Affiliation:
1. Department of Rehabilitation Science and Health Technology Oslo Metropolitan University Oslo Norway
2. Department of Psychology University of Oslo Oslo Norway
3. Faculty of Health Studies VID Specialized University Oslo Norway
Abstract
AbstractIntroductionVulvodynia, a chronic genital pain disorder with a high lifetime prevalence among women, has a significant negative impact on both women and their partners. Although there is a growing body of literature on the experiences of women with vulvodynia, there has been little research on the condition's implications for partners and romantic relationships. The aim of this study is to explore how heterosexual couples experience living with vulvodynia.Material and methodsEight Norwegian women diagnosed with vulvodynia by gynecologists were recruited with their partners (couples aged 19–32 years). Data was collected via individual semi‐structured interviews and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.ResultsThree main themes were identified in the analysis: Mysterious disorder, Social exclusion and Sexual expectations. The results show that the couples struggle with understanding the pain, as well as navigating their social and sexual lives. We discuss these findings in light of a new theoretical model: the fear‐avoidance‐endurance model of vulvodynia.ConclusionsHeterosexual couples living with vulvodynia experience communication difficulties with partners, health professionals, and their social network. This sustains avoidance and endurance behavior, increasing pain and dysfunction over time and giving rise to feelings of powerlessness and loneliness. Social expectations regarding male and female sexuality also promote guilt and shame for both parties in couples affected by vulvodynia. Our results suggest that heterosexual couples living with vulvodynia, as well as health professionals treating them, should be helped to communicate more effectively in order to break vicious circles of maladaptive avoidance and endurance behavior.
Funder
Norske Kvinners Sanitetsforening
Subject
Obstetrics and Gynecology,General Medicine
Cited by
4 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献