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.