Developing Cognitive Bias Modification Scenarios for Women with Sexual Interest Arousal Disorder and Comparing Effectiveness with Mindfulness Therapy

Impact of Cognitive Behavior Therapy on Sexual Dysfunction of Women in Reproductive Age: A Systematic Review

Background

A large number of women suffer from sexual dysfunction. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a psycho-educational therapy the main purpose of which is to help the individual alter their dysfunctional beliefs and behaviors. We investigated the impact of CBT on reproductive-aged women's sexual function.

Methods

The present study is a systematic review and meta-analysis in which a number of databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Embase) were searched from inception to November 2023. Clinical trials examining the impact of CBT on female sexual dysfunction were included. This study evaluated female sexual function and its components, including satisfaction, discomfort, lubrication, arousal, climax, desire, and assertiveness. We used Review Manager version 5.3 for performing the meta-analysis. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

Seven articles including a total of 448 women with sexual dysfunction were reviewed. The participants' mean age in the CBT groups was 33.43 ± 6.04 years and that of the control group was 33.24 ± 5.97, which were not significantly different. Our results indicated that CBT is efficient in improving the total score of women's sexual function (SMD = 1.34, 95% CI = (1.02, 1.65), I2 = 86%), sexual satisfaction, lubrication, desire, orgasm, and assertiveness compared with the control group. However, CBT had no positive effect on reducing sexual pain.

Conclusion

Based on the result of the current study, CBT can be suggested as an effective treatment method along with other treatments for women with sexual problems.

The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Sexual Counseling on Sexual Distress, Attitude Toward Sexuality, and Body Image Concerns in Pregnant Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION

Sexual distress during pregnancy can cause a negative attitude toward sexuality during pregnancy, and this can be seen especially in conjunction with body image concerns. This study was conducted to determine the effects of mindfulness-based sexual counseling (MBSC) on sexual distress, attitudes toward sexuality, and body image concerns in pregnant women.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was conducted in a sample of women who experienced sexual distress presenting to a Healthy Living Center in eastern Turkey. Women (N = 134) were randomly assigned to receive a 4-week, 8-session counseling program based on mindfulness (experimental group; n = 67) or treatment as usual (control group; n = 67). The primary outcome of the study, sexual distress, was assessed using the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised. Secondary outcomes included attitude toward sexuality, assessed using the Attitude Scale toward Sexuality during Pregnancy, and body image concerns, using the Body Image Concerns during Pregnancy Scale. Outcomes were compared postintervention, correcting for baseline using analysis of covariance. The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04900194).

RESULTS

Mean scores for sexual distress (7.69 vs 17.36; P < .001) and body image concerns (57.76 vs 73.88; P < .001) decreased significantly in the mindfulness group compared with the control group. Similarly, mean scores for attitudes toward sexuality significantly improved in the mindfulness group compared with the control group (133.52 vs 105.78; P < .05).

DISCUSSION

MBSC is a promising strategy to help women experiencing sexual distress during pregnancy to reduce their levels of sexual distress, raise their positive attitudes toward sexuality, and lower their body image concerns. Larger clinical trials of MBSC are recommended to support introduction of MBSC into clinical practice.

Behavioral Therapies for Treating Female Sexual Dysfunctions: A State-of-the-Art Review

Many possible factors impact sexual wellbeing for women across the lifespan, and holistic approaches are being utilized to promote health and to address sexual concerns. Female sexual dysfunction disorders, including female orgasmic disorder, female sexual interest/arousal disorder and genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, negatively impact quality of life for many women. To reduce distress and improve sexual functioning, numerous behavioral therapies have been tested to date. Here, we present a state-of-the-art review of behavioral therapies for female sexual dysfunction disorders, focusing on empirically validated approaches. Multiple psychotherapies have varying degrees of support, with cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based therapies arguably having the most empirical support. Nonetheless, several limitations exist of the studies conducted to date, including the frequent grouping together of multiple types of sexual dysfunctions in randomized clinical trials. Thus, additional research is needed to advance treatment development for female sexual dysfunctions and to promote female sexual health.