Sensory Processing Dysfunction and Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder: Women share their Experiences of Participating in a Sensory-Based Home Program

Abstract

Introduction: Sensory processing dysfunction (SPD) has only recently been

described in women with genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD).

However, female sexual pain is a virtually unknown area of practice for occupational

therapists providing intervention for adults with SPD.

Aim: To describe the experiences of women with GPPPD with identified sensory

processing dysfunction (SPD) who followed a sensory-based home programme.

Methods: Purposive, non-probability sampling was used to recruit participants

for the qualitative arm of the study after they presented with SPD in the quantitative

part of the study. Semi-structured individual interviews were used to

gather information and sufficient information power was reached after five

participants were interviewed. Data were analysed descriptively using inductive

thematic and saliency analyses.

Results: Two themes were identified. Theme one: Changes experienced after

participating in a sensory-based home programme, reflected increased insight

into SPD (allowing participants to identify sensory triggers) and intra-personal

changes (increased tolerance of sensory stimuli, feelings of control and I can

breathe again). Theme two: Coping strategies employed by women with SPD

and GPPPD, included sensory seeking, changes to home and work environments,

positive reinterpretation/growth, acceptance, and socio-emotional

support (you’re not the only one. There are plenty of us out there.).

Conclusion: A sensory-based home programme, catering to specific sensory

profiles is beneficial as a non-invasive occupational therapy intervention approach

(based on sensory integrative therapy) for women with both SPD and

GPPPD.

Implications for occupational therapy:

• SPD in the context of sexual pain is an emergent field in occupational

therapy, thus occupational therapists need to expand service-delivery to

this population and other practitioners such as gynaecologists must be

alerted to occupational therapy as a non-invasive, and non-pharmaceutical

intervention option for patients.

• Contribute to the knowledgebase of sensory integration in the adult population.

• Improve the occupational therapist’s role in sexuality.

• Emphasize the importance of insight as part of a treatment programme