Treatment of sexual disorders with eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy and pelvic floor rehabilitation: A pilot dtudy on a sample of patients with genito-pelvic pain disorder

This study examined the effectiveness of combining eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy with pelvic floor rehabilitation (PFR) in treating female sexual pain disorder (genito-pelvic pain and penetration disorder). A total of 15 women aged 25 to 59 underwent 22 to 36 EMDR and 15 to 24 PFR sessions. Before treatment, low sexual interest and high pain levels were prevalent. Results indicated significant improvements in sexual interest, arousal, orgasm, partner relationship, lubrication, and symptomatology. Post-treatment, 87% reported increased sexual desire, and 73% experienced high arousal intensity. Orgasm frequency and satisfaction improved, with 87% reporting no difficulty. Pain during and after penetration decreased significantly and sexual satisfaction increased. The combined therapy demonstrated substantial benefits, highlighting the importance of integrating psychophysical approaches in treating sexual pain disorders. Future studies should include larger samples and control groups to validate these findings.

Journal

English

Elena Isola
Rosana Carvalho Silva
Diletta D’Ario
Romina Franzese
Giulia Perusi
Alessandra Minelli

Isola, E., Carvalho Silva, R., D'Ario, D., Franzese, R., Perusi, G., & Minelli, A. (2025, April). Treatment of sexual disorders with eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy and pelvic floor rehabilitation: A pilot dtudy on a sample of patients with genito-pelvic pain disorder. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research19(2), doi:10.34133/jemdr.0002