Sexual function and dysfunction in women (and the effect for the couple)

Sexual function is dependent on relatively intact physiological and psychological mechanisms that are extensive and varied in both influence and impact for any individual woman and her partner. Problems of sexual arousal in women are now recognized to mirror erectile dysfunction in men in many ways and assessment of cardiovascular disease should form part of the routine assessment of women presenting with sexual problems of lack of vaginal arousal (including lubrication) or clitoral arousal. However, psychosocial issues can predominate and perpetuate sexual problems for women and often require concurrent assessment. The sexual difficulties may be concurrent to erectile dysfunction or another sexual problem in the man. An offer of multiple interventions should be recommended where indicated.