Female Sexual Dysfunction: Common Questions and Answers

Area of Science:

• Women's Health
• Sexual Medicine
• Clinical Diagnosis

Background:

• Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is prevalent, impacting 40-50% of women.
• Patients desire physician inquiry regarding sexual health concerns.
• Chronic FSD causing distress is classified as female sexual disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the diagnostic approach to female sexual disorders.
• To categorize the different types of female sexual disorders.
• To review current evidence-based treatment strategies for FSD.

Main Methods:

• Diagnosis relies on comprehensive patient history and physical examination.
• Validated tools like the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R) aid assessment.
• Treatment selection considers patient-specific symptoms, comorbidities, and distress levels.

Main Results:

• Female sexual disorders encompass disorders of sexual desire/arousal, orgasmic disorders, and genito-pelvic pain disorders.
• Genito-pelvic pain related to menopause is treated with lubricants and topical estrogen.
• Pelvic floor physical therapy is a first-line treatment for other genito-pelvic pain disorders.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is the primary treatment for disorders of sexual desire and arousal.
• Orgasmic disorders are effectively managed with CBT and sex therapy.
• Personalized treatment plans are crucial for addressing the diverse manifestations of female sexual disorders.