The Comparison of Patient Characteristics, Therapy Outcome, and Sexual Functions in Vaginismus Patients Prior to and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

TL;DR

This study compares the treatment outcomes and sexual functions of vaginismus patients before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into how the pandemic affected the treatment-seeking behavior and outcomes of vaginismus patients.

Findings

There was a 52.51% increase in patients seeking treatment during the pandemic.

No significant differences were found in sexual functioning between pre-pandemic and pandemic treatment groups.

Vaginismus severity was similar in both groups.

Abstract

Background

The objective of this study conducted at one center is to compare the demographic features and female sexual functions of patients treated for vaginismus before the COVID-19 pandemic to those treated for vaginismus during the pandemic.

Aim

Additionally, the study intends to evaluate the results of vaginismus therapy and assess the post-treatment sexual functioning of women.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of patients diagnosed with vaginismus who sought treatment between March 2018 and March 2022. The enrolled patients were categorized into two groups: the pre-COVID-19 group and the COVID-19 group. The following data have been collected: age, education level, occupation, and marriage duration. After three months of treatment, the patients were called for a follow-up examination and evaluation of their sexual functions.

Outcomes

Compared to the pre-COVID-19 group, an increase of 52.51% was observed in the number of patients admitted for treatment in the COVID-19 group.

Results

The severity of vaginismus in the patients was similar in both groups. There were no statistically significant changes observed in any of the areas of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scale.

Clinical implications

According to our findings, there was no significant difference in female sexual functioning between women who had vaginismus treatment during the pandemic and those who underwent pre-pandemic treatment.

Strengths and limitations

The research sample comprised women who sought medical care at our women's health clinic.

Conclusions

We believe that vaginismus patients who had previously avoided seeking treatment are now seeking it during the pandemic.