ABSTRACT

Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder (GPPPD) is a disorder of pain and of sex. The pain wreaks havoc on the sex. It sets the stage for the development or reinforcement of co-morbid sexual dysfunctions, negative sexual attitudes, avoidant and damaging behaviors, relationship discord, and declines in self-esteem and mood. These, in turn, augment the experience of pain. Despite significant overlap, pain may require certain interventions while sexual problems may require others. An Intersystem or integrative approach (Hertlein & Weeks, 2009; Weeks & Gambescia, 2015) is the way to maximize effectiveness in the treatment of GPPPD.