Pilot Study to Assess the Efficacy of Cognitive-behavioral Couple Therapy for Provoked Vestibulodynia

The treatment package will include the following: information about the nature of CBCT; education about PVD and how it impacts on sexuality; education concerning a multifactorial view of pain; relaxation techniques; vaginal dilatation exercises; cognitive restructuring exercises (replacing distorted or irrational beliefs about pain and sexuality by more realistic ones); distraction techniques focusing on sexual imagery; expansion of the sexual repertoire; and exercises to improve pain and sexuality-relevant couple interactions (e.g., communication skills training, modification of maladaptive partner responses to pain, emotional disclosure and validation exercises).