PS-03-001 Female sexual pain and quality of sex life: preliminary results of the Italian protocol “sexuality and well-being”

Objective: Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPD) has a multifactorial aetiology and is characterized by pain during intercourse. GPPD has been shown to have a negative impact on the psychological well-being and quality of life of affected women. Many cognitive and affective variables may influence the experience of pain and associated psychosexual concerns. However, the consequences on sexual function and satisfaction have been studied very little. The goal of this study is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the sexual sphere of women who report this condition. Methods: Data were collected on 377 women (131 with sexual pain in the last 6 months and 246 without sexual pain), aged between 18 and 59 (M ¼ 29.23; SD ¼ 8.10). Participants completed: a socio-demographic questionnaire, FSFI, FSDS, SSS-W, SMQ-W, SDBQ-W, QCSASC-W and McGill Pain Questionnaire. Participants were recruited through snowballs technique. Results: Women with sexual pain totalized worse scores in: sexual functioning (F(1,333)¼ 23.35; p < .001) and sexual satisfaction (F(1,333)¼ 6.38; p < .05). They obtained higher scores in personal distress (F(1,333)¼ 6.38; p < .01) compared to controls. Moreover, they reported a higher frequency of: failure/disengagement (F(1,324)¼ 9.85; p < .01) and low self body image (F(1,324)¼ 5.49; p < .05) thoughts, feelings of guilt (F(1,329)¼ 4.27; p < .05), incompetence (F(1,333)¼ 6.38; p < .01), difference/loneliness (F(1,327)¼ 9.03; p < .01) and helpless (F(1,327).