Fast Facts: Sexual Dysfunction

Abstract

This book provides an overview of sexual dysfunction and is directed at health care professionals in a primary care setting. Part of the Fast Facts medical handbook series, this book is intended to offer concise, practical, and evidence-based information regarding sexual difficulties. This volume targets the health care provider who may be uncomfortable and/ or unfamiliar with sexuality-related issues; it acknowledges that physicians, for example, often do not receive sufficient training in these issues. As such, this book aims to ‘‘make much of the missing information available in a clear and straightforward form’’ (p. 8). Before outlining female and male sexual dysfunctions, Plaut et al. discuss ways to broach the topic of sexual problems with patients. The authors are sensitive in their discussion, emphasizing the importance of utilizing neutral, nonemotionally charged language with patients and of remaining aware of patients’ specific individual needs and backgrounds. While this focus may seem obvious to those experienced in dealing with sexual problems, it is an important section and, in keeping with the aim of the book, recognizes that some clinicians may be unsure how to address sexual issues. The remaining portion of the book focuses on specific sexual dysfunctions and intervention; in general, the authors review the DSM-IV-TR classification of sexual dysfunctions and describe the prevalence, pathophysiology, assessment, and treatment of these conditions. Thus, information on male and female sexual desire, arousal, and orgasmic disorders, and information on female sexual pain disorders is provided, with the largest portion of this book dedicated to female sexual dysfunction. A major premise of this book is that sexual problems are multifactorial in nature and impact an individual on multiple levels. Written by a psychologist and two physicians with respective expertise in obstetrics/gynecology and urology, this book reflects a strong collaborative and multidisciplinary effort. It elegantly combines the authors’ expertise to highlight the importance of a biopsychosocial approach to sexual dysfunction. The authors clearly outline that both biomedical and psychosocial factors contribute to sexual problems and encourage health care professionals to investigate such factors. For example, when reviewing female sexual arousal disorder, they note that clinicians should consider both biological (e.g., hormone levels, hypertension) and psychological (e.g., relationship issues, sexual inhibition) factors. What emerges in this book is a balanced perspective of sexual disorders and, for this, the authors should be commended. In a handbook that is directed at primary care clinicians, this book integrates psychosocial knowledge with medical information to provide a well-rounded perspective on sexual dysfunctions. In keeping with a multidisciplinary approach to sexual dysfunction, an additional strength of this book is the recognition that primary care professionals may need to refer patients with sexual problems for treatment with other health providers. As such, Plaut et al. outline various referral sources (e.g., sex therapist) and the types of sexual problems in which they specialize. They also provide a checklist to help primary care providers decide when to refer and another checklist outlining the required information for referral sources. Indeed, the authors provide a variety of lists and helpful guidelines throughout the book. A major strength of this book is the inclusion of various questions to ask when assessing certain sexual disorders. In particular, when reviewing female sexual dysfunction, the authors include specific questions and areas of inquiry for K. B. Smith (&) C. F. Pukall Department of Psychology, Queens University, Humphrey Hall, 62 Arch St., Kingston, ON, Canada K7L 3N6 e-mail: 2kbs@queensu.ca