1. Objectifs

Intentions :
«This Primer summarizes the epidemiology of vulvodynia and provides an overview of the biomedical, psychosocial and pelvic floor-related mechanisms as well as of diagnosis and screening. In addition, this Primer discusses management approaches for vulvodynia, which encompass psychosocial therapies, pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) and medical management, together with guidelines for future research and treatment, including quality of life issues.» (p. 2)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
Données documentaires diverses

Type de traitement des données :
Réflexion critique

3. Résumé

Dans cet article, les auteures présentent quelques facteurs psychosociaux pouvant expliquer certains symptômes de la vulvodynia. Parmi ceux-ci, plusieurs concernent directement la famille et le couple. D’abord, les auteures abordent la maltraitance à l’enfance. «In two epidemiological studies, women with vulvodynia were more likely to have reported childhood sexual abuse and severe physical abuse than women without vulvodynia […].» (p. 7) Ensuite, l’intimité, la communication et l’affection sont abordés. «Studies have indicated that empathic responses and self-disclosure [are] associated with pain-related sexual difficulties in women with vulvodynia and their partners.» (p. 7) De plus, la théorie de l’attachement est étudiée. «In one study, women with vulvodynia had higher levels of attachment avoidance than women without vulvodynia […].» (p. 7) Les facteurs liés à la relation de couple sont également soulevés. «Cross-sectional and daily diary studies [have] indicated that greater facilitative partner responses were associated with lower levels of pain and greater sexual function in women, in addition to their partners’ greater relationship and sexual satisfaction.» (p. 8) Finalement, les auteurs abordent la motivation sexuelle dans le couple. «Interestingly, one dyadic daily diary study found that, on days when women with vulvodynia reported engaging in sexual activity to pursue positive relationship outcomes such [as intimacy, they] reported less pain and they and their partners reported greater sexual function and relationship satisfaction.» (p. 8)