Intimacy, sexual satisfaction and sexual distress in vulvodynia couples : an observational study

Abstract

Objective. Vulvodynia is a prevalent idiopathic pain condition with deleterious consequences for the sexuality of affected women and their spouses. Intimacy has been identified as a facilitator of adjustment to health difficulties in couples. Two components of intimacy were examined among couples with vulvodynia – empathic response and disclosure – in relation to their sexual satisfaction and sexual distress. Methods. Using an observational design, 50 women (M age= 24.50, SD = 4.03) diagnosed with vulvodynia and their spouses (M age = 26.10, SD = 5.70) participated in a filmed discussion focusing on the impact of vulvodynia on their lives. Empathic response and disclosure were assessed by a trained observer and self-reported by participants after engaging in the discussion. The Actor-Partner Interdependence Model guided the data analyses. Results. Women’s and spouses’ higher observed and perceived empathic response were associated with their own and their partners’ greater sexual satisfaction. Women’s and spouses’ higher perceived disclosure were associated with their own and their partners’ greater sexual satisfaction. Women’s and spouses’ higher observed empathic response were associated with their own lower sexual distress. Women’s higher observed empathic response was associated with their spouses’ lower sexual distress. Women and spouses’ perceived greater empathic response were associated with their own lower sexual distress. Women’s and spouses’ greater perceived disclosure during the discussion were associated with their own and their partners’ lower sexual distress. Conclusions. Promoting empathic response and disclosure through couple interventions may buffer against the sexual distress and sexual dissatisfaction of couples coping with vulvodynia.