Causes Of Female Sexual Dysfunction Research Articles

Does Female Sexuality Decrease in Pregnancy?: A Cross-sectional Questionnaire- based Study

BACKGROUND: Reproductive health is considered a cardinal component of an individual's overall health and well-being. Cultural beliefs, myths, and taboos "about sexual practices during pregnancy depend on various factors, including education, occupation, religion, cultural practices, and even area of residence. OBJECTIVES: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the Sexual patterns and beliefs regarding the sexuality of women during pregnancy and compare it with the pre-pregnancy period. METHODS: A total of 190 pregnant women [>18years of age] in the third trimester of pregnancy, i.e., beyond 28 weeks of gestation, were interviewed using Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI] scale to assess female sexual dysfunction during pregnancy and pre-pregnancy periods. If the score came to be less than 26.55, the woman was diagnosed as suffering from female sexual dysfunction. An effort was also made to find out the causes of female sexual dysfunction in these women. RESULTS: 64[35.56%] participants considered sexual activity unsafe during pregnancy. 45.56% of the study subjects reported no change in libido. The mean +/- 2SD FSFI score in the pre-pregnancy period was 30.93 ± 1.18, whereas, in the pregnancy, the score was 22.64 ± 7.91, with a wide range of 6.4-28.5. A significant decline was noted in all domains of sexual function, including desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain. CONCLUSION: Pregnancy is associated with a significant decline in all domains of female sexual function, including desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain. The fallacious knowledge regarding the safety of sex in pregnancy is the most important contributing factor.

Sexual function assessment in patients with SAPHO syndrome: a cross-sectional study

IntroductionSAPHO syndrome is a group of special syndromes characterized by synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis. Skin lesions and joint damage are the main clinical manifestations. Among them, females mostly present with palm toe pustulosis, while males have severe acne as the main external manifestation. The bone and joint damage characterized by bone hypertrophy and osteitis is the core manifestation of SAPHO and affects all parts of the body. SAPHO syndrome causes great physical and mental suffering to patients, and it also brings a huge financial burden to the family. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of SAPHO on the quality of sexual life of patients.MethodsWe screened and included 249 SAPHO patients (169 women and 80 men) from Peking Union Medical College Hospital (Beijing, China). First, we recorded the basic situation of the patient through questionnaires (including gender, age, SAPHO duration, BMI, smoking, drinking, marital status, educational level, occupational status and work status.). Then, the patient needed to fill in the Short Form-36 quality of life questionnaire (SF-36 QoL) to record the quality of life. For Sexual dysfunction (SD), female patients needed to fill in the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) to assess the quality of sexual life; while the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) was used to assess the SD of male patients. At the same time, we used self-esteem and relationship questionnaire (SEAR) to analyze the psychological state of SAPHO patients. Finally, we performed statistical analysis on the data obtained, and then explored the connection between SAPHO and SD.ResultsIn this cross-sectional study, a total of 249 patients completed the questionnaire and constituted the study population. We found that among 169 female patients, 124 patients had FSD (73.4%); while 45 patients did not have FSD (26.6%); and among 80 male patients, 45 (56.3%) had ED; However, 35 patients did not have ED (43.7%). The results of the quality of life and mental state assessment showed that female patients with SD showed lower scores in terms of mental state. Among all male participants, we found no significant difference in quality of life and mental state among participants with or without SD. In addition, there was no significant difference in the duration of SAPHO between female and male participants with or without SD.ConclusionThis study is the first to evaluate the SD of SAPHO patients. The incidence of SD in female SAPHO patients is higher than that in male patients; the cause of female SD may be mainly psychological factors. These results prove that it is particularly important to focus on regulating their psychological state while diagnosing and treating SAPHO patients in clinical practice.

(008) Chronic High Fat Diet Decreases Vaginal Smooth Muscle Tone but does not Affect Pelvic Floor Skeletal Muscle in Mice

Abstract Introduction Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a disease that affects the physical and mental health of women, as well as their quality of life. POP, regardless of severity, can be a direct cause of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) by producing pain during intercourse or a general reluctance to engage in sexual activity. The largest risk factors for POP include parity, obesity, and advanced age. Obesity, a modifiable risk factor, is believed to increase intra-abdominal pressure and weaken the pelvic floor muscles and fascia. Studies have shown that obesity and a high fat diet (HFD) can weaken skeletal muscle by increasing collagen deposition and inducing muscle apoptosis. Objectives There is paucity in the literature of animal studies that have specifically investigated the effect of obesity on the support structures of the pelvic floor and how it contributes to POP. The objective of this study is to examine the structure and function of the vagina and pelvic floor in female mice fed a chronic HFD. Methods Adult female C57/Blk6N mice (10 weeks, n=32) were fed a control (10% kcal fat) or HFD (45% kcal fat) for 24 weeks. Ex vivo external vaginal sphincter contraction to increasing concentrations of adrenergic agonist norepinephrine and relaxation to nitric oxide donor DEA NONOate and electric field stimulation (EFS) was measured. Iliococcygeus (IC) muscles of the pelvic floor were isolated and set to optimal length and tetanic contractions were performed at increasing frequencies to asses absolute and specific force. Fatigue was measured following repetitive stimulations over 5 minutes. IC muscle fiber types were characterized with anti-myosin antibodies and cross-sectional area (CSA) of each fiber type was measured. Results Vaginal sphincter adrenergic-mediated contraction was a significantly decreased in HFD-fed mice (Fig 1A; p<0.05). The vaginal sphincter smooth muscle relaxation in response to a nitric oxide donor was greater in the HFD mice (Fig 1B; p<0.05). Neurogenic-mediated EFS vaginal relaxations were also enhanced in the HFD mice (p<0.05). Surprisingly, chronic HFD did not impact iliococcygeus muscle specific force, absolute force, or muscle fatigue (Fig 1C). Furthermore, HFD did not affect the CSA or population of type I, IIa, IIX, or IIb iliococcygeus muscle fibers. Conclusions HFD-induced obesity in mice leads to pelvic floor weakness by enhancing relaxation and decreasing tone of the vaginal smooth muscle. Interestingly, the function and composition of pelvic skeletal muscle was unaffected by HFD. As the vagina serves as a primary support structure to the pelvic organs, lack in muscle contractility and increase in relaxation following HFD suggests that obesity-induced POP may play a direct role in FSD. Disclosure  

Should We Call It a Prostate? A Review of the Female Periurethral Glandular Tissue Morphology, Histochemistry, Nomenclature, and Role in Iatrogenic Sexual Dysfunction

There is evidence of glandular tissue within the region of the anterior vaginal wall-female periurethral tissue (AVW-FPT) having similar morphology and immunohistochemistry to the prostate in men and having physiological roles in the female sexual response (FSR). Whether this tissue should be called a prostate in women has been debated. Iatrogenic injury to structures of the AVW-FPT, including these glands and the associated neurovasculature, could be a cause of female sexual dysfunction (FSD). To consolidate the current knowledge concerning the glandular tissue surrounding the urethra in women, evidence was reviewed to address whether: (i) these glands comprise the prostate in women, (ii) they have specific functions in the FSR, and (iii) injury to the AVW-FPT and prostate has sexual dysfunction as a likely outcome. A literature review was conducted using keywords including female prostate, Skene's/paraurethral glands, periurethral tissue, Gräfenberg (G)-spot, female ejaculation, mid-urethral sling (MUS), and sexual dysfunction. Histological and immunohistochemical studies of the glandular tissue surrounding the urethra support the existence of prostate in women. Evidence suggests this tissue may have physiologically and clinically relevant autonomic and sensory innervation, and during sexual arousal may contribute to secretions involved in ejaculation and orgasm. Gaps in knowledge relating to the functional anatomy, physiological roles, and embryological origins of this tissue have impeded the acceptance of a prostate in women. Injury to the innervation, vasculature, and/or glandular tissue within the surgical field of MUS implantation suggests iatrogenic sexual dysfunction is plausible. Continuing to advance our understanding of the morphology, histochemistry, and physiologic capacity of this glandular tissue will clarify the characterization of this tissue as the "prostate" involved in the FSR, and its role in FSD following surgical injury. Tomalty D, Giovannetti O, Hannan J, etal. Should We Call It a Prostate? A Review of the Female Periurethral Glandular Tissue Morphology, Histochemistry, Nomenclature, and Role in Iatrogenic Sexual Dysfunction. Sex Med Rev 2022;10:183-194.

Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Problem Hidden in the Shadows.

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) has been largely underdiagnosed and undertreated due to the lack of concrete definitions, validated assessment methods and efficient treatments. However, during the last few decades, there has been great progress in the clinical management and research of FSD. The purpose of this review is to describe the pathophysiology of FSD, report the prevalence of the disease in the setting of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and disease, and review current and under investigation treatment options. A comprehensive review was performed to identify studies examining the association of FSD with CV risk factors and/or disease, as well studies reporting relevant management options. The prevalence of FSD is increased in the general population (approximately 40%) and is significantly higher in patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. In patients with overt CV disease, FSD is even more prevalent (up to 90%). The cause of FSD is multifactorial and includes a variety of vascular, hormonal, interpersonal and psychological factors, which are all intertwined. Several treatment options exist that are efficient in improving female sexual function, while a cluster of other options has been shown to offer benefits. FSD is a major public health problem with great impact on the patients' quality of life. In the setting of increased CV burden, FSD is even more prevalent. Increased awareness is needed for the physician to establish a trustful environment with the patient, discuss such issues, and offer proper management options.

Prospective observational study of the impact of vaginal surgery (pelvic organ prolapse with or without urinary incontinence) on female sexual function.

There is a difference of opinion in the literature as to whether pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a direct cause of female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Sexual function in women is negatively impacted by the presence of urinary symptoms. Thus, sexual dysfunction (SD) might be improved, unchanged, or worsened by pelvic floor surgery. In this study, we observed SD and impact of surgical intervention on female sexual function (FSF) using a validated Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire Short Form (PISQ-12) in women undergoing surgery for POP with or without urinary incontinence. Two hundred women were recruited and followed up at 6 and 12months postoperatively. Sexual function (SF) as measured by the PISQ-12 improved after surgery irrespective of the nature of surgery or the patient's past gynaecology history. Improvement in SF was seen by 6months (97 patients) postsurgery (P<0.05), after which (at 12months; 80 patients) no further change was observed. Improved SF was associated with better patient satisfaction postoperatively. Sexual function improved in women following surgery for POP with or withour urinary incontinence, irrespective of the nature of surgery and the patient's past gynecologic history. Results of this study will assist when counselling women with POP with or without urinary incontinence regarding treatment options.

Female Sexual Dysfunction among Contraceptive User in Malaysia

Background: Women in reproductive age are at risk of getting female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Contraception has been recognized as one of the causes of FSD. This study aims to determine the prevalence of FSD and types of FSD among contraceptive user. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study involving 262 women who were on contraception in eleven primary care clinics in Malaysia. Malay version of Female Sexual Function Index (MVFSFI) was used in this study. Results: The prevalence of FSD among contraceptive user in Malaysia was 9.5% (n=25). The highest types of female sexual dysfunction in this study were sexual dissatisfaction (29.8%, n=78) and sexual desire disorder (29.4%, n=77). Majority of the participants were Malay (83.6%). Of twenty-five women with FSD, one-third of them was Indian ethnic. Most of the women (11.2%) with FSD had received education up to secondary school and non- employed (11.6%). Twenty-two (9.9%) women with FSD were practising hormonal contraception and most of them were dissatisfied with their marital relationship (35.7%, n=5). Conclusions: The result indicates that one in ten contraceptive users had FSD. The highest percentage of female sexual dysfunction domain was sexual dissatisfaction and sexual desire disorder. Hormonal contraception was the most common method used among women with FSD. Further research is needed to determine the associated factor of female sexual dysfunction among women using contraception.

PD44-07 FEMALE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION: A WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY CLINICAL EXPERIENCE

You have accessJournal of UrologySexual Function/Dysfunction: Female1 Apr 2017PD44-07 FEMALE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION: A WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY CLINICAL EXPERIENCE Tyler Overholt, Dale Riggs, Barbara Jackson, Alex Battin, Henry Fooks, Mohammad Salkini, Adam Luchey, Stanley Kandzari, and Stanley Zaslau Tyler OverholtTyler Overholt More articles by this author , Dale RiggsDale Riggs More articles by this author , Barbara JacksonBarbara Jackson More articles by this author , Alex BattinAlex Battin More articles by this author , Henry FooksHenry Fooks More articles by this author , Mohammad SalkiniMohammad Salkini More articles by this author , Adam LucheyAdam Luchey More articles by this author , Stanley KandzariStanley Kandzari More articles by this author , and Stanley ZaslauStanley Zaslau More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2017.02.2064AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES 40% of women in the United States experience concern with regard to sexual function. Female sexual function (FSF) can be broken down into different categories based on the domain involved, including desire, arousal, orgasm, and pain. There are multiple causes for FSF including physical, hormonal, and psychological etiologies, and patients may have additional risk factors that contribute to the dysfunction experienced including depression, obesity, and hypertension. This is especially relevant in West Virginia, which ranks among the highest for several of these risk factors. The presence of sexual dysfunction in patients with interstitial cystitis (IC) is significant and well documented. Herein, we report the data on 362 subjects indexed by the presence or absence of IC and compare the degree of sexual dysfunction associated with the disease. METHODS Domain values were obtained by employing the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), developed by Rosen, et. al,. This 19-item questionnaire evaluates FSD in six domains. Data was analyzed on an item-for-item basis and by the six domains of sexual dysfunction for our patients and compared to two control groups. The first consisted of 131 healthy volunteers (Rosen, 2000) and the second consisted of 127 patients with Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD). Statistical significance was determined with one-way ANOVA testing (P<0.05). RESULTS The table below compares our data with two comparison groups across the 6 domains measured by the FSFI. WVU patients with IC scored the lowest in arousal, lubrication, and orgasm, and had the lowest scores in each category compared with all other groups (P < 0.001). WVU patients without IC scored the lowest in arousal and desire, and had worse scores than the control in all categories. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first exploration of the Urologic patients in West Virginia with regard to FSF, and it highlights a vastly significant amount of sexual dysfunction within this population. West Virginia in 2015 had the 47th worst health ranking in the United States, with especially high prevalence of smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, heart disease and diabetes. Understanding the physical and psychological causes of female sexual dysfunction as well as the category of sexual function affected is critical for properly treating patients for their specific need. © 2017FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 197Issue 4SApril 2017Page: e882 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2017MetricsAuthor Information Tyler Overholt More articles by this author Dale Riggs More articles by this author Barbara Jackson More articles by this author Alex Battin More articles by this author Henry Fooks More articles by this author Mohammad Salkini More articles by this author Adam Luchey More articles by this author Stanley Kandzari More articles by this author Stanley Zaslau More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

It's Not Me, It's Us

New findings point to relationship issues as the primary cause of female sexual dysfunction

Female sexual dysfunction: Facts and factors among gynecology outpatients

This study was aimed at assessing the female sexual dysfunction of respondents at gynecology outpatient clinics. The cross-sectional study involved interviewing 137 female respondents from the gynecology outpatient department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Shaheed Suhrawardy Hospital with a semi-structured questionnaire during March-August 2007. The sociodemographic details and sexual history with sexual problems were recorded. Half (51.8%) the respondents had one or more sexual problems. Pain during intercourse (71.8%) and reduced desire (54.9%) were highest among different complaints followed by orgasmic (43.66%) and arousal problems (32.39%). Age and education were significantly associated with reduced desire (P=0.03). Delivery mode was significantly associated with inhibited desire (P=0.01) and arousal problems (P=0.003), and not significantly with pain (P=0.06). After adjusting confounding factors, parity (odds ratio [OR]=3.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21-9.68), history of menstrual regulation (OR=2.84, 95%CI: 1.31-6.22), mental stress (OR=2.81, 95%CI: 1.05-7.50) and sexual problems of the husband (OR=3.16, 95%CI: 1.19-8.44) became risk factors for increasing odds of having dysfunction while increased frequency of intercourse showed a marginally significant reducing effect (OR=0.764, 95%CI: 0.95-1.00). This is a pioneer study in Bangladesh to postulate female sexuality, revealing pain disorder as most prevalent; the women with dysfunction were dissatisfied with their sexual life. In order to determine the cause of female sexual dysfunction, the topic needs further exploration involving intervention at regular medical investigations.

Female sexual dysfunction: a new urogynaecological research field

To critically review published data on the urogynaecological aspects of female sexual dysfunction (FSD), as FSD is a developing multidisciplinary issue associated with several biological, medical and psychological factors. The reported prevalence of FSD is 19-50% and women with lower urinary tract symptoms or urinary incontinence (UI) not only complain of a deteriorating of quality of life but also of sexual life with an incidence as high as 26-47%. Furthermore, urogynaecological surgery represents an important but underestimated cause of FSD. Different databases (Pub Medical, Medline, serial titles, the Cochrane library and the NLM gateway database) were searched for the keywords 'sexuality; sexual function; urinary incontinence; pelvic organ prolapse; questionnaire; symptom severity; epidemiology; quality of life; instruments; sexual health; vagina; vaginal surgery; pelvic surgery'. There is a lack of a standardized instrument for assessing FSD. Recent studies investigate the impact of UI on sexual function, but the pathophysiology has not been elucidated. Vaginal or pelvic surgery does not affect overall sexual satisfaction. Our investigation highlights the need for studies to assess the anatomical, physiological and sensory mechanisms related to FSD. Specific questionnaire are needed to quantify the problem. In the definition, symptoms assessment and preoperative counselling is important, to make a distinction between overall sexual function and individual parameters, such as psychosocial context. Only in this way, will it be possible to identify new therapeutic targets. A definition of success in urogyneacological terms should include aspects of quality of life and quality of sexual life. Immediate research in this field is needed.

The Prevalence and Causes of Sexual Problems among Premenopausal Turkish Women

Sexual dysfunction in females is an important public health problem worldwide. It is suggested that sexual problems among women are more common than the number of diagnosed female sexual dysfunction (FSD) cases indicates. To determine the frequency and causes of sexual problems among premenopausal and married women who attend primary healthcare facilities. This study was conducted at the Mother and Child Health and Family Planning Center. All women who attended this center during a 3-month period were included in the study. Sexual problems were evaluated via questionnaire and a standardized scale known as the Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE. A cross-sectional study. Although a total of 422 women aged 19-51 years were eligible for inclusion in the study, the participation rate was 27%. Nearly two-thirds of the women were aged 20-34 years, and of this group, 84.3% were unemployed. According to self-reports, 15.7% (18) of the women had sexual problems, whereas the prevalence of sexual dysfunction using GRISS was 26.1%. Vaginismus (41.7%), infrequent intercourse (39.1%), and nonsensuality (38.3%) were the most common complaints of the women with sexual problems. The rate of sexual dissatisfaction was found to be 7%. Sexual problems among women who had a long-term marriage (more than 11 years) and who were sexually inexperienced at the time of their marriage were significantly higher (P = 0.036, P = 0.034, respectively). It was found that discussing sexual problems with husbands and healthcare professionals did not reduce sexual problems. According to GRISS, nearly one-quarter of the women were suffering from sexual problems. The most common sexual problem was vaginismus, followed by infrequent intercourse. It is suggested that inadequate knowledge and the attitudes of spouses and health workers in primary healthcare settings are the important causes of FSD in this population.

Female Sexual and Hormonal Status in Patients with Bronchial Asthma: Relationship with Respiratory Function Tests and Psychological and Somatic Status

To assess the relationship among the sexual, hormonal, physical, and psychological status of women with bronchial asthma (BA) compared with that of healthy volunteers. Thirty-eight women with BA were enrolled in the study. The patients were asked to complete the Female Sexual Function Index, General Health Questionnaire, and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36-item Health Survey (SF-36). Using the answers on the SF-36, the mental and physical component summary scores were calculated. A total of 20 healthy women were enrolled in the study as the control group. The same questionnaires were given to this group as well. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test and Pearson correlation tests. At the end of the study, statistically significant differences were observed for all questionnaire scores (P <0.05). The most common female sexual dysfunction was diminished arousal (n = 30, 78.9%) in women with BA. In the correlation analysis, the total Female Sexual Function Index score had a statistically significant and positive correlation with the mental component summary score (r = 0.503, P = 0.001) and a negative correlation with the General Health Questionnaire score (r = -0.380, P = 0.020). The results of our study have shown that BA, as a chronic medical condition, can be a cause of female sexual dysfunction with mental and psychiatric mechanisms.

Clinical Evaluation of Women Presenting with Low Libido and Determination of Whether Androgen Therapy Might Be Appropriate

The assessment of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is often challenging in the clinical setting. Although androgen deficiency is regarded as a major cause for FSD, the causes of this condition are multifactorial. Women presenting with FSD require thorough clinical evaluation to determine the cause of FSD. Androgen therapy should be used in women only when clinical and biochemical parameters indicate that FSD stems from androgen deficiency. This review outlines the various causes of FSD, clinical and biochemical investigations required to diagnose androgen deficiency, and options for treatment of the woman found to have androgen deficiency as a cause of FSD.

Female sexual dysfunction

This article briefly illustrates the complexities in the field of Female Sexual Dysfunction, both in terms of the circumstances in which the problems can arise, and the multiplicity of causations. It is often hard for a woman to find a language to describe the nature of her difficulty, which often means that obtaining access to appropriate professional help can be problematic. The main causes of female sexual dysfunction are outlined here, as described by the Working Group for a New View of Women’s Sexual Problems. These include social, political and economic factors, partner and relationship issues, psychological factors, and medical factors. There are difficulties with the classification of female sexual dysfunction, as current attempts neither reflect the full complexity of female sexuality, nor take account of the myriad possibilities of causation. The most commonly presenting sexual symptoms are described. These include desire and arousal problems, problems with orgasm, sexual aversion, phobia and ‘sexual anorexia’, sexual pain of non-medical origin, and vaginismus. Mention is made of life events which can trigger sexual dysfunction in women, making reference to physiological, emotional or relationship changes. The importance of careful assessment by a person skilled and trained in this field is stressed. A range of treatment options is covered, including psychological and physiological approaches, mechanical devices, and pharmacological agents. The sex therapy, programme, Sensate Focus, is included in table format. Possible referral routes are mentioned, and educational materials are listed after the references.

Treatment of female sexual dysfunction.

To review the pathophysiology and psychology of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and describe potential prevention and treatment strategies for the disorder. Articles identified from a MEDLINE search (1966-June 2002) using the term female sexual dysfunction. Additional references were obtained from cross referencing retrieved articles. After evaluating various review articles, clinical trials, and investigational studies, all information that was deemed relevant by the reviewers was included. FSD is a multicausal and multidimensional problem combining biological, psychological, and interpersonal factors. The American Foundation for Urological Disease classifies FSD into 4 broad categories: sexual desire disorders, arousal disorder, orgasmic disorder, and sexual pain disorders. Depending on specific individual characteristics and category of disorder, a variety of potential treatments are available. Pharmacists can play a role in identifying and managing medication-related adverse effects that may be exacerbating FSD and educating women on treatment modalities. FSD is a complicated disorder that is often difficult to identify, classify, and treat appropriately. Pharmacists should have an understanding of the potential causes of FSD and the treatment options available so that they may make appropriate recommendations and counsel women effectively.

Female sexual dysfunction: Classification, physiology, diagnosis and treatment

Female sexual dysfunction is a common disorder and is classified into four major categories. To successfully diagnose and treat these disorders, physicians must have a working knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the female sexual response. In addition, the physician must identify the cause of the dysfunction and tailor the treatment to the specific cause. The present review defines and classifies female sexual dysfunction, discusses the pertinent anatomical and physiological features, identifies the four causes of female sexual dysfunction and presents a diagnostic approach for the practicing physician.