EXPLORING THE SEXUAL EXPERIENCE OF WOMEN WITH VULVODYNIA AND FIBROMYALGIA: CONSIDERING THE INTERSECTION WITH SOCIAL SUPPORT AND QUALITY OF LIFE

Vulvodynia (VU) and Fibromyalgia (FM) are chronic pain conditions recently discussed under the Nociplastic pain umbrella. Despite their different symptom profiles, they frequently coexist, prompting exploration of potential etiological links and their impact on patients. This study aims to evaluate sexual functioning, genital pain, and satisfaction among women with VU, FM, and comorbid conditions (CO), focusing on social support and quality of life (QoL).

Between April 2023 and January 2024, 359 women from patient associations for FM and VU completed an online survey assessing their sexual functioning, satisfaction, genital pain, social support, and QoL.

All groups reported some degree of sexual impairment. A MANOVA showed that VU experienced significantly greater genital pain presence and distress compared to CO and FM (F = 18.875; p < 0.001). VU and CO reported lower lubrication levels than FM (F = 4.397; p < 0.013). Additionally, sexual pain was more pronounced in VU than in CO and FM (F = 17.369; p < 0.001). There were no significant differences among groups regarding sexual satisfaction or overall sexual functioning. While perceived social support was similar across groups, QoL differed; FM and CO reported lower physical (F = 128.451; p < 0.001) and mental QoL (F = 8.501; p < 0.001) than VU. Both social support and QoL were significantly associated with sexual functioning and satisfaction, as well as genital pain.

This study highlights the necessity of incorporating sexual and genito-pelvic pain assessments in chronic pain conditions aiming to improve overall well-being and QoL.

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