Sexual Cognition Among Iranian Women With Genital Pelvic Pain Disorder: A Short Communication

 Genital misconceptions can lead to sex avoidance in women with genital pelvic pain and penetration disorder (GPPPD). Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the sexual cognition of Iranian women with GPPPD.

 This comparative analytical descriptive study was performed on 200 GPPPD and non-GPPPD Iranian women who referred to women’s clinics in Hormozgan province in 2021. In this study, availability samples were used, and data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and a localized vaginal penetration cognitive questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, and the significance level was assumed to be 0.05.

 The mean age of participants was 29.14±5.44 years. Mean scores for negative self-images, and catastrophic and control cognition were higher in the GPPPD group compared to the non-GPPPD group (P<0.001), while the mean scores of positive cognitions in the GPPPD group were lower (P<0.001).

 The findings demonstrated that the beliefs and knowledge of women with GPPD should be corrected to promote their sexual health. Interventions should be designed to meet the needs of this group to improve sexual relationships and avoid sexual tension.