(158) FEMALE STUDENTS OF PHYSIOTHERAPY AND DYSPAREUNIA

Abstract Objectives Since sexuality is still a taboo in most Slovenian faculties pelvic floor physiotherapy and its sexual function are not included in physiotherapy curriculum. The aim of the study was to find out how much female students of physiotherapy suffering from dyspareunia actually know about it. Methods Qualitative study included in-depth interviews with female students of physiotherapy with dyspareunia regarding their problem and awareness about it. A total of 20 semi-structured in-depth interviews with students from 4 different Slovenian faculties were carried out between April 2021 and July 2021. Results Results show that students with dyspareunia most often feel pain at the entrance of vagina during sexual intercourse. Interviewees have a negative physical and psychological experience during painful sexual intercourse. They feel fear and/or shame and try to avoid sexual intercourse. They attribute the cause of pain to the size of the penis, sexual position, partner’s excessive sexual desire and partner’s physical and psychological violence. Six students never talk about pain with their partners. They rather confide in friends. Half of the students believe dyspareunia is curable and mention that professional help is needed but less than a half have actually sought it. Ten students asked gynaecologists for help. They suggested alternative sexual positions and lubricants without giving them basic information on dyspareunia, only two were satisfied with counselling. Despite the pain interviewees continue having sexual intercourse and use alternative methods. Six students consider dyspareunia a normal part of sexual intercourse and do not see it as a sexual dysfunction. Conclusions Pelvic floor physiotherapy and its sexual function are still not included in the physiotherapist education programme in Slovenia, consequently female students of physiotherapy are not aware of the importance pelvic floor muscles have in maintaining sexual function. Conflicts of Interest No conflict of interest.