An Innovation in the “Behavioural” Treatment of a Case of Non-consummation due to Vaginismus

Abstract

The majority of “behaviourally oriented” treatments for non-consummation due to vaginismus combine (a) teaching the patient how to relax the perineal muscles, (b) simultaneous vaginal exploration and dilatation, preferably performed by the patient herself, and (c) some form of psychotherapy (Lazarus, 1963; Malleson, 1942; Friedman, 1962; Brady, 1966). Surprisingly perhaps, active participation by the male spouse is considered unnecessary by some experts (Malleson, 1942; Friedman, 1962). Friedman has shown there was no statistical relationship between actively involving the male in therapy and the outcome of treatment.