Effect of Mindfulness-based Intervention on the Treatment of Women’s Sexual Dysfunction: A Literature Scoping Review

Abstract

Introduction: The significance and role of sexual function in quality of life is an undeniable fact that should be taken into account in the care provided for individuals. The use of modern non pharmacological methods in the treatment of sexual dysfunction, especially in women, is required to be investigated. Aim: To review the effect of mindfulness-based interventions in the treatment of women’s sexual dysfunction in the previous studies. Materials and Methods: This literature scoping review was conducted on all observational and experimental studies published in Persian and English languages, from 2008 to 2021. The databases that were searched for relevant studies were Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus. The keywords used for the search included, mindfulness, mindfulness-based interventions, sexual dysfunction and women. Data related to the study year of publication, place, type of study, sample population, and the effect of mindfulness-based interventions in the treatment of women’s sexual dysfunction were recorded. Results: A total of 742 studies were found, of which 23 studies were extracted. Among the reviewed articles, 5 (21.74%) articles are published in Persian and 18 (78.26%) articles in English. In total, 22 articles confirmed positive effects and one article found no effects on mindfulness-based interventions in improving sexual function in women suffering from sexual dysfunction. Conclusion: Mindfulness-based interventions, though it is implemented based on different approaches (stress reduction, cognitive-behavioural and sex therapy), are effective in treating all types of sexual dysfunction in women.

Keywords

• female
• quality of life
• sexual arousal
• sexual desire
• sexual function
• sexual problems