Genito-pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder (GPP/PD), which is introduced by DSM-5, combines dyspareunia and vaginismus that are listed in the “Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders” section, under the “Sexual Pain Disorders” heading in DSM-IV-TR. The frequent comorbidity of sexual dysfunctions and eating disorders suggests that these two groups of diseases have many common cognitive, emotional and biological sustaining factors.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate eating attitudes of women with GPP/PD, to establish a relationship between eating attitudes, body perceptions and self-esteem.

Method: The study included 31 GPP/PD patients and 31 healthy controls. Sociodemographic data form, Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire, Eating Attitude Test, Questionnaire on Eating and Weight Patterns, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Berscheid,Walster and Bohrnstedt Body Image Questionnaire were given to the participants.

Results: In patients with GPA/PB, binge eating behavior was more frequent. When groups were classified according to BMI, more people from the case group were categorized as overweight. No significant difference was found between compensating and restrictive behaviors. The self-esteem and body image scores of the case group were significantly lower than the control group.

Conclusion: It has been thought that negative body image and body image importance are correlated with low self-esteem which is the main factor that affects eating attitudes of women with GPP/PD. It is recommended to evaluate the complaints related to self-esteem, body perceptions, BMI values and eating attitudes as well as the necessary interventions in patients with GPP/PD.

Keywords: Genito Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder, Vaginismus, Dyspareunia, Self-esteem, Body Image

-Research is made by Kübra Söğütligil