Women's expectations and experiences of hormone treatment for sexual dysfunction

Abstract

Objectives There is a paucity of information regarding women's expectations of medical treatment for female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and their self-appraisal of treatment outcomes. The aims of this study were to explore women's perception and expectations of treatment and their experiences of treatment for FSD using a qualitative approach.

Methods First-time attendees to an endocrinologist with the complaint of sexual difficulties were identified and were invited to take part in an in-depth interview on the same day as, but prior to, their medical consultation. Follow-up phone interview took place 3–4 months later.

Results Seventeen women, aged 26–70 years, participated in the face-to-face interview. Ten of these participated in the follow-up interview. Four major themes emerged from the women's narrative stories: (1) personal psychological distress associated with FSD, (2) concern about the adverse effect of FSD on the relationship with their sexual partner, (3) a belief in a relationship between FSD and ‘hormone deficiency’, and (4) an expectation of treatment, which included positive physical and sexual changes.

Conclusions Health professionals should be aware of the high degree of psychological distress that can result from FSD and consider available treatment options, which may include hormone therapy.

Key words::

• FEMALE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION
• HORMONE TREATMENT
• WOMEN’S EXPECTATION
• WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We thank our study participants for their participation in a study on a sensitive issue. We would like to thank the reception staff at Suite 55, Cabrini Medical Centre, Melbourne for their assistance in recruiting study participants and our colleague Ms Maria La China for transcribing the interviews.

Conflict of interest S. R. Davis is presently an investigator for Trimel Pharmaceuticals Ca and has received unrestricted research grant support from Lawley Pharmaceuticals and Besins Healthcare. The other authors have no conflicts of interest or financial disclosures to declare.

Source of funding Ms. Fooladi is a PhD researcher sponsored by the Iran Ministry of Health and Medical Education. Dr Davis is an NHMRC Principal Research Fellow (Grant no 1041853).