagnóstico e de uma avaliação completa. Concluiu-se que a fisioterapia pélvica promove efeito significativo sobre a qualidade de vida e satisfação sexual de mulheres portadoras dessa desordem sexual.

Vaginismus is a sexual disorder characterized by persistent or recurrent involuntary spasms of the perineal muscles that interfere with sexual intercourse, leading to impairment of marital and interpersonal relationships of women. Physical therapy is a new therapeutic approach in the field of urology and gynecology and, as yet, there are relatively few studies addressing the treatment for this sexual dysfunction. As a result, the objective of this study was to discuss about the importance of physical therapy for pelvic floor disorders and also to examine the resources used in the treatment of women with vaginismus. It was held a review of articles in the databases Lilacs, PubMed and SciELO, published between 2001 and 2014; in addition to theses, legal documents and books that address the issue. The results show that concerning the management of this disturbance, the physiotherapist is prepared to address and treat this complaint. It was also found that the practitioner is surrounded by multiple resources and techniques to understand and address the vaginismus, to carry out the diagnosis as well as the assessment process. To sum up, it was concluded that the pelvic-floor physical therapy promotes significant effect on the quality of life and on the sexual satisfaction of women with this dysfunction.

Evaluación de la calidad de vida en mujeres con vaginismo primario mediante el WHOQOL-BREF / Evaluation of the quality of life in women with primary vaginismus by WHOQOL-BREF

Antecedentes: El vaginismo es una disfunción sexual que impide Ia penetración y que afecta a cerca de un 5 por ciento de las mujeres y que les genera malestar tanto a ellas como a sus parejas. Objetivo: Conocer la calidad de vida de mujeres con vaginismo primario y comparar con un grupo control. Método: Aplicación presencial del WHOQOL-BREF a 50 mujeres con vaginismo primario y a 47 mujeres sin patología, socio-demográficamente similares. Resultados: El nivel de calidad de vida en las mujeres con vaginismo fue menor a aquella del grupo de comparación respecto a la calidad general de la vida y la salud, y en tres de los cuatro dominios del WHOQOL-BREF. Conclusión: El vaginismo es una condición que afecta la calidad de vida de las mujeres con ese diagnóstico.

Background: Vaginismus is a sexual dysfunction that prevents the penetration and affects about 5 percent of women and makes them feel upset both them and their partners. Objective: Determine the quality of life of women with primary vaginismus and compared with a control group. Method: Application of the WHOQOL-BREF to 50 women with primary vaginismus and 47 women without pathology and similar demographically status. Results: The level of quality of life in women with vaginismus was lower than that of the comparison group regarding the overall quality of life and health, and in three of the four domains of the WHOQOL-BREF. Conclusion: Vaginismus is a condition that affects the quality of life of women with this diagnosis.

Vaginismo / Vaginismus

Vaginismo é condição clínica rara em que a penetração vaginal, seja pelo ato sexual, espéculo ginecológico ou outro objeto, é impedida. Associa-se a multiplicidade de fatores que incluem condições sociais, psicológicas, psiquiátricas, ginecológicas, psicanalíticas e sexológicas. Sua etiologia está ligada, principalmente, a traumas sexuais e educação sexual rígida, embora nem sempre essas associações possam ser feitas. É assunto sobre o qual existe grande desconhecimento, inclusive pelos médicos, o que torna sua abordagem difícil, muitas vezes iatrogênica. O tratamento inclui técnicas de psicoterapia cognitiva e comportamental, tratamento médico com ansiolíticos e anestésicos tópicos, além de uso de vasodilatadores vaginais. Tratamentos com base em fisioterapia por eletroestimulação vaginal e injeções vaginais de neurotoxina botulínica têm sido propostos, ainda sem evidência científica que os autorize. Esta revisão discute conceitos e tratamentos do vaginismo.

Vaginismus is a rare clinical condition that prevents vaginal penetration, either during the sexual act, or by a gynecological speculum or any other object. It is associated to multiple factors including social, psychological, psychiatric, gynecological, psychoanalytical, and sexual conditions. Its etiology is mainly linked to sexual traumas and rigid sexual education,even though this kind of association is not always traceable. Knowledge about the subject is extremely limited, even among physicians. This is a difficult topic to approach, sometimes requiring iatrogenic approaches. Its treatment includes cognitive and behavioral psychotherapy, medical treatment with anxiolytics and topic anesthetics, as well as use of vaginal vasodilators. Treatment methods based on physical therapy by vaginal electrostimulation and vaginal injections of botulinum neurotoxin have been proposed, although no scientific evidence currently evidently supports their use. This review discusses concepts and treatment methods for vaginismus.

Perfiles e indicadores psicológicos relacionados con la dispareunia y el vaginismo: Estudio cualitativo. Segunda parte / Profiles and psychological indicators related to dyspareunia and vaginismus: Qualitative study. Part two

One target of psychology of health is the quest for specificity when detecting factors related to psychological disorders, among which there are female sexual dysfunctions showing associated pain: dyspareunia and vaginismus (not caused by medical disease). Dyspareunia is the presence of genital pain during sexual intercourse and is related to psychological or relational factors. Vaginismus is characterized by spasms in the muscles of the vaginal entrance, making it difficult or impossible to perform coitus; the woman can be sexually aroused, responsive and enjoying sexual games, she can even reach her orgasm, as long as there is no penetration. Of all the causes mentioned, the following are recognized: incapacity to let go to the erotic experience, fear to failure, cultural influence predisposing sexual conflict, anxiety and shame, as well as couple problems. However, specificity is lacking in the factors related to each one of these sexual dysfunctions in order to provide elements generating intervention strategies. Objective The objective is to detect new indicators with the purpose of having a better understanding of why an individual exercises sexuality in such a way that it makes her have a proper sexual response and why, in other situations, the sexual response shows alterations leading to dyspareunia or vaginismus. Four are the specific objectives: 1. Identification of current indicators that have an influence in sexual dysfunctions of the participants. 2. Identification of indicators that have had an influence in the unsatisfactory development of sexuality of the participants. 3. Identification of elements of perception of the participants in the couple life of their parents that may have had an impact on their sexuality. 4. Identification of indicators that, within the sexual management provided by the family, had an impact in the sexual life of the participants. Material and methods The qualitative-interpretative method was used, in the form of an exploratory case-study. The institution where the study took place was the Department of Psychology of the National Institute of Perinatology (INPerlER). The sample was constituted by three participants, all of them patients from the institution; they had to comply with certain inclusion criteria of the study. Any physical problem that could have caused the sexual dysfunction was discarded. The first participant did not show any sexual dysfunction (NSD), the second one showed dyspareunia (D) and the third one showed vaginismus (V). We used a semi-structured, focalized, in-depth interview. Interviews took place after having signed a letter of informed consent, accordingly to the ethical institutional requirements, and we also got an approval of recording the interview. We used the analysis of content with an empiric, exploratory orientation. Categories were organized accordingly with the specific objectives. Results The three participants were: NSD: 32 years old, five years of marriage. No sexual dysfunction. V: 36 years old, six years of marriage. Diagnosis: vaginismus. D: 33 years old, one year in free union. Diagnosis: dyspareunia. Data systematization was performed dividing the units of analysis by every participant and the parts of the most significative stories of every specific objective within its respective categories. In the analysis of categories we detected two conditions: internal and relational, as well as two types of indicators: risk indicators and protective indicators. What marked the difference was the dominium of the protective indicators overthe risk indicators in the NSD participant. Among the more important risk indicators, we found feelings of disadvantage, uselessness and devaluating feelings, linked to a tendency to submissive behavior, as a consequence of remote causes such as having faced a double moral in the family: on the one hand erotized family bonds during infancy and, on the other hand, prohibitions and stiffness towards any sexual curiosity or manifestation, apart from a poor socialization. The conflict between desire and sexual prohibition generates confusion in the identification of sensations, setting a painful, fearful association to sexuality, even moreso if this landscape is complicated with other elements such as violence and carelessness. Other elements found as a consequence of the aforementioned include self-inflicted violence, annulment of desire, lack of self-care and interacting problems with the opposite sex in everyday life. All of this leads to an incapacity of exerting a satisfactory sexual life, drifting towards secondary fears when feeling disadvantageous while interacting with the couple; this, in great extent, determines the conflicts, which maybe either a cause or a consequence of the sexual problem. Confusion also arises when trying to identify whether problems are internal or external, thence conductual responses tend to complicate the relationship. In both sexual dysfunctions we find a specific type of frustration, since desire, excitement and orgasm are present, but coitus cannot be performed in a satisfactory way. The following are the more important protective indicators: conductual assertive responses, clarity in the affections, situation of the problems, search for sexual information, openness to family communication and with the couple, a couple's differential place, plus the search of satisfaction of sexuality and self care. Among the indicators shared we found: limited or null sexual education, poor communication in the family nucleus, and gender stereotypes highly polarized between parents, among others. Conclusions We corroborate in this study that it is the combination of specific elements which contributes to the presence of these two sexual dysfunctions, since the psychological world has many intertwined streams, intervention models cannot be centered only in sexual techniques, but they should also consider the indicators related to such alterations. Finally, it must be pointed out that the results of this phase are the product of an exploratory study, opening the gates to new lines of research.

Una de las metas de la psicología de la salud es la búsqueda de especificidad en la detección de factores relacionados con los trastornos psicológicos, entre los que se encuentran las disfunciones sexuales femeninas por dolor: la dispareunia y el vaginismo (no debidas a enfermedad médica). La dispareunia es la presencia de dolor genital en la relación sexual. El vaginismo se caracteriza por espasmos de la musculatura de la entrada vaginal que dificultan o hacen imposible la realización del coito. Entre las causas se mencionan la incapacidad de abandonarse a la experiencia erótica, temor al fracaso, etc. Sin embargo, hace falta especificar los factores relacionados con éstas disfunciones sexuales para obtener elementos generadores de estrategias de intervención. Objetivo de la segunda fase Detectar indicadores para tener una mayor comprensión de por qué una mujer tiene un ejercicio de la sexualidad que la lleva a tener una respuesta sexual adecuada y por qué en otra la respuesta sexual presenta alteraciones que dan como resultado la presencia de dispareunia o vaginismo. Los objetivos específicos son cuatro: 1. Identificar indicadores actuales que influyen en la presencia de disfunciones sexuales de las participantes. 2. Identificar indicadores que hayan influido en el desarrollo insatisfactorio de la sexualidad de las participantes. 3. Identificar elementos de la percepción que tienen las participantes de la vida en pareja de sus padres, que pudieron impactar en su sexualidad. 4. Identificar procesos que dentro de la dinámica familiar impactaron la vida sexual de las participantes. Material y método Se utilizó el método cualitativo-interpretativo, estudio de casos y exploratorio. El escenario fue el Departamento de Psicología del Instituto Nacional de Perinatología (INPerlER), se entrevistó a tres participantes pacientes de éste. La primera sin disfunción sexual (SDS), la segunda con dispareunia (D) y, la tercera con vaginismo (V). Se utilizó la entrevista en profundidad semi-estructurada y se trabajó con análisis de contenido. Las categorías se organizaron de acuerdo a los objetivos específicos. Resultados La sistematización de los datos se realizó dividiendo las unidades de análisis por cada participante de cada objetivo específico. Se detectaron dos condiciones: las internas y las relaciónales, así como dos tipos de indicadores: los de riesgo y los protectores. Lo que marcó la diferencia fue el predominio de los indicadores protectores sobre los de riesgo en la participante SDS. Entre los indicadores de riesgo se encuentran sentimientos de desventaja, de inutilidad y devaluatorios, ligados a una tendencia a la sumisión; ello como consecuencia de causas remotas, como haber enfrentado una doble moral familiar. El conflicto entre deseo y prohibición sexual genera confusión, estableciéndose una asociación doloroso y llena de temores hacia la sexualidad. Otro elemento encontrado, consecuencia de lo anterior, es la violencia al propio cuerpo, la anulación del deseo, falta de autocuidado y problemas en la interacción con el sexo opuesto en su vida actual. De los indicadores protectores están las respuestas conductuales asertivas, la claridad de sus afectos, ubicación de los problemas, búsqueda de información sexual, apertura en la comunicación familiar y con la pareja, búsqueda de satisfacción de su sexualidad y autocuidado. Entre los indicadores que comparten se encuentra una limitada educación sexual, pobre comunicación en el núcleo familiar y estereotipos de género muy polarizados de los padres. Conclusiones Es la combinación de elementos específicos que se presentan de manera cotidiana los que implican un mayor riesgo para desarrollar estas disfunciones sexuales, los modelos de intervención no pueden únicamente centrarse en las técnicas sexuales y deben contemplar los indicadores relacionados con estas alteraciones. Cabe señalar que los resultados son producto de un estudio exploratorio que abre las puertas para nuevas líneas de investigación y de los cuales no se pueden hacer generalizaciones.

Perfiles e indicadores psicológicos relacionados con la dispareunia y el vaginismo. Estudio cuantitativo. Primera parte / Profiles and pshychological indicators related to dyspareunia and vaginismus: Quantitative study

Background At the Department of Psychology of the National Institute of Perinatology Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes (INPerIER) -a medical unit specialized in reproductive problems-, a line of investigation on human sexuality was opened due to the high numbers of patients with some kind of problem in their sexual lives. We have been performing exploratory studies where we have found a high prevalence of sexual disorders, i.e. 52% in women and 38.8% in men, in addition to other comparative studies. These studies revealed that people with disturbances in their sexual life were in a disadvantageous position when considering factors such as self-concept, assertivity, levels of anxiety, marital satisfaction, style of communication and marital communication, when compared to population not showing sexual problems. This brought us to the conclusion that the presentation of one or more sexual disorders is a risk factor that deserves exhaustive studies from the psychological point of view. Our studies, made in groups of men and women showing sexual disorders, lead to the need of studying risk factors related with every sexual disorder. We have a hypothesis that not all disorders show in a similar manner and that it is in the different combination of factors where the specificity to provide elements that can help improve intervention plans lies. Objective The general objective of this work was to identify the frequency, differences, relationships and combinations between the feminine sexual dysfunctions known as sexual pain disorders: dyspareunia and vaginismus, and some intervening variables. These were gender role and self-esteem (psychological factors) and background (child sexual traumatic experience, sexual information, sexual fears, masturbation and conjugal problems), in order to create a profile of each one of these sexual disorders so that it provides elements for intervention plans. Material and methods This was a non-experimental, transversal, retrospective field study with a correlational-multivariate design and an independent sample divided into three groups with individuals selected by intentional sampling according to pre-established quotas. This work belongs to a wider research study of some risk factors found in male and female sexual dysfunctions, whose original sample consisted of 400 participants; out of this group we selected only participants with dyspareunia and vaginismus and they were compared with the same number of participants who showed no sexual disorder. So, the sample classification remained as follows: Group 1, no sexual dysfunctions; group 2, with dyspareunia, and group 3 with vaginismus. Women participating are frequent attendees of the National Institute of Perinatology (INPerIER) and had to meet all the inclusion criteria. For the allocation into groups and the collection of sexual background data we used the codified clinical history for female sexuality (CCHFS). Measurement of personality factors was performed with the Masculinity and Femininity Inventory (MFI) and with Coppersmith's self-esteem inventory. A questionnaire on sexuality and the other instruments was provided and filled in one single session at the outpatient room. For the analysis of results, we used central tendency measurements to describe controlled socio-demographic factors such as age, civil status and schooling. The statistical analysis consisted on determining the frequency of the presence of sexual dysfunctions within the group of women with sexual dysfunctions, out of which we got the patients presenting dyspareunia and vaginismus for group allocation. Then we made an analysis to compare the groups. The first group was set to be the one with no dysfunctions, the second one with dyspareunia and the third one with vaginismus, in order to get the significative differences and the relationship between groups and personality factors under study (gender role and self-esteem); for these we used the t-Student test and ETA coefficient. For the analysis of sexual background (child sexual traumatic experience, sexual information, sexual fears, masturbation and conjugal problems) and their relationship with dysfunctions, we used X² and Cramer's V. Factors resulting related were used to perform a discriminant analysis so as to propose explanational profiles; all variables found to be related, psychological factors and sexual background were included in the analysis. Statistical data analysis was made with the software SPSS version 11. Results The description of the samples shows a normal distribution with an average for groups of age and schooling as follows: for group 1, age 31.9±5.32, years in school 10.9±3.17; for group 2, age 32.7±5.54, years in school 10.2±2.8; and for group 3, age 33.7±3.1, years in school, 9.9±2.5. From every statistical analysis variables were isolated and personality factors studied, indicating women with dyspareunia showed a decrease in masculinity features and in their levels of self-esteem, and an increase in submissive features, when compared to women with no sexual dysfunctions. As to the analysis of the results of sexual background, in the dyspaurenia group we found a relationship with conjugal problems, suggesting these variables have a significant intervention in the presence of dyspaurenia during women's adult life. The discriminant analysis launched a factor out of four variables, with 75.9% of the cases correctly classified, demonstrating that women with dyspaurenia within this percentage have related indicators, discriminating variables constituting an explanational approximation. Results of the group of women with vaginismus indicate a decrease in the self-esteem feature and an increase in the submissive features. Analysis of sexual background showed a relation between women with vaginismus and sexual fears, a decrease in sexual information and presence of conjugal problems. Described background data have a significant intervention in these women's adult life. The discriminant analysis launched a factor out of five variables, with 84.1% of the cases correctly classified, demonstrating that women with vaginismus within this percentage have these related indicators, discriminating variables constituting an explanational approximation. Conclusion The isolation of variables with the purpose of detecting the factors related to the presence of the two sexual disorders, dyspareunia and vaginismus, has as its main target to provide indicators of risk that facilitate the creation of intervention plans, in order to avoid making generalizations for the handling of sexual disorders.

Antecedentes En el Departamento de Psicología del Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes (INPerIER), se encontró una alta prevalencia de disfunciones sexuales: 52% en las mujeres y 38.8% en los hombres, además de que otros estudios comparativos indican que la población que presentó alteraciones en la vida sexual mostró siempre desventaja en factores como el autoconcepto, la asertividad, la satisfacción marital, el estilo de comunicación y la comunicación marital, en comparación con la población que no presenta problemas sexuales. Por esto es necesario estudiar factores de riesgo relacionados con cada una de las disfunciones sexuales, bajo la hipótesis de que no todas se comportan igual y es en la diferencia de la combinación de factores donde se encuentra la especificidad que puede aportar elementos que mejoren los planes de intervención. Objetivo Identificar la frecuencia, la diferencia, la relación y la combinación entre las disfunciones sexuales femeninas (dispareunia y vaginismo) el papel de género y la autoestima (factores psicológicos), y algunos antecedentes sexuales (experiencia sexual infantil traumática, información sexual, temores a la sexualidad, masturbación y problemas conyugales) para generar un perfil de cada una de estas disfunciones sexuales que aporten elementos para los planes de intervención. Material y método Estudio no experimental, de campo, retrospectivo, transversal, con un diseño correlacional-multivariado de una muestra independiente dividida en tres grupos, seleccionados mediante un muestreo intencional por cuota. Este trabajo forma parte de una investigación más amplia sobre el estudio de algunos factores de riesgo en las disfunciones sexuales femeninas y masculinas, cuya muestra original constó de 400 participantes. De éstos sólo se tomaron las participantes con dispareunia y vaginismo las que se compararon con el mismo número de participantes que no presentaron ninguna disfunción sexual. Las muestras quedaron clasificadas de la siguiente manera: Grupo 1: sin disfunciones sexuales, grupo 2: con dispareunia y grupo 3: con vaginismo. Las participantes asisten al INPerIER y debieron cubrir todos los criterios de inclusión. Para la clasificación de los grupos y de los antecedentes sexuales se utilizó la Historia Clínica Codificada de la Sexualidad Femenina (HCCSF). Se utilizó el Inventario de Masculinidad y Feminidad (IMAFE), y el Inventario de Autoestima de Coopersmith. Él análisis estadístico se realizó con la prueba t de Student, el coeficiente ETA, la X² y una V de Cramer. Finalmente se aplicó un análisis discriminante para proponer los perfiles explicativos. Se trabajó con el paquete estadístico SPSS versión 11. Resultados Se encontró una distribución normal. Los resultados indican que las mujeres con diapareunia presentan una disminución en las características de masculinidad y los niveles de autoestima y un incremento en las características de sumisión, así como relación con problemas conyugales. En el grupo de mujeres con vaginismo hay disminución en la autoestima, incremento en las características de sumisión, relación con temores a la sexualidad, con una pobre información sexual y problemas conyugales. En los demás factores no se encontró relación. Conclusiones El aislar variables para detectar factores relacionados con la presencia de estas dos disfunciones sexuales, tiene como objetivo final descubrir indicadores de riesgo que puedan facilitar los planes de intervención con una mayor especificidad y no hacer generalizaciones de manejo para todas las disfunciones.