Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Sexual Function in Women with Vaginismus Disorders: A Systematic Review

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.