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Psychological, Relational, and Fertility-Related Characteristics of Italian Women with Vulvodynia: A Comparative Study with Controls

Author

Listed:
  • Antonio Gattamelata

    (Escuela de Doctorado en Psicología, Universidad de Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas s/n, 23071 Jaén, Spain
    Department of Psychology, Universidad de Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas s/n, Ed.C5, 23071 Jaén, Spain)

  • Giulia Fioravanti

    (Department of Health Sciences (DSS), University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy)

  • Vanessa Prisca Zurkirch

    (Maternal and Child Department, Regional Reference Center on Relational Criticalities (RCRC), Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy)

  • Nieves Moyano

    (Escuela de Doctorado en Psicología, Universidad de Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas s/n, 23071 Jaén, Spain
    Department of Psychology, Universidad de Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas s/n, Ed.C5, 23071 Jaén, Spain)

Abstract

Vulvodynia, a chronic pain condition affecting the vulvar area, is associated with significant psychological distress and profoundly impacts women’s quality of life. This study examines the psychological and relational experiences of women with vulvodynia, focusing on attachment styles, resilience, fertility-related distress, and sexual functioning. A total of 203 women (96 with vulvodynia and 107 controls), aged 19 to 50 years, were recruited and completed a series of validated psychological measures. The results revealed that women with vulvodynia reported higher levels of attachment anxiety and avoidance, lower resilience, greater fertility-related distress, impaired sexual function, reduced dyadic adjustment, and elevated depressive symptoms compared to the controls. These findings underscore the complex interplay of psychological, relational, and fertility-related challenges experienced by women with vulvodynia. This study highlights the need for integrated, multidisciplinary approaches to address the medical, psychological, and relational dimensions of the condition, ultimately improving the well-being and quality of life for affected women.

Suggested Citation

  • Antonio Gattamelata & Giulia Fioravanti & Vanessa Prisca Zurkirch & Nieves Moyano, 2025. "Psychological, Relational, and Fertility-Related Characteristics of Italian Women with Vulvodynia: A Comparative Study with Controls," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(4), pages 1-16, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:4:p:527-:d:1624224
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