A Comparative Study of BETTER and PLISSIT Approaches in the Treatment of Common Sexual Dysfunction among Women in Isfahan, Iran

Healthy sexual performance leads to well-being with a high quality of life. The present study aimed to compare BETTER and PLISSIT approaches in the treatment of common sexual dysfunction among women referred to selected treatment centers in Isfahan, Iran in 2022.

This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 60 women with common sexual dysfunction (30 in the BETTER group and 30 in the PLISSIT group) who met the inclusion criteria, using a convenient sampling method. The female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was the data collection tool. The members of the two groups individually participated in face-to-face counseling sessions. A follow-up test and completion of the questionnaires were performed one month and six months after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 12).

No significant difference was observed in the overall level of sexual function between the two groups before the intervention (P<0.05). However, one month and six months after the intervention, this level was significantly higher in the BETTER group than that in the PLISSIT group (P<0.05). The scores of sexual desire, sexual arousal, orgasm, and sexual satisfaction were significantly higher in the BETTER group one and six months after the intervention compared to those before the intervention, and the score of painful intercourse was significantly lower than that before the intervention.

The present study indicated that education and counseling in the form of a BETTER model can have better results on sexual function.