Genito-pelvic pain / penetration disorder (GPP/PD) are disorders involving pain during intercourse that persist despite medical and pharmacological intervention. These disorders are believed to be caused by anxious responses to sexual encounters, resulting in sympathetic nervous system arousal and unconscious pelvic muscle tightening. GPP/PD are typically associated with unprocessed sexual trauma or anxiety, thus suggesting psychological treatments should be used for symptom relief (Darnell, 2021).
Darnell (2021) created a treatment protocol for GPP/PD involving sexual education, improving client interoception, and psychotherapy for client’s emotions and cognitions regarding sexual experiences. Additionally, the therapist encourages the client to engage in self-pleasure activities at home to help clients feel more comfortable with sexual experiences. Darnell (2021) hopes this new holistic model can be used to improve sexual functioning and enjoyment for GPP/PD sufferers, and fully address underlying anxieties and trauma that may impact overall wellbeing.
Read the article
Citation
Darnell, C. (2021). Tending to painful sex: Applying the neuroscience of trauma and anxiety using mindfulness and somatic embodiment in working with genito-pelvic pain and penetration disorders. Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/14681994.2021.1881771
Comments