Experiences of women with symptoms of vaginal laxity - a qualitative study.
BMC Womens Health
; 24(1): 518, 2024 Sep 14.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39277729
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Vaginal laxity (VL) is rarely discussed among patients and their physicians possibly due to the lack of evidence-based treatments, embarrassment, and lack of knowledge in recognizing this condition. We aimed to understand the meanings that women attribute to the sensation of VL.METHODS:
This is a qualitative study using in-depth interviews and thematic analysis. Sixteen participants were intentionally selected from February 2020 to December 2021. One researcher interviewed each participant in a private room guaranteeing that rapport was established. Two independent researchers performed a complete transcript of each interview immediately after its end. The sample size was achieved according to the Information Power analysis. We followed the thematic analysis proposed by Braun and Clarke.RESULTS:
Of 16 patients, only one did not undergo delivery. Her complaint was not different from the rest of the group. Five major themes and subthemes were identified the long and lonely pathway from the identification of symptoms of VL to diagnosis (from the invisibility of VL to the perception of their symptoms; "everything will fall out!"shame, guilt and stigma as diagnosis barriers and "but I had no idea of looking for a treatment." Women's strategies to begin a help-seeking process), "the label of vaginal laxity is a heavy burden to bear" meanings associated with VL complaints, effect of VL on sexual intercourse and "I know it changed everything!" relationship with the partner.CONCLUSION:
VL is a symptom that is still little understood by women, and little explored by health professionals, with repercussions on personal and marital life.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Vagina
/
Pesquisa Qualitativa
Limite:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
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Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
BMC Womens Health
Assunto da revista:
SAUDE DA MULHER
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Brasil
País de publicação:
Reino Unido