Study: I am invited to participate in a research project entitled “The role of early, negative experiences, fear and aversion, couple functioning, and sexual self view in sexual disorders involving pain”, supported by a research grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
Researchers: This study is conducted at the School of Psychology at the University of Ottawa. Rebecca Cherner, the researcher conducting this study, can be reached at 613-562-5800 (4449) or rcherner@uottawa.ca. The principal investigator is Dr. Elke Reissing who can be contacted at 613-562-5800 (4944) or elke.reissing@uottawa.ca.
Background: Pain during sexual activity (dyspareunia) and difficulties with vaginal penetration (vaginismus) are surprisingly common but very frustrating women’s health problems. They can affect a woman’s sexuality, her relationship, her psychological well-being, her ability to take care of her gynecological health and, for some women, prevent the conception of a baby. This study will investigate factors that are related to the causes of these neglected women’s health problems. In particular, the researchers are investigating the role of fear and anxiety specific to sexuality and how these feelings contribute to the development of long-term difficulties with vaginal penetration.
Participation: My participation will involve the completion of a series of questionnaires, which should take approximately 45 minutes. The items on the questionnaires address areas such as my general background (e.g., age, mental health) and my sexual background (e.g., difficulties, negative experiences such as unwanted sexual experiences and/or physical abuse).
Follow up: I can contact Rebecca Cherner to answer any questions that I may have about the questionnaire items. She will be available via phone or email to provide me with all the information I would like concerning the details of the study and provide general information on sexual pain disorders and treatment options specific to me. The final group results will be available to me on the Human Sexuality Research Laboratory website at http://www.sciencessociales.uottawa.ca/hslab-labosh/
Benefits: This study is the first to examine sexuality in women with vaginismus and my participation will contribute significantly to the understanding of sexual health problems involving pain and vaginal penetration difficulties, ultimately leading to better treatment.
Risks: Filling out the questionnaires could make me feel uncomfortable, or I may have additional questions or concerns. Dr. Reissing, the principle investigator and a clinical psychologist specializing in sexual pain disorders, will be available for me to discuss any confusing or negative reaction should I wish to do so. Contact with Dr. Reissing can be arranged at my convenience.
During or after my participation in the study, Rebecca Cherner will be available by phone at 613-562-5800 (4449) or email at rcherner@uottawa.ca if I have any questions or concerns. Dr. Reissing will also be available by phone (613-562-5800 (4944)) and arrangements can be made to speak with her. I have access to additional information on sexual health and vulvo-vaginal pain disorders at http://www.sciencessociales.uottawa.ca/hslab-labosh/eng/resource_list.asp
Confidentiality and Anonymity: All the questionnaire results will remain confidential and only Dr. Reissing and Ms. Cherner have access to the data. I will not be asked to give my name or other identifying information. The information in the questionnaires is also anonymous because the survey will not leave any markers or save anything to my computer. The internet company hosting the survey will not collect IP addresses. The results of the study will be presented in a format (group results only) that protects my identity completely.