Virtual Reality Exposure for Vaginismus: A Replicated Single-Case Design
Vaginismus is a sexual dysfunction characterized by involuntary tightening of the pelvic floor muscles, preventing vaginal intercourse. It is defined by an intense fear of vaginal penetration, leading to persistent difficulties with vaginal intercourse and gynaecological exams. Psychological factors play a significant role in vaginismus. If the pelvic floor muscle tightening represents a defensive reflex, then treatment using a gradual exposure to feared stimuli using virtual reality may lead to an extinction of the phobic response, and to amelioration of vaginismus. If effective, the use of virtual reality technology can directly improve clinical care offered to those suffering from vaginismus.
• The investigators will recruit individuals who have a vagina. They expect that most participants will identify as cisgender, where sex is female and gender is woman, while others may have a female sex but identify as a different gender (e.g., genderdiverse). Transwomen (i.e., birth assigned males but identify as woman) who have had gender-affirming surgery (and so have a vagina) are eligible, as are transmen (i.e., birth assigned females but identify as men) who have not had bottom surgery (so have a vagina).