Group cognitive behavioral therapy for female sexual dysfunction in postmenopause

Abstract

Objective: Validation of the protocol of brief cognitive behavioural group therapy for female sexual dysfunction on post menopause. Methods: Group intervention with postmenopausal (55-75 years old) women (n = 14) with sexual dysfunction, on gynecological outpatient follow-up in a specialized center for climacteric related complaints. The patients were divided into groups: the first (Test Group, n = 5) received 12 sessions of cognitive-behavioral approach. The two groups (equally named Intervention Group – n = 5 and n = 4) were formed by the division of subjects for bettering physical accommodation and received 10 session, resulting from adjustment and measurement of the protocol procedures starting from the Test Group. The Female Sexual Function Index scale and the Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire were applied before and after intervention. Results: There were frequent reports of behaviors/beliefs of low self-esteem, problems with partner and sexual disinterest or difficulty. Sexual dysfunction (problems with desire and/or lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain) and dysfunctional sexual beliefs (conservatism, sin, age-beliefs, body image, affectivity and maternity) both presented significant improvement with the protocol application. Conclusion: Considering the particular aspects of postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction, we developed a cognitive behavioral group therapy protocol, with significant therapeutic potential. Though a control group was not used and that the application was done in a reduced number of participants, this protocol can be assessed and utilized in similar cases, being fit new researches to verify the applicability of such for sexual dysfunction at this stage of female development.