Dynamics of Female Sexuality; Hidden Emotional Issues

Abstract

Sexual satisfaction following Laser or RF vaginal rejuvenation is usually assessed by straightforward self-report questionnaires that may not offer a deeper insight into female dynamics. Our randomized double-blind longitudinal clinical trial on 14 menopausal women with high FSFI satisfaction scores following laser or RF vaginal interventions, demonstrated a high positive correlation between the subjects’ FSFI scores and the Hy (hysteria), D (Depression) and L (Lie) validity scales of the MMPI-2. Such high positive correlation between the FSFI and the L-scale negates the reported increase in female sexual satisfaction following laser or RF vaginal rejuvenations. The high positive correlations of the FSFI with the Hy and D scales indicate that despite reports of increased sexual satisfaction, the vaginal procedures did not improve psychological wellbeing or quality of life. Results on the Differential Emotions Scale (DES) reveal that 98% of the subjects were organized around the emotions of shame, sadness and joy. Such results indicated a multilayered emotional organization that possibly reflects joy on the outside and shame and sadness on the inside. Results of Laser or RF vaginal rejuvenation procedures should be evaluated by a battery of tests that take into account females’ often prominent tendency to focus on satisfying their partners rather than themselves. Going down the path that starts with a dismissal of self-fulfillment to focus on their partners’ satisfaction, may bring several women to the endpoint of disingenuous interpersonal relationships tainted by repressed disillusionment.