Treating Women with Genito-Pelvic Pain/ Penetration Disorder: Influences of Patient Agendas on Help-seeking

This study sought to investigate the help-seeking experiences and motivations of women seeking treatment for Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder (GPPPD) that are important for coping with this chronic health condition in community health care settings. Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder (GPPPD) is a common chronic genital pain condition, affecting anywhere from 3-18% of women in the general population, that can cause significant personal and relational burden. Twenty-six Australian women with GPPPD (50% with provoked and localized vulvodynia; age range 19-43 years) participated in either two interviews or an on-line survey designed to gather information about treatment seeking for GPPPD. Data was thematically analysed using grounded theory and phenomenological methods. The women reported treatment support from a variety of community health care professionals (HCPs), and which support they perceived as not always helpful. Three consultation expectancies were identified. First, that the HCP would validate the reality of their symptoms to comprise a treatable condition, second that an HCP who was knowledgeable about GPPPD likely would be patient centered, and third that a strong treatment alliance with the HCP was important for the successful management of GPPPD. GPPPD can cause significant personal and relational burden, and those afflicted require responsive community health services for health related quality of life.