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 aduls with sensory processing disorder (SPD).

Aim:  To describe the experiences of women with a GPPPD with identified 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 therapis needd 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 knowledge base of sensory integration in the adult population.

*. Improve the occupational therapist's role in sexuality

*. Emphasise the importance of insight as part of a treatment programme.