Wenn Geschlechtsverkehr nicht möglich ist: Vorstellung eines internetbasierten Behandlungsprogramms für Genito-Pelvine Schmerz-Penetrationsstörung mit Falldarstellung

Background: Difficulties in having sexual intercourse, despite the explicit desire to do so, can lead to high disease burden for women with genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD). Effective treatment is limited, and only few women actually seek help, often due to feelings of shame. Internet interventions provide anonymous, low-threshold access to specialized treatment, independent of time and place. This study presents the therapy manual of a newly developed guided internet intervention for GPPPD (PaivinaCare) and discloses acceptance, satisfaction, and usefulness by exemplifying with a case report. Methods: The rationale and treatment manual are presented. The case report follows the case reporting (CARE) guidelines and presents a patient with successful treatment course as well as qualitative and quantitative treatment outcomes. Results: A cognitive-behavioral program based on pain management and sex therapy including the partner can be a successful approach to treat GPPPD showing high acceptance and treatment satisfaction. It is currently being evaluated in a randomized-controlled trial of 200 women with GPPPD. Conclusion: This internet intervention offers women with GPPPD a flexible therapy of all symptom dimensions.