Experiences of women with vaginismus problem: Analysis of a forum website

Authors : Zehra Acar, Mehtap Gümüşay, Ilkay Güngör Satilmiş

Pages : 593-602

Doi:10.52880/sagakaderg.1269947

View : 106 | Download : 154

Publication Date : 2023-12-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Aim: This study was conducted to determine women’s experiences about vaginismus that they shared on a forum. Material and methods: This study was designed as a qualitative study. Data were collected from the messages written between March 2019 and March 2020 on the most commonly used forum website by women in Turkey using the keyword of "vaginismus.”147 messages under this subject title that met the inclusion criteria formed the sample of this study. Inductive content analysis method was used in the analysis of the data. The data were obtained after examining the content of the messages and analyzing them based on the determined code list. Results: The study found that women with the problem of continuing vaginismus used the forum to look for recommendation, information, doctors and treatment methods. It was also found that women whose vaginismus problem is over have opened a topic to help women with vaginismus on issues such as doctor\'s advice, experience sharing and treatment methods.The message contents were coded to form eight sub-themes. These themes are; Themes; physical reasons, psychological reasons, messages regarding sexual intercourse, messages related to vaginismus treatment, alternative methods, psychological effects, effects on the family life and messages on pregnancy. Conclusion: Women get information and advice on sexuality, vaginismus and vaginismus treatment from forum sites. Coping with vaginismus in line with false information and suggestions may worsen the vaginismus problem and delay the treatment of women. For this reason, the education and counseling that midwives and nurses will give to couples regarding reproductive and sexual health is of great importance.
Keywords : Vajinismus, deneyim, görüş, forum