(O-04) Integrating the vaginal penetration skills scale (VPSS) with established clinical instruments: enhancing the multidimensional assessment of Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder

Abstract Introduction The Vaginal Penetration Skills Scale (VPSS) is an innovative psychometric tool developed to assess symptoms of Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder (GPPPD) across three specific dimensions. This study aims to demonstrate how the VPSS relates to two validated instruments—the 6-item Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-6) and the Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS)—emphasizing the value of a multidimensional assessment approach. Objective To present the clinical integration of the VPSS with established tools such as the FSFI-6 and FGSIS, and to discuss its application in patient-centered, multidisciplinary treatment planning. Methods The study included 399 Brazilian women (148 with GPPPD and 251 without sexual complaints). Participants completed the VPSS, FSFI-6, and FGSIS. Spearman’s correlation coefficients were calculated, and Welch’s t-tests and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to compare scores across groups. Results Higher VPSS scores were strongly associated with better sexual function and more positive genital self-image (rho = 0.715 to 0.741). Women with GPPPD scored significantly lower (p < 0.001) across all VPSS domains—Total Score (75.29 vs. 129.82; d = –2.564), Nonsexual Genital Self-Exploration (NS-GSE; 29.70 vs. 48.14; d = –2.153), Nonsexual Vaginal Penetration Skills (NS-VPS; 14.18 vs. 25.98; d = –2.213), and Sexual Vaginal Penetration Skills (S-VPS; 31.41 vs. 55.70; d = –2.611)—as well as on the FSFI-6 (12.61 vs. 25.21; d = –2.601) and FGSIS (17.35 vs. 23.42; d = –1.590), compared to the control group. Conclusion These preliminary findings demonstrate the VPSS’s strong potential for expanding the multidimensional assessment of GPPPD. Its combined use with FSFI-6 and FGSIS may enhance biopsychosocial evaluation of genito-pelvic pain and support individualized diagnostic and therapeutic planning. Keywords: female sexual dysfunction; dyspareunia; vaginismus; self-report; biopsychosocial model. Financing No conflict