Effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy on sexual function in women infected with human papillomavirus: a randomized controlled trial

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• Picked for Reproductive Medicine (top studies of the week, 19 July 2026).

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection that negatively affects women's psychological, social, and sexual well-being worldwide. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of group Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) counseling on sexual function in women diagnosed with HPV infection. METHODS: This single-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on 56 women with HPV infection. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 28) receiving 8 sessions of ACT counseling or a control group (n = 28) receiving routine care. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire was administered at baseline, immediately after, and 1 month following the intervention. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and chi-square and independent t-tests were used to examine baseline differences. Longitudinal changes and between-group comparisons were analyzed using Generalized Estimating Equations with an appropriate correlation structure. A P-value of <.05 was considered statistically significant. OUTCOMES: The primary outcome was the change in overall sexual function score, as measured by the FSFI, across the 3 assessment points. RESULTS: Participants in the intervention and control groups had mean ages of 35.96 ± 8.53 and 32.48 ± 6.40 years, respectively. The baseline mean FSFI scores were similar between groups (16.06 ± 7.69 vs. 15.86 ± 8.08). Following ACT counseling, the intervention group's mean FSFI score significantly increased to 20.68 ± 4.58 immediately post-intervention and 20.64 ± 4.29 1 month later, while the control group's scores decreased slightly to 15.36 ± 8.68 and 14.20 ± 8.83, respectively. Between-group differences were statistically significant both immediately (B = 5.120, P = .002) and 1 month (B = 6.244, P < .001) after the intervention. Improvements were observed in the desire, arousal, satisfaction, and orgasm domains (P < .001), but changes in lubrication and pain were not significant (P < .05). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Group ACT counseling offers a promising psychotherapeutic approach to improve sexual health and emotional well-being among women affected by HPV infection. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: Strengths include the randomized design and the use of validated assessment tools, while limitations involve the small sample size, short follow-up period, and restriction to a single geographic location, limiting generalizability. CONCLUSION: Group Acceptance and Commitment Therapy effectively enhances sexual function and overall quality of life in women with HPV, suggesting its integration into supportive healthcare interventions.

Abstract as published, via PubMed.