DSM-5 genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder: Prevalence, comorbidities, and associated factors in university students

Abstract

Background/objective

Little is known about the prevalence of Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder (GPPPD), a female sexual dysfunction newly introduced in the DSM-5. This study aimed to estimate the 12-month prevalence of clinical and subclinical GPPPD among first-year university students in Germany, examining comorbidities and associated factors.

Method

As part of the WHO World Mental Health International College Student initiative, the 12-month prevalence of GPPPD was assessed in female university students in Germany during 2016/2017 (N = 521). Using propensity score weighting, 12-month prevalence rates were determined for clinical and subclinical GPPPD together with associated factors and mental health comorbidities using binary logistic regression.

Results

In the weighted female university student sample, 26.4 % reported experiencing at least one core symptom of GPPPD in the past 12 months. 12-month prevalence of clinical GPPPD was 2.1 % (n = 11/521; 95 % CI: 1.1 %-3.8 %), while subclinical GPPPD was 12.9 % (n = 67/521; 95 % CI: 10 %-16 %). Among women with clinical GPPPD, 25.8 % (n = 3/11) reported a comorbid lifetime mental disorder, compared to 64.6 % (n = 43/67) with subclinical GPPPD and 54.7 % (n = 243/444) without GPPPD. There were no significant differences in the odds of comorbid mental disorders between women with and without GPPPD symptoms. Subclinical and clinical GPPPD, compared to no GPPPD, were associated with being in a relationship (OR = 2.45, 95 % CI: 1.25–4.82, p = 0.009), sexual activity in the past 12 months (OR = 5.05, 95 % CI: 1.52–16.8, p = 0.008), severe distress in love life (OR=3.20, 95 % CI 1.44–7.11), and overall good compared to very good or very poor mental health (OR = 4.50, 95 % CI: 1.07–19.00, p = 0.041).

Conclusion

One in eight female students displays subclinical GPPPD, and 2 % meet full DSM-5 criteria. Future multinational longitudinal studies with standardized measures are needed to compare prevalence rates across countries and identify risk and protective factors for targeted prevention and treatment of GPPPD.