Sensory Processing Dysfunction and Genito- Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder: Women share their experiences of participating in a sensorybased home programme

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 occu- pational 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 quan- titative 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 induc- tive 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 environ- ments, 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 ap- proach (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 ofsensory integration in the adult population.


• Improve the occupational therapist’s role in sexuality.

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