Case Series: Redefining Severe Grade 5 Vaginismus

Peter T. Pacik; Corey R. Babb; Andrew Polio; Craig E. Nelson; Carlie E. Goekeler; Lauren N. Holmes

doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2019.07.006

Back

Case Series: Redefining Severe Grade 5 Vaginismus

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Case Series: Redefining Severe Grade 5 Vaginismus

Peter T. Pacik, Corey R. Babb, Andrew Polio, Craig E. Nelson, Carlie E. Goekeler and Lauren N. Holmes

Sexual medicine, Vol.7(4), pp.489-497

12/01/2019

DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2019.07.006

PMID: 31473152

Files and links (1)

url

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esxm.2019.07.006View

Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Introduction: Vaginismus is poorly understood and relatively unknown among health care providers. For those who understand and treat vaginismus, few make an assessment of the severity of this condition. The importance of classifying the severity of vaginismus impacts the clinician's ability to diagnose and treat vaginismus, and understanding of the patient's experience. Aim: The aims of this paper are to identify the distinguishing features of severe grade 5 vaginismus, determine if vaginal spasm is present in severe grade vaginismus, and to establish qualifications for the Pacik grade 5 classification. Methods: Assessment of 553 referred or self-referred women who were unable to tolerate intercourse completed a comprehensive pretreatment questionnaire. Of those women, 391 underwent a vaginal examination in a certified surgicenter using sedation and anesthesia as needed. Main Outcome Measure: The main outcome measures were to detect the presence of a visceral reaction with an intended or actual gynecologic examination in Grade 5 patients, and to identify vaginal spasm on examination. Results: A visceral response reaction to routine gynecologic examinations, as well as spasm of the bulbocavernosum, occurred in patients with severe vaginismus. Conclusion: Severe vaginismus with visceral response manifestations to routine gynecologic examinations, inability to have intercourse, and spasm of the bulbocavernosum is newly defined as severe grade 5 vaginismus. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of the International Society for Sexual Medicine.

General & Internal Medicine

Life Sciences & Biomedicine

Medicine, General & Internal

Science & Technology

Urology & Nephrology

Details

Title: Subtitle: Case Series: Redefining Severe Grade 5 Vaginismus
Creators: Peter T. Pacik - 28 Holiday Shore Dr, Dunbarton, NH USA
Corey R. Babb - Oklahoma State University
Andrew Polio - University of Connecticut
Craig E. Nelson - University of Connecticut
Carlie E. Goekeler - Oklahoma State University
Lauren N. Holmes - Oklahoma State University
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Sexual medicine, Vol.7(4), pp.489-497
DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2019.07.006
PMID: 31473152
NLM abbreviation: Sex Med
ISSN: 2050-1161
eISSN: 2050-1161
Publisher: Oxford Univ Press
Number of pages: 9
Language: English
Date published: 12/01/2019
Academic Unit: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Record Identifier: 9985240989702771

Metrics

4 Record Views

17 Times Cited - Web of Science