Female Sexual Dysfunction Resources: Women and Healthcare Providers Need More Options

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is an orphaned field due to numerous barriers faced by both providers and patients. Internet platforms, such as mobile applications, are potential tools to overcome these barriers and improve patient access to education and management options for FSD. Objective The purpose of this review is to identify existing applications addressing female sexual health and evaluate their educational content and services. Methods We searched the internet and Apple App Store for key words including: “sexual wellness app for women”, “female sexual health app”, “best sex apps for women”, “sexual health for women”, “sexual health”, “sexual wellness”. A panel of female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery experts reviewed the apps for quality of content, scientific basis of provided information, interactivity, usability and whether they would recommend it as a reference tool for patients. Results Of the 204 apps identified, 182 were excluded based on unrelated content (sex frequency trackers, ovulation trackers, sex games for couples, etc.). Two applications did not work and three were meant to be used with a vibrator. Total of 17 apps were analyzed and divided into five categories: educational (6), emotions and communication (2), relaxation and meditation (4), general sexual health (2), and social and fun (3). Among these 17 apps, eight required either a one-time payment ($4.99- 9.99) or annual subscription ($23-120) and two apps were advertisement driven. The apps from the educational category were reviewed in further details. All of the educational apps provided scientific information in collaboration with health experts, however only three offered interactive features. When assessed for usability, one app received good (70) and five received excellent (97.5) scores based on the System Usability Scale (SUS). The majority of the apps (5) provided information on pathology and treatments of orgasmic dysfunction, but only one app, created by a physician, provided information on all categories of female sexual dysfunctions. The reviewers identified only one app that they would recommend as a credible resource for patients to use. Conclusions Internet apps provide an ideal platform for women to learn about sexual health and female sexual dysfunction, which is rarely addressed by their healthcare providers. Apps may also serve as a valuable reference for providers. Our review of relevant apps available on the Apple App Store revealed only six with evidence-based information, and only one that would be recommended to patients by experts in the field. Clearly, there is a need for more accessible, educational resources addressing female sexual dysfunction for patients and providers. Disclosure No