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Patients' recommendations to improve help-seeking for vaginismus: a qualitative study
Rashmi Pithavadian1, Tinashe Dune2, Jane Chalmers3
1School of Health Sciences, PhD Candidate, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia. r.pithavadian@westernsydney.edu.au.
BMC Women'S Health
|March 30, 2024
Summary
Women experiencing vaginismus need better healthcare support. This study highlights their recommendations for increased awareness, destigmatization, and empowerment during medical consultations to improve treatment experiences.
Area of Science:
- Women's Health
- Qualitative Research
- Healthcare Experiences
Background:
- Limited research exists on women's perspectives regarding help-seeking for vaginismus.
- Existing research is often from healthcare professionals' viewpoints, overlooking patient experiences.
- This study addresses the gap by focusing on women's lived experiences and recommendations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify challenges women face when seeking help for vaginismus.
- To gather women's recommendations for improving help-seeking and healthcare for vaginismus.
- To support patient advocacy and enhance healthcare well-being.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study utilizing a feminist theoretical approach.
- Semi-structured interviews conducted with 21 participants seeking help for vaginismus.
- Thematic analysis applied to identify key themes and actionable strategies.
Main Results:
- Four primary themes emerged: increasing awareness, dismantling sexual myths, destigmatizing vaginismus, and empowering patients.
- Participants recommended actionable strategies to improve help-seeking and healthcare.
- Findings emphasize the need for patient-centered approaches in vaginismus care.
Conclusions:
- Study findings can inform healthcare policy and practice for better patient-provider alignment.
- Recommendations aim to improve therapeutic alliances and treatment outcomes for vaginismus.
- Implementing strategies to increase awareness and reduce stigma can foster cultural change in healthcare and society.
Keywords:
Feminist theoryHelp-seekingPatient perspectivePelvic painQualitativeRecommendationsVaginismus
