Sexual history of male partners of women with the diagnosis vaginismus

Research on vaginismus has thus far not focused on the biography and sexual history of partners of women suffering from the condition. The aim of this study was to examine the sexual history of men who are in a relationship with women suffering from vaginismus and who are seeking help in couples sex therapy. It was hypothesized that the majority of male partners of women with vaginismus suffer from sexual dysfunctions themselves, which predisposes them to avoid sexual behavior. The sample of the present study consisted of 17 couples that participated in couples therapy for sexual dysfunctions. The sexual history of each couple was evaluated using clinical files and additional written summaries of case supervision. The majority of men in the study had little or no sexual experience with women prior the current relationship. Erectile dysfunction was the most frequently reported diagnosis in this sample. The results of the present study can contribute to a better understanding of the partnership dynamics of couples with vaginismus. The implications of the results for therapeutic practice are discussed.