Which of the following is listed as a treatment for Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder?

• A. Behavioral therapy
• B. Antidepressant medication
• C. Electroconvulsive therapy
• D. Hypnosis

Answer: (A)

Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder is best treated with therapies that address both the emotional and physical aspects of the pain and sexual function. Behavioral therapy, often delivered as sex therapy with a focus on cognitive-behavioral techniques, teaches strategies to reduce fear and avoidance, desensitize fear-triggered responses, and improve communication and pacing between partners. This approach helps patients gradually re-engage with penetration-like activities, learns relaxation or breathing strategies, and incorporates education about anatomy and normal sexual response. Because GPPPD involves learned patterns of pain, anticipation, and muscle guarding, behavioral and psychosexual interventions directly target these processes, making it the most effective and appropriate treatment option among those listed.

Antidepressant medication can be helpful if there is a mood or anxiety disorder present, but it isn’t the primary treatment for the pain and sexual response issues in GPPPD. Electroconvulsive therapy is not indicated for this condition, as it targets mood disorders rather than specific sexual pain problems. Hypnosis lacks strong evidence as a standard treatment for GPPPD and is not a first-line approach in guidelines.