Effect of PLISSIT model-based counseling on solving sexual dysfunction in women using contraception: 1-year outcomes

The PLISSIT model has a significant impact on alleviating sexual dysfunction and enhancing sex life.

This study aimed to investigate the 1-year outcomes of the effect of sexual training-counseling based on the PLISSIT model on the resolution of sexual dysfunction among women using contraceptive methods.

The study was designed prospective, randomized controlled, and experimental, and carried out in 2 stages. In the first stage, 352 women were included in the study. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was administered to these women, and their sexual dysfunction status was assessed according to the FSFI cut-off point (≤26.55). And then, 100 women who detected sexual dysfunction were randomized and divided into 2 groups (study group-SG; n = 49 and control group-CG; n = 51). Sexual education-counseling based on the PLISSIT model was implemented only for the SG. At 1-year follow-up, the sexual functions of women in both groups were evaluated with FSFI.

The rate of sexual dysfunction in women using contraceptive methods is important, and PLISSIT-based sexual counseling is effective in reducing this problem.

The sexual dysfunction rate was found to be 28.4% (n = 100). After PLISSIT-based sexual counseling, the sexual functions of the women in the SG improved starting from the third month and the FSFI levels were higher than the CG women at the third month, sixth month, and first year (P < .001). The effect size of PLISSIT-based counseling on the total FSFI score was 37.6%. While in the first assessment, sexual dysfunction rates were 100% in both groups; after 6 months, this rate decreased to 38.8% and 42.9% after 1 year in the SG (in CG, respectively; 94.1% and 80.4%) and the difference was significant (P < .001).

The results show the importance of sexual function assessment and sexual counseling in women using contraceptive methods, the FSFI can be used in the assessment, and PLISSIT-based sexual counseling was effective in reducing sexual dysfunction.

The limitations of this research are its cross-sectional nature and the fact that it was conducted only with women who use contraceptive methods.

Study results showed that the rate of sexual dysfunction was high in women using contraceptive methods and PLISSIT-based sexual counseling was effective in reducing or resolving sexual dysfunction experienced during contraceptive use.