THE EFFECT OF KEGEL EXERCISES ALONG WITH COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (CBT) ON SELF-REPORTED MARRIED WOMEN WITH PENETRATION DISORDER: A CASE SERIES

Abstract

Penetration disorder, a form of genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD), is a distressing sexual dysfunction among married women that impairs marital satisfaction, intimacy, and psychological wellbeing. The present study aimed to examine the combined effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Kegel exercises on self-reported married women experiencing penetration difficulties. Ten married women aged between 30–50 years, with marital duration ranging from 5 to 20 years, participated voluntarily in the study. A pre–post quasi-experimental research design was used. Assessment was done through the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women (SSS-W). The intervention comprised eight structured sessions involving psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, relaxation training, behavioral rehearsal, and Kegel exercise training. Results indicated a significant improvement in sexual functioning and reduction in penetration-related anxiety and avoidance behaviors post-intervention. Ethical approval was obtained from the Departmental Research Review Committee. These findings highlight that a combination of CBT and Kegel exercises can be an effective therapeutic approach for women with penetration disorder in culturally sensitive contexts.