Multifactorial Evaluation of Vaginismus: Psychiatric Comorbidity, Personality Traits, and Psychosocial Correlates in a Preliminary Study

INTRODUCTION: To explore potential etiological factors in patients diagnosed with vaginismus, compare them with controls without lifelong vaginismus and/or painful sexual activity, and evaluate sexual satisfaction in both groups.
METHODS: The study included 12 patients with vaginismus and 12 controls. A demographic and clinical data form was completed, and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV – Axis I disorders (SCID-I) was conducted. All participants completed the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Revised-Abbreviated Form (EPQR-A), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-28 (CTQ-28), Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R), and Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS).
RESULTS: Vaginismus patients were more likely to live in rural areas and extended families (p<0,05), had less adequate sexual education (often from friends, p<0,05), and half associated intercourse with pain, unlike controls who viewed it as a necessity. The vaginismus group had higher EPQR-A lying subscale scores (p=0,033). No differences were found in attachment styles or childhood trauma. The vaginismus group scored higher on the GRISS vaginismus subscale and overall scores (p<0,05).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Sexual experiences are shaped by sociocultural, psychological, and relational factors, underscoring the need for culturally sensitive, couple-focused interventions and comprehensive sexual health education. Routine assessment of sexual function during psychiatric evaluations, including psychological interventions and partner sexual health screening, is essential, as untreated sexual issues may persist in individuals without lifelong vaginismus.

Keywords: Vaginismus, comorbidity, childhood trauma, attachment