Psychological and interpersonal dimensions of sexual function and dysfunction in women: An update

Peer review under responsibility of Arab Association of Urology.

Abstract

Introduction:

We reviewed the psychological and interpersonal dimensions of female sexual function and dysfunction.

Methods:

We identified articles published in 1970–2013 using the keywords ‘female sexual dysfunction’, ‘sexual desire’, ‘sexual arousal’, ‘female orgasmic disorder’, ‘sex therapy’, ‘psychotherapy’, ‘behaviour therapy’ and ‘Internet therapy’. Over 200 articles were reviewed (Level of evidence 2b).

Results and conclusions:

We identified the major psychological variables affecting female sexual function. The outcomes of psychological treatment interventions are reported. A collaboration between healthcare practitioners from different disciplines is necessary in the evaluation, treatment and education of female patients with sexual dysfunction. The assessment of female and couples’ sexual dysfunction should ideally include an enquiry about the predisposing, precipitating, maintaining and contextual factors.

Keywords:

• Female
• Sexual dysfunction
• Sex therapy
• Psychotherapy
• Behaviour

Abbreviations:

• CBT, cognitive behavioural therapy
• ED, erectile dysfunction
• HSDD, hypoactive sexual desire disorder
• FSAD, female sexual arousal disorder

Notes

Peer review under responsibility of Arab Association of Urology.