Sexual Quality of Life of Individuals With Disorders of Sex Development and a 46,XY Karyotype: A Review of International Research

Abstract

This article summarizes the current state of research on Sexual Quality of Life (SexQoL) of adults with 46,XY Disorders of Sex Development (DSD)/Intersexuality. An extensive literature search yield 21 studies published between 1974–2007, examining sexual aspects in individuals with 46,XY DSD. However, many of them lack methodological quality. The results are inconsistent but overall indicate that SexQoL of individuals with 46,XY DSD is impaired, particular with regard to sexual dysfunctions and sexual satisfaction. Future studies on SexQoL should focus more on qualitative aspects of sexuality and investigate medical and psychosocial risk factors such as sex-corrective surgery and parental bonding.

Notes

^aNonvalidated.

^bIIEF-5 = Simplified International Index of Erectile Dysfunction.

^cGRISS = Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction.

^dMSS = Multidimensional Scale of Sexuality.

^eBPSS = Body Parts Satisfaction Scale.

^fSAQ = Sexual Awareness Questionnaire.

^gSEBAS-A = Sexual Behavior Assessment Schedule-Adult.

^jSAW = Sexual Activity Questionnaire-Women.

^kHTDW = Heterosexual Development of Women-Questionnaire.

^lSFW = Sexual Function of Women-Questionnaire.

It could not be clarified whether all six persons had an XY-karyotype.

The present article refers to men and women with DSD/intersex conditions. This means individuals with DSD/intersex conditions who live in the male or female gender role, a term defined as the entirety of cultural expectations, abilities ascribed and considered appropriate, interests, attitudes, and behavior of the respective gender (Money, 1994).

The cultural background of interviewees needs to be considered in the interpretation of these data. It is definitely possible that young adult women in Turkey rarely have any sexual experience as Islam prohibits premarital sexual encounters under threat of sanctions.