Marianne Wikman

Prevalence and incidence of prolonged and severe dyspareunia in women: results from a population study.

Aims: The principle aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and incidence of prolonged (≥6 months) and severe dyspareunia in a non-patient population of women, and to explore the rate of recovery as well as the inclination to seek medical care. Another aim was to compare the use of oral contraceptives among women who had ever had dyspareunia and those who had not. Methods: A total of 3,017 women aged 20—60 participating in a screening program for cervical cancer answered a questionnaire about possible painful coitus. Results: The prevalence was 9.3% for the whole group and 13% for women aged 20—29 and 6.5% for the women aged 50—60, with a risk ratio of 2.0 (95% CI 1.4—2.8) for the youngest age group compared with the oldest. The incidence risk ratio was 9.3 (95% CI 2.8—30.9) for the youngest age group compared with the oldest. Using age-specific incidence rates, a rising incidence of dyspareunia in young women was demonstrated. Of the women who had ever had prolonged and severe dyspareunia 28% had consulted a physician for their symptoms; 20% recovered after treatment, while 31% recovered spontaneously. No differences were found in the use of oral contraceptives between the women who had had dyspareunia and those who had not. Conclusions: Prolonged and severe dyspareunia is a great health problem among all women and especially young women, for whom a rising incidence of dyspareunia is suggested and discussed. Surprisingly few women have consulted a physician, raising the question of why this is the case and what can be done about it.

Vulvar vestibulitis: medical, psychosexual and psychosocial aspects, a case‐control study

Background. Vulvar vestibulitis is suspected to be increasingly prevalent among young women, but the etiology is still unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the differences in medical, psychosexual and psychosocial factors between women with vulvar vestibulitis and a control group.

Vulvar vestibulitis: a multi‐factorial condition

Objective To study differences in somatic symptoms and personality dimensions between women with vulvar vestibulitis and a non‐symptomatic control group.

Body awareness therapy with sexually abused women. Part 2: Evaluation of body awareness in a group setting

Abstract This study examines the results of a new treatment modality described in part 1 ( JBMT , 1(5), 280–288). Seven women were studied for 20 months. Symptoms (VAS-rating), self-image (SASB) and body image were assessed at the start and 1 year after the therapy. An interview was carried out for an evaluation of the outcome of the therapy as well as to achieve extended knowledge about the consequences of CSA. The tests showed that the symptoms diminished by half. The self-image and body image improved in the majority; patients with most symptom reduction and positive changes in self-love also showed a positive personal relationship with their body. The open interpretation of the interviews generated four categories (the room, the control, the choice, and the gift) which are discussed in a closer analysis of the social dimensions of the CSA phenomena. The authors suggest how the approach with body awareness group therapy can be refined and developed in working with CSA.

Body awareness therapy with sexually abused women:Part 1: Description of a treatment modality

Abstract Child sexual abuse (CSA) and its consequences have become highlighted and the aftermath of the trauma creates severe physical and psychological impairment. The aim of this study was to improve understanding about CSA and to describe and consider a new physiotherapeutic treatment modality led by a physiotherapist and a gynaecologist, where psychological, medical and pedagogical frameworks interweave.

Development of a psychometric instrument for the assessment of reproductive profile in men and women

A psychometric instrument to explore emotions and conflicts towards reproductive ability, pregnancy, delivery and parenthood in individual men and women was developed. Two primary inventories, the first using visual analogue scale (VAS) and the second a five-point Likert response format, were completed by 84 women and 28 men. In three items only, out of 52, divergent answers were recorded by the two forms. Likewise factor analysis revealed a high degree of concordance. The balance between deep emotional needs and psychosocial burden was found to be a most important clement in reproductive attitudes. The Likert format was preferred for future large-scale attitude measurements and could serve as a basis for individual interviews in selected cases.