Female sexual dysfunction

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a very common disorder in Germany with a prevalence of approximately 38%. FSD includes persistent or recurrent disorders of sexual desire, disorders of subjective or genital arousal and pain during intercourse. An overview of the epidemiology, the current definitions of the single domains of FSD, the pathophysiology and recommendations on the treatment of FSD is given.     

Female sexual dysfunction in a healthy Austrian cohort: prevalence and risk factors

Purpose:Data on prevalence and risk factors for female sexual dysfunction (FSD) are rare, particularly from Europe. Aim of our study was therefore to investigate this issue in a cohort of women undergoing a health investigation.Patients and Methods:A consecutive series of women aged 20–80 years participating in a health-screening project in Vienna underwent a detailed health investigation and completed a 23-item questionnaire on several aspects of FSD including desire, arousal, pain and orgasmic disorders. Prevalence of FSD in different age groups and risk factors for FSD were calculated.Results:A total of 703 women aged 43 ± 15 years entered this study. Within the total study population, 22% reported on desire disorders, 35% on arousal disorders, and 39% on orgasmic problems, all of which increased significantly with age. Pain disorders were reported by 12.8% being most frequently in the women aged 20–39 years. In women aged 60–69 years, still 50% reported having at least “occasionally” sexual desire and 30% had more than two sexual intercourses per month. In this age group, 50% stated that a healthy sexual life is at least moderately important to them. Apart from age few risk factors for FSD were identified. Sportive activity was the only correlate to desire- and arousal disorders, psychological stress for orgasmic disorders.Conclusions:This study provides insights into age-specific changes of FSD in apparently healthy women. The importance of this subject is underlined by the high prevalence of FSD particularly in the elderly paralleled by a persisting interest in sexual activity.     

Potential future options in the pharmacotherapy of female sexual dysfunction

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is considered a common medical problem estimated to affect millions of women in the westernized countries. FSD has been classified into four different categories including sexual arousal disorder (FSAD), sexual desire disorder (HSDD), orgasmic disorder and sexual pain disorder. The focus of this article is the potential role of pharmacological compounds currently under development, in the treatment of sexual arousal and orgasmic disorders in order to enhance the sexual response in adult females. While a number of potential therapeutic options are available to date, not one of the pharmacological treatment regimens has been yet considered the Gold standard in the management of symptoms of FSD. This article reviews the rationale and potential benefits of using distinct drug formulations in the treatment of FSD.     

The epidemiology and definition of female sexual disorders

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a multifactorial condition that has anatomical, physiological, medical, psychological, and social components. Similar to erectile dysfunction in men, FSD is highly prevalent and often undertreated. Due to the development of successful treatment for male erectile dysfunction, FSD is receiving increased attention. Only a few studies dealing with epidemiology of female sexual dysfunction are available in the literature. However, research efforts in the field are increasing. This overview presents currently used classification systems, recently updated definitions, as well as prevalence data on the different entities of female sexual disorders.     

Impact of pelvic floor disorders and prolapse on female sexual function and response

Pelvic floor disorders and FSD are prevalent and challenging problems. These disorders include prolapse of the uterus, cervix, vagina, bladder, and rectum and incontinence. These diseases likely affect women's sexual well-being through physical and emotional effects. Women with pelvic floor disorders often have co-existing urologic and sexual complaints. Patients who present with these urologic problems should be questioned about their sexual function. Surgical treatment in these patients may be curative of their sexual disorders (e.g., by repairing incontinence) but may also have undesired effects on sensation, blood flow, and the anatomy. These effects can affect sexual arousal and orgasm or cause dyspareunia. It is hoped that a better understanding of the anatomy of this area will guide us in a more targeted approach to management of these conditions.     

Female sexual dysfunction in a population-based study in Iran: prevalence and associated risk factors

To explore the prevalence and risk factors of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in Iran. A total of 2626 women aged 20-60 years old were interviewed by 41 female general practitioners and answered a self-administered questionnaire on several aspects of FSD including desire, arousal, pain and orgasmic disorders (OD). Criteria of sexual dysfunction followed classification by DSM-IV. The sexual function was evaluated by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The subjects were randomly identified from 28 counties of Iran. Data on medical history, toxic habits and current use of medication were also obtained. Of the women interviewed, 31.5% (759) reported FSD. The prevalence increased with age, from 26% in women aged 20-39 years to 39% in those >50 years (tested for trend P<0.001). Thirty-seven percent reported OD, 35% desire disorders (DD) and 30% arousal disorders (AD), all of which increased significantly with age. Pain disorders were reported by 26.7%, occurring most frequently in women aged 20-29 years. The educational level (P=0.01) and marriage age (<18 years) (P=0.04) were inversely correlated with the risk of DD, OD and AD. No significant differences were detected in smoking history (P=0.18), the presence of previous pelvic surgery (P=0.08) and contraception methods used (P=0.42). A history of psychological problems (P=0.04), married status (P=0.03), low physical activity (P=0.012), chronic disease (P<0.01), multiparity (P<0.05) menopause status (P相似文献   

Impact of hormones on female sexual function and dysfunction

The female sexual response cycle is a complex system composed of physiologic changes, psychological, and cultural factors. Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) encompasses a variety of sexual problems, including low desire or interest, diminished arousal, difficulties with orgasm, and dyspareunia. Research in female sexual function and dysfunction has lagged significantly behind males despite our current knowledge that FSD can occur in as many of 80% of the female population. Basic science research exists but also identifies serious gaps in our fundamental knowledge of this area. The purpose of this article was to review our current understanding of the effects of hormones on normal physiologic sexual responses in women, female sexual function and dysfunction, and the available treatment options for the various components of FSD.     

Sexual dysfunction in women with hyperprolactinemia: a pilot study report

PURPOSE: Hyperprolactinemia is a common hormonal disorder in women that may affect the phases of female sexual function (FSD). We investigated sexual function in patients with hyperprolactinemia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 25 women with primary hyperprolactinemia and 16 age matched voluntary healthy women who served as the as control group were evaluated with a detailed medical and sexual history, including a female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaire and the Beck Depression Inventory. Serum prolactin, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, free testosterone, androstenedione, 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, estradiol, free thyroxin and thyrotropin were measured. These variables were compared statistically between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Except for prolactin serum hormone levels in women with hyperprolactinemia were not different from those in the control group. The median total FSFI score was 23.40 (IQR 17.70 to 27.30) in the hyperprolactinemic group, whereas healthy women had a median total FSFI score of 31.10 (IQR 27.55 to 32.88, p < 0.0001). FSD was diagnosed in 22 of 25 patients (88%), while 4 of 16 healthy women (25%) had FSD (p = 0.03). Desire (p = 0.001), arousal (p < 0.0001), lubrication (p = 0.001), orgasm (p = 0.001), satisfaction (p = 0.07) and pain (p = 0.003) domain scores were also significantly lower in women with hyperprolactinemia. Total FSFI (p = 0.009, r = -0.405), desire (p = 0.001, r = -0.512), arousal (p = 0.002, r = -0.466), orgasm (p = 0.026, r = 0.348) and satisfaction (p = 0.041, r = -0.320) scores negatively correlated with mean prolactin but not with the other hormones measured. CONCLUSIONS: A significant percent of women with hyperprolactinemia whom we evaluated had sexual dysfunction. No hormonal changes other than prolactin and no depression was found as a cause of FSD.     

Sexual dysfunction in women partners of men with erectile dysfunction

We evaluated 113 female partners of men with erectile dysfunction (ED) attending a sexual dysfunction clinic in order to define sexual dysfunction among these women. In all, 51 (45%) women denied having any sexual dysfunction. The other 62 (55%) responded to questions classifying their complaint(s) according to the international classification of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in the following topics (40/62, 65%, reported having more than one problem): decreased sexual desire (n=35, 56%), sexual aversion (none), arousal (n=23, 37%) and orgasmic disorders (n=39, 63%), dyspareunia (n=19, 31%), vaginismus (n=3, 5%), and noncoital sexual pain (none). Many female partners of men with ED report having some form of sexual disorder, mostly orgasmic problems and decreased sexual desire. Therefore, for optimal outcome of ED treatment, evaluation and treatment of male and FSD should be addressed as one unit within the context of the couple, and be incorporated into one clinic of sexual medicine.     

Female sexual dysfunction: a new urogynaecological research field

Associate Editor Michael G. Wyllie Editorial Board Ian Eardley, UK Jean Fourcroy, USA Sidney Glina, Brazil Julia Heiman, USA Chris McMahon, Australia Bob Millar, UK Alvaro Morales, Canada Michael Perelman, USA Marcel Waldinger, Netherlands

OBJECTIVE

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.

METHODS

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’.

RESULTS

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.

CONCLUSIONS

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.     

女性性功能障碍的常见病因

女性的性功能障碍是一种常见和多发疾病,给夫妻生活带来显著的不良影响,而明确其病因是合理诊治的基础。本文介绍了女性性功能障碍的常见病因,主要包括心理与社会因素、神经因素、性激素异常、疾病因素、药物因素和产后。     

南京市城区女性性功能障碍的调查

目的:女性性功能障碍(FSD)是影响女性生活质量的常见疾病,有关中国女性FSD的报道少见。本研究探讨南京城区女性FSD的发病情况,为制定中国女性FSD的防治策略提供依据。方法:本研究为回顾性调查,调查对象为2008年8月至2009年3月在南京医科大学附属南京市妇幼保健院进行健康体检的20岁以上女性及其女性陪护人。采用女性性功能指数(FSFI)问卷评估性功能,以FSFI评分总分<25分作为FSD的诊断标准。以各单项评分的中位数作为诊断各类型性功能障碍的标准。结果:共发放问卷1 002份,收回有效问卷609份,有效问卷回收率60.8%。本组女性FSFI得分(24.21±4.40)分,随着年龄增长,FSFI评分及各单项评分逐渐下降。本调查各年龄组总的FSD发生率为56.8%,随年龄增长,FSD发生率逐渐增加,<29岁组为47.1%,30~39岁组为57.0%,40~49组为75.0%,50岁以上高达90.3%。最常见的性功能障碍类型为性满意度下降(43.2%),其次为性高潮障碍(41.7%)、性交疼痛(40.2%)、性欲低下(35.1%)、阴道润滑障碍(31.4%)及性唤起困难(29.6%)。结论:FSD是困扰中国城市女性的常见问题,最常见的类型为性满意度下降及性高潮障碍。     

妇科良性疾病与女性性功能障碍相关性分析

目的探讨妇科良性疾病与女性性功能障碍(FSD)相关性,为防治FSD的发生及防治提供理论依据。方法采用横断面调查方法,选取中等收入城市及农村居民区20岁及其以上女性进行问卷调查,收集其人口学特征及目前所患妇科疾病(经诊断确诊过的疾病)等信息。采用中文版女性性功能量表(FSFI)进行FSD评估,总分小于26.55说明存在FSD。应用多因素非条件Logistic回归模型分析妇科良性疾病与FSD相关性。结果发放问卷1 130份,收回1 068份(回收率94.5%),去除不符合要求问卷80份,共纳入有效问卷988份。988例被访者中妇科良性疾病患者占39.8%(393/988),为患病组,其余为健康组。393例患者中,性功能障碍者占71.2%(280/393),高于健康组性功能障碍患病率(P0.05)。与健康组相比,患病组在总分及性欲、性唤起、性高潮方面的评分分值均较健康组低(P0.05)。多因素非条件Logistic回归分析显示,妇科良性疾病、年龄(≥40岁)及绝经是FSD的独立危险因素,较高的教育水平是其保护性因素。结论 FSD是一个重要的公共卫生问题,甘肃省在妇科良性疾病者中FSD现患率较高,应加强性健康教育,降低FSD发生率。     

Female sexual arousal disorder: new insights

Epidemiologic investigations of women with female sexual dysfunction (FSD) from well-designed, random-sample, community-based populations are limited. Based on available information, FSD is common and estimated to occur in 22-43% of women. There are limited data on age-related and para-aging risk factors, which are critical to understand when planning treatment and prevention efforts. Based on correlates of FSD, associated risk factors include age, education, history of sexual abuse or sexually transmitted disease, overall state general happiness and physical health. This brief overview attempts to review what is known about the female sexual anatomy, describes factors that may affect female sexual responsiveness, and identifies several areas where additional research is needed to promote understanding of this complex physiological and psychosocial phenomenon. International Journal of Impotence Research (2000) 12, Suppl 4, S152-S157.     

女性性功能障碍诊断和治疗的新领域

女性性功能障碍 (FSD)是一种与年龄相关的进展性的疾病 ,可能影响多达半数的成年妇女 ,长期以来 ,FSD未得到应有的重视。本文系统地阐述了FSD的解剖、生理及病理主观原因基础 ,以及诊断、治疗的新进展 ,以期提高对FSD的认识。     

Prevalence and degree of sexual dysfunction in a sample of women seeking bariatric surgery

BackgroundSexual functioning has been shown to be impaired in women who are obese, particularly those seeking bariatric surgery. However, most previous studies evaluating sexual function in these populations have not used validated measures. We used the validated Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) to assess the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in a sample of >100 women evaluated for bariatric surgery.MethodsThe FSFI was administered to reportedly sexually active women during their preoperative evaluation. The scores for the individual FSFI domains (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain) ranging from 0 (or 1.2) to 6 were summed to produce a FSFI total score (range 2–36). A FSFI total cutoff score of ≤26.55 was used to identify participants with FSD. The participants' FSFI total and domain scores were compared with previously published norms available for women diagnosed with female sexual arousal disorder and healthy controls.ResultsOf the 102 women, 61 (59.8%) had FSFI total scores of ≤26.55, indicative of FSD. Older age and menopause were associated with FSD. Compared with published norms, bariatric surgery candidates had FSFI domain scores that were lower than those of the control group (all P values < 0.0001) but greater than those of the female sexual arousal disorder group (all P values < 0.0001), except for desire, for which the scores were similar.ConclusionWomen seeking bariatric surgery are clearly a population with substantial sexual function impairment, with 60% of participants reporting FSD. These findings highlight the need to initiate routine assessment of sexual functioning in this population and examine whether the weight loss after bariatric surgery contributes to a reversal of FSD.     

Regulatory issues in female sexual dysfunction

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) remains an enigmatic area to some, a controversial area to others and the subject of continued, intense debate in the literature. Questions remain regarding the legitimacy of FSD as a bona fide disease; the definition of FSD; the methods of diagnosis; and, the treatment of FSD. In this timely perspective, Jean Fourcroy, Consultant in Urology, Endocrinology and Regulatory Issues, discusses the controversies that continue to plague FSD.     

Commentary on androgen deficiency in women and the FDA advisory board's recent decision to request more safety data

Editor's note: The FDA's decision regarding Intrinsa has potential widespread implications for the medical treatment of female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Dr Andre Guay is a world-renowned authority on the topic of female sexuality and FSD. Accompanying Dr Spark's perspective in issue 2, this perspective will shed important light on the topic and offer insight into the past, present and future of FSD.