Cost implications of sexual dysfunction: the female picture

This study examined the clinical workload, outcome and direct costs of managing women with sexual dysfunction in an NHS clinic in the UK. A retrospective analysis of a 3-month period showed that of 47 referrals to the clinic, 38 undertook treatment. The therapists' assessments suggested that over 80% of patients improved on treatment. The average cost per patient was pound 472 (compared to pound 335 per annum for erectile dysfunction, which included physician's and drug costs). The average cost by type of practitioner was pound 278 (psychologist), pound 322 (physician), pound 532 (physician and psychologist) and pound 597 (sex therapist). Patients required between 1 and 51 treatment sessions, which were mainly restricted to psychological therapy. Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) represents a significant economic burden to the NHS. Further research on the potential role and cost effectiveness of pharmacological agents for FSD is warranted.