Management of Vaginismus with Cognitive –Behavioral Therapy, Self-Finger Approach: A Study of 70 Cases

Abstract

Background: Vaginismus is an involuntary spasm of the muscles of the outer third of the vagina caused by real or anticipated attempt of vaginal penetration. It could lead to marital disharmony, guilt feeling and depression. Cognitive behavioral models for therapy of this disorder have gained considerable attention during last three decades. Objective: To determine the efficacy of self-finger approach in the management of vaginismus. Methods: Seventy patients with the diagnosis of primary vaginismus based on DSM-IV criteria were enrolled in the study. The data were gathered by a semi-structured interview. After consent, the patients were referred to a female clinical psychologist for weekly sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy, i.e. desensitization using a self-finger approach. Those who had psychiatric co-morbidity were treated for the co-morbid disorders. Results: Sixty four patients (91.42%) of the total 70 completed the course of therapy and all of them responded well to the therapy. Conclusion: Non-instrumental cognitive-behavioral therapy, self –finger approach, was an effective method for treatment of vaginismus.