A cross-sectional analysis of Instagram posts relating to painful sex

Painful sex (dyspareunia) is a highly prevalent condition with considerable burden on individuals and their relationships. Social media is a digital technology that allows the sharing of ideas, information, and experiences through virtual networks via text and visuals. Recent investigations into social media use by those experiencing pelvic pain have demonstrated many people post educational and emotional content. Many of these investigations have focused on the content of posts but have not assessed the accuracy of this content where health claims are made. While several studies have investigated Instagram content relating to pelvic pain more broadly and specific pelvic pain conditions (such as endometriosis and adenomyosis), no studies have investigated content relating to painful sex, nor the accuracy of health claims made in content relating to painful sex. This cross-sectional study will analyse content shared on Instagram relating to painful sex and identify the nature and accuracy of the content, as well as the characteristics of the posting account.