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Mindfulness practice is an ancient tradition in Eastern philosophy that forms the basis for meditation, and it is increasingly making its way into popular culture and Western approaches to health care. However, it has not been discussed in the context of therapy for sexual problems.

Dr. Julia Heiman was a co-investigator in a study led by Dr. Lori Brotto at U. of Washington of a psycho-educational program developed to assist women suffering from gynecologic cancer. Treatment for many of these patients involves hysterectomy, and over half of these women later experience sexual arousal disorders.

In this study, patients received three training sessions on mindfulness techniques. The findings suggest that the mindfulness component of the program was effective in improving the women’s sexuality and quality of life. In a related article, Drs. Brotto and Heiman discuss the results of the trial and offer a rationale for the use of mindfulness in the treatment of women with sexual problems.

Brotto, L.A., Heiman, J.R., Goff, B., Greer, B., Lentz, G.M, Swisher, E., Tamimi, H., Van Blaricom, A. (2008). A Psychoeducational Intervention for Sexual Dysfunction in Women with Gynecologic Cancer. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 37(2), 317 – 329.

See also:

Cancer Survivors and Sexual Intervention Studies >>

Sexual Effects of Cancer Treatment >>