The journal of sexual medicine
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Entry dyspareunia is a sexual health concern which affects about 21% of women in the general population. Characterized by pain provoked during vaginal penetration, introital dyspareunia has been shown by controlled studies to have a negative impact on the psychological well-being, sexual function, sexual satisfaction, and quality of life of afflicted women. Many cognitive and affective variables may influence the experience of pain and associated psychosexual problems. However, the role of the partner's cognitive responses has been studied very little. ⋯ The findings suggest that partners' cognitive responses may influence the experience of entry dyspareunia for women, pointing toward the importance of considering the partner when treating this sexual health problem.
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Uncomplicated recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) associated with uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) are common among healthy, reproductive-aged women. Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) is a major reason of sexual pain in premenopausal women. ⋯ Three of five Caucasian-European, heterosexual, sexually active women of reproductive age complaining of rUTIs as their primary disorder also suffer from secondary PVD. Uncomplicated UPEC-related rUTIs are more frequently associated with secondary PVD than are UTIs caused by different uropathogens.
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Anticonvulsants have increasingly been invoked in the treatment of vulvodynia. However, the evidence supporting this treatment approach has not been systematically assessed. ⋯ Although some vulvodynia-afflicted patients derive symptom relief from anticonvulsants, there is, as yet, insufficient evidence to support the recommendation of anticonvulsant pharmacotherapy in the treatment of vulvodynia. Additional investigations, employing randomized controlled trials, are warranted.
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Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) is the most frequent subtype of vulvodynia. Women report negative consequences of PVD on their sexual and romantic relationships. Researchers have recently highlighted the importance of examining interpersonal factors such as intimacy, and of including both women and their partners in study designs. ⋯ Women's self-reported sexual and relationship intimacy in the couple relationship may promote higher sexual satisfaction, sexual function, and pain self-efficacy, as well as possibly foster greater sexual well-being among women with PVD. The authors discuss implications for the inclusion of emotional and interpersonal aspects of the couple's dynamic in clinical interventions and future research in PVD.
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Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) is a common cause of painful intercourse. Despite the fact that PVD is associated with high levels of pain and negative impact on women's sexuality, research has not examined associations between affected women's pain sensitivity and their sexual and relationship satisfaction. ⋯ The results indicate that women with PVD experience negative sexual effects and increased pain sensitivity. This study also suggests that some aspects of pain may be related to lower levels of sexual function and satisfaction among affected women.