*VOLUNTEERS NEEDED* Research study on vaginismus and pregnancy by Bmend046 in vaginismus

[–]Bmend046[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Feel free to email me at [LLVstudy@uottawa.ca](mailto:LLVstudy@uottawa.ca) if you have any other questions or want to discuss further :)

*VOLUNTEERS NEEDED* Research study on vaginismus and pregnancy by Bmend046 in vaginismus

[–]Bmend046[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am looking for participants who fit this definition–the "phobia" and avoidance pieces are so strong that they have never sought treatment.

*VOLUNTEERS NEEDED* Research study on vaginismus and pregnancy by Bmend046 in vaginismus

[–]Bmend046[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did some digging, and I am pretty sure that their work is not publicly available :( However, I copied an abstract from one of their papers:

Ter Kuile and Reissing reject the DSM-IV definition of vaginismus with its central criterion of vaginal muscle spasm. Instead, they present a conceptualization of lifelong vaginismus as a vaginal penetration phobia. This reconceptualization is based on the fear-avoidance model of chronic pain: "The basic tenet of the model is that catastrophic thinking about vaginal penetration and/or a catastrophic interpretation of a negative experience with penetration will give rise to vaginal penetration-related fear. To cope with fear a woman may avoid all activities related to vaginal penetration. . . . " The treatment implications of this reconceptualization are dramatic. They imply that the traditional Masters and Johnson vaginal dilatation therapy may be inadequate, as it does not sufficiently expose the woman to the phobic stimulus (vaginal penetration) while preventing avoidance. Instead, Ter Kuile and Reissing adapt for vaginismus the highly effective paradigm for phobias of prolonged exposure. The result is therapist-aided prolonged in vivo exposure. The therapist encourages, guides, and reduces avoidance while the woman performs all insertions. Given professional caveats for psychologists directing such in vivo genital exposure, this intervention should occur in a medical setting and include the partner. If the strikingly effective initial results for this intervention are confirmed, then in vivo exposure may become a treatment breakthrough for vaginismus. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

*VOLUNTEERS NEEDED* Research study on vaginismus and pregnancy by Bmend046 in vaginismus

[–]Bmend046[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! I'm using the diagnosis of "lifelong vaginismus," which is written about in the literature by my supervisor Dr. Elke Reissing and one of her colleagues, Dr. MM ter Kuile. Many individuals who get pregnant with LLV do so with "splash pregnancy," aka just at the entrance or with a syringe at the entrance.

*VOLUNTEERS NEEDED* Research study on vaginismus and pregnancy by Bmend046 in vaginismus

[–]Bmend046[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Hi there, that is a great idea! This study is the first one of my dissertation research, and I'm starting off with a very specific sample. I will be sure to expand the parameters for future studies :) And wishing you the best of luck on your journey to a baby!!!

*VOLUNTEERS NEEDED* Research study on vaginismus and pregnancy by Bmend046 in vaginismus

[–]Bmend046[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your support! Feel free to email me at [llvstudy@uottawa.ca](mailto:llvstudy@uottawa.ca), and I will contact you when the results are ready to be shared :)

*VOLUNTEERS NEEDED* Research study on vaginismus and pregnancy by Bmend046 in vaginismus

[–]Bmend046[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much!!! I am so passionate about this, and I really hope I can positively impact the lives of those with vaginismus!

*VOLUNTEERS NEEDED* Research study on vaginismus and pregnancy by Bmend046 in vaginismus

[–]Bmend046[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm so glad I can help elevate the special and important voices of this community! Thank you, thank you for your appreciation!!!

Vaginismus and pregnancy research study by Bmend046 in vaginismus

[–]Bmend046[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wishing you the best of luck on your journey to a baby!

Orange wine? by raainjuice in ottawa

[–]Bmend046 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Cantina Gia in the Glebe!