What Is Sexual Pain? A Critique of DSM's Classification of Dyspareunia and Vaginismus

Abstract

Abstract The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III-R) introduced the term “sexual pain disorder” to classify dyspareunia and vaginismus as sexual dysfunctions (American Psychiatric Association, 1987). However, the notion of sexual pain as well as the diagnostic criteria for dyspareunia and vaginismus are questionable both on theoretical and empirical grounds. Recent studies support the view that dyspareunia is better classified as a pain disorder and challenge the validity of the vaginal spasm criterion for vaginismus. Alternative conceptualizations of these conditions are presented.