Effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) on the sexual function of Iranian women with lifelong vaginismus

Abstract

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a new treatment recommended for vaginismus. To investigate the effectiveness of EMDR in lifelong vaginismus (LLV), a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test and post-test design was conducted. Fifteen LLV patients completed socio-demographic, female sexual function index, Zung self-rating anxiety scale, The World Health Organization quality of life questionnaire and Larson sexual questionnaire at baseline, post completion of EMDR and after eight weeks at follow-up session. Full intercourse also was assessed as main outcome via daily reports of participants. After the treatment, one successful intercourse without pain and fear and three painful intercourses were provided. The total scores of sexual function, orgasm, sexual satisfaction and mental quality of life increased and the anxiety scores decreased significantly compared with pre-treatment (P < 0.05) but differences between post-treatment and follow-up session were not significant. These findings support previous idea that fear/avoidance is the core of the vaginismus. Considering the low rate of EMDR success in the current study, it seems that focusing on the reduction of negative thoughts and beliefs about penetration during a desensitization process with feared objects is associated with better treatment outcomes, rather than retrieving and integrating information from previous experiences into a positive emotional and cognitive model. Randomized controlled trial(RCT) has been registered in http://irct.ir, code: IRCT2016020126319N1