Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Sexual Function in Women with Vaginismus Disorders: A Systematic Review
Issued Date
2026-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
15734048
eISSN
18756581
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105030048979
Journal Title
Current Women S Health Reviews
Volume
22
Issue
3
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Current Women S Health Reviews Vol.22 No.3 (2026)
Suggested Citation
Kurniawati E.M., Hardianto G., Paraton H., Hadi T.H.S., Rahmawati N.A., Wahyuningtyas R., Putra M.D.A., Manonai J. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Sexual Function in Women with Vaginismus Disorders: A Systematic Review. Current Women S Health Reviews Vol.22 No.3 (2026). doi:10.2174/0115734048336842250625062857 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/115210
Title
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Sexual Function in Women with Vaginismus Disorders: A Systematic Review
Author's Affiliation
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Introduction: Vaginismus is characterized by involuntary tightening of the pelvic floor muscles around the vagina and requires appropriate management. This review systematically evaluates the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy in treating sexual dysfunction in patients with vaginismus. Methods: PRISMA guidelines were used to compile a systematic review. A search of the ScienceDirect, PubMed, ProQuest, and Google Scholar databases was conducted to find English-language studies published between 2002-2023 that examined the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy and its effects on the sexual function of women with vaginismus. The included studies were assessed for quality using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tools (MMAT), and data were analyzed narratively. Results: A total of 5 studies, including a total of 288 women with vaginismus, were included in the review. The majority of studies included women with vaginismus according to DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria. The duration of the treatment and outcome measurements varied. Discussion: Cognitive-behavioral therapy has an effect on sexual satisfaction, sexual functions, and marital adjustment, as well as reducing levels of depression and anxiety symptoms in women with vaginismus. CBT is a helpful, cost-effective, and non-invasive interventional therapy. Conclusion: The duration of therapy required for improvement, as well as its possible association with the severity of vaginismus, remains unclear.