Skip to main content

Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD)

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Clinical Uro-Andrology

Abstract

Sexual dysfunction in women is defined as disorders of sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and/or sexual pain, which result in significant personal distress and may have a negative effect on a woman’s health and an impact on the quality of life. A comprehensive understanding of the anatomical, neurobiological, and psychological mechanisms behind women’s sexual function and dysfunction is of paramount importance. We sought to review the most frequent clinical pathophysiological mechanisms of women’s desire, arousal, and orgasmic dysfunctions. Likewise, we tried to consider the different disorders from the point of view of the daily clinical practice, trying to give an updated vision of lines of therapy currently being studied or of clear application, especially considering the disorders of sexual desire and arousal.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

eBook
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 99.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 119.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Agarwal A, Deepinder F, Cocuzza M et al (2008) Effect of vaginal lubricants on sperm motility and chromatin integrity: a prospective comparative study. Fertil Steril 89:375–379

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Alexander MS, Rosen RC, Steinberg S et al (2011) Sildenafil in women with sexual arousal disorder following spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord 49:273–279

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • American Psychiatric Association (2000) Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-IV-TR, 4th edn. text revision ed. American Psychiatric Association, Washington, DC

    Google Scholar 

  • Angst J (1998) Sexual problems in healthy and depressed persons. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 13(suppl 6):S1–S4

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Archer DF (2010) Efficacy and tolerability of local estrogen therapy for urogenital atrophy. Menopause 17:194–203

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Argiolas A, Melis MR (2003) The neurophysiology of the sexual cycle. J Endocrinol Invest 26(Suppl 3):20–22

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bachmann G (2006) Female sexuality and sexual dysfunction: are we stuck on the learning curve? J Sex Med 3:639–645

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bachmann G, Lobo RA, Gut R et al (2008) Efficacy of low-dose estradiol vaginal tablets in the treatment of atrophic vaginitis: a randomized controlled trial. Obstet Gynecol 111:67–76

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Basson R (2000) The female sexual response: a different model. J Sex Marital Ther 26:51–65

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Basson R (2001) Female sexual response: the role of drugs in the management of sexual dysfunction. Obstet Gynecol 998:350–353

    Google Scholar 

  • Basson R (2002a) The complexities of female sexual arousal disorder: potential role of pharmacotherapy. World J Urol 20:119–126

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Basson R (2002b) A model of woman’s sexual arousal. J Sex Marital Ther 28:1–10

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Basson R (2009) Pharmacotherapy for women’s sexual dysfunction. Expert Opin Pharmacother 10:1631–1648

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Basson R, Brotto LA (2003) Sexual psychophysiology and effects of sildenafil citrate in oestrogenised women with acquired genital arousal disorder and impaired orgasm: a randomized controlled trial. BJOG 110:1014–1124

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Basson R, Berman J, Burnett A et al (2000) Report of the international consensus development conference on female sexual dysfunction: definitions and classifications. J Urol 163:888–893

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Basson R, Leiblum S, Brotto L et al (2003) Definitions of women’s sexual dysfunction reconsidered: advocating expansion and revision. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 24:221–229

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Basson R, Leiblum S, Brotto L et al (2004) Revised definitions of women’s sexual dysfunction. J Sex Med 1:40–48

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Basson R, Rees P, Wang R et al (2010) Sexual function in chronic illness. J Sex Med 7:374–388

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Binik YM (2010) The DSM diagnostic criteria for vaginismus. Arch Sex Behav 39:278–291

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bitzer J, Giraldi A, Pfaus J (2013a) Sexual desire and hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women. Introduction and overview. Standard operating procedure (SOP Part 1). J Sex Med 10:36–49

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bitzer J, Giraldi A, Pfaus J (2013b) A standardized diagnostic interview for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women: standard operating procedure (SOP Part 2). J Sex Med 10:50–57

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Blaicher W, Gruber D, Bieglmayer C et al (1999) The role of oxytocin in relation to female sexual arousal. Gynecol Obstet Invest 47:125–126

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bloemers J, van Rooij K, Poels S et al (2013) Toward personalized sexual medicine (part 1): integrating the “dual control model” into differential drug treatments for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder and female sexual arousal disorder. J Sex Med 10:791–809

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bornstein J, Maman M, Abramovici H (2001) “Primary” vs “secondary” vulvar vestibulitis: one disease, two variants. Am J Obstet Gynecol 184:28–31

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brin MF, Vapnek JM (1997) Treatment of vaginismus with botulinum toxin injections. Lancet 349:252–253

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brotto LA, Krychman M, Jacobson P (2008) Eastern approaches for enhancing women’s sexuality: mindfulness, acupuncture, and yoga (CME). J Sex Med 5:2741–2748

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brotto LA, Bitzer J, Laan E et al (2010) Women’s sexual desire and arousal disorders. J Sex Med 7(1 Pt 2):586–614

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brotto LA, Petkau AJ, Labrie F et al (2011) Predictors of sexual desire disorders in women. J Sex Med 8:742–753

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Burri A, Spector T (2011) Recent and lifelong sexual dysfunction in a female UK population sample: prevalence and risk factors. J Sex Med 8:2420–2430

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Burri A, Greven C, Leupin M et al (2012) A multivariate twin study of female sexual dysfunction. J Sex Med 9:2671–2681

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Burrows LJ, Basha M, Goldstein AT (2012) The effects of hormonal contraceptives on female sexuality: a review. J Sex Med 9:2213–2223

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chivers ML, Rosen RC (2010) Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors and female sexual response: faulty protocols or paradigms? J Sex Med 7:858–872

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chudakov B, Ben Zion IZ, Belmaker RH (2007) Transdermal testosterone gel prn application for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women: a controlled pilot study of the effects on the arizona sexual experiences scale for females and sexual function questionnaire. J Sex Med 4:204–208

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Clayton AH (2007) Epidemiology and neurobiology of female sexual dysfunction. J Sex Med 4(Suppl 4):260–268

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Clayton AH, Balon R (2009) The impact of mental illness and psychotropic medications on sexual functioning: the evidence and management. J Sex Med 6:1200–1211

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Clayton AH, Warnock JK, Kornstein SG et al (2004) A placebo-controlled trial of bupropion SR as an antidote for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor induced sexual dysfunction. J Clin Psychiatry 65:62–67

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Danielson I, Sjoberg I, Stenlund H et al (2003) Prevalence and incidence of prolonged and severe dyspareunia in women: results from a population study. Scand J Public Health 31:113–118

    Google Scholar 

  • Davis SR, Braunstein GD (2012) Efficacy and safety of testosterone in the management of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in postmenopausal women. J Sex Med 9:1134–1148

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Davis SR, Guay AT, Shifren JL et al (2004) Endocrine aspects of female sexual dysfunction. J Sex Med 1:82–86

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Davis SR, Davison SL, Donath S et al (2005) Circulating androgen levels and self-reported sexual function in women. JAMA 294:91–96

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Davis SR, Moreau M, Kroll R et al (2008a) Testosterone for low libido in postmenopausal women not taking estrogen. N Engl J Med 359:2005–2017

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Davis S, Papalia MA, Norman RJ et al (2008b) Safety and efficacy of a testosterone metered-dose transdermal spray for treating decreased sexual satisfaction in premenopausal women: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med 148:569–577

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Davis SR, Wolfe R, Farrugia H et al (2009) The incidence of invasive breast cancer among women prescribed testosterone for low libido. J Sex Med 6:1850–1856

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Davison SL, Davis SR (2011) Androgenic hormones and aging: the link with female sexual function. Horm Behav 59:745–753

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Davison SL, Bell R, Donath S et al (2005) Androgen levels in adult females: changes with age, menopause, and oophorectomy. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 90:3847–3853

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Davison SL, Bell RJ, Lachina M et al (2008) Sexual function in well women: stratification by sexual satisfaction, hormone use, and menopause status. J Sex Med 5:1214–1222

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • de Kruiff ME, ter Kuile PTM, Weijenborg PTM et al (2000) Vaginismus and dyspareunia: is there a difference in clinical presentation? J Psychosom Obstet Gynecol 21:149–155

    Google Scholar 

  • Dennerstein L, Burrows GD, Wood C et al (1980) Hormones and sexuality: effect of estrogen and progestogen. Obstet Gynecol 56:316–322

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dennerstein L, Alexander JL, Kotz K (2003) The menopause and sexual functioning: a review of the population-based studies. Annu Rev Sex Res 14:64–82

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dennerstein L, Koochaki P, Barton I et al (2006) Hypoactive sexual desire disorder in menopausal women: a survey of Western European women. J Sex Med 3:212–222

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dennerstein L, Lehert P, Guthrie JR, Burger HG (2007) Modeling women’s health during the menopausal transition: a longitudinal analysis. Menopause 14:53–62

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Derogatis LR, Komer L, Katz M et al (2012) Treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women: efficacy of flibanserin in the VIOLET study. J Sex Med 9:1074–1085

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dezarnaulds G, Fraser IS (2003) Vaginal ring delivery of hormone replacement therapy–a review. Expert Opin Pharmacother 4:201–212

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dhingra C, Kellogg-Spadt S, McKinney TB et al (2012) Urogynecological causes of pain and the effect of pain on sexual function in women. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg 18:259–267

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dunn KM, Cherkas LF, Spector TD (2005) Genetic influences on variation in female orgasmic function: a twin study. Biol Lett 1:260–263

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Engman M, Lindehammar H, Wijma B (2004) Surface electromyography diagnostics in women with partial vaginismus with or without vulvar vestibulitis and in asymptomatic women. J Psychosom Obstet Gynecol 25:281–294

    Google Scholar 

  • Fabre LF, Brown CS, Smith LC et al (2011) Gepirone-ER treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) associated with depression in women. J Sex Med 8:1411–1419

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ferrero S, Ragni N, Remorgida V (2008) Deep dyspareunia: causes, treatments and results. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 20:394–399

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Frank E, Anderson C, Rubinstein D (1978) Frequency of sexual dysfunction in “normal” couples. N Engl J Med 299:111–115

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Friedrich EG Jr (1987) Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome. J Reprod Med 32:110–114

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fugl-Meyer KS, Bohm-Starke N, Damsted Petersen C et al (2013) Standard operating procedures for female genital sexual pain. J Sex Med 10:83–93

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Giraldi A, Kristensen E (2010) Sexual dysfunction in women with diabetes mellitus. J Sex Res 47:199–211

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Giraldi A, Rellini A, Pfaus JG et al (2011) Questionnaires for assessment of female sexual dysfunction: a review and proposal for a standardized screener. J Sex Med 8:2681–2706

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Giraldi A, Rellini AH, Pfaus J et al (2013) Female sexual arousal disorders. J Sex Med 10:58–73

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Giuliano F, Pfaus J, Balasubramanian S et al (2010) Experimental models for the study of female and male sexual function. J Sex Med 7:2970–2995

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Goldfischer ER, Breaux J, Katz M et al (2011) Continued efficacy and safety of flibanserin in premenopausal women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder(HSDD): results from a randomized withdrawal trial. J Sex Med 8:3160–3172

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Goldstat R, Briganti E, Tran J et al (2003) Transdermal testosterone therapy improves well being, mood, and sexual function in premenopausal women. Menopause 10:390–398

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Goldstein AT, Burrows L (2008) Vulvodynia. J Sex Med 5:5–14

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Goldstein MK, Teng NN (1991) Gynecologic factors in sexual dysfunction of the older women. Clin Geriatr Med 7:41–61

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Goldstein I, Graziottin A, Heiman JR et al (1999) First international consultation on erectile dysfunction, Chapter 14, pp 507–556

    Google Scholar 

  • Graham MD, Pfaus JG (2010) Differential regulation of female sexual behaviour by dopamine agonists in the medial preoptic area. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 97:284–292

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Granot M, Friedman M, Yarnitsky D et al (2004) Primary and secondary vulvar vestibulitis syndrome: systemic pain perception and psychophysical characteristics. Am J Obstet Gynecol 191:138–142

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Graziottin A (2001) Clinical approach to dyspareunia. J Sex Marital Ther 27:489–501

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Haefner H (2007) Report of the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease terminology and classification of vulvodynia. J Low Genit Tract Dis 11:48–49

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Harlow BL, Stewart EG (2003) A population-based assessment of chronic unexplained vulvar pain: have we underestimated the prevalence of vulvodynia? J Am Med Womens Assoc 58:82–88

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hayes RD, Bennett CM, Fairley CK, Dennerstein L (2006) What can prevalence studies tell us about female sexual difficulty and dysfunction? J Sex Med 3:589–595

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hayes RD, Dennerstein L, Bennett CM et al (2008a) What is the ‘true’ prevalence of female sexual dysfunctions and does the way we assess these conditions have an impact? J Sex Med 5:777–787

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hayes RD, Dennerstein L, Bennett CM et al (2008b) Risk factors for female sexual dysfunction in the general population: exploring factors associated with low sexual function and sexual distress. J Sex Med 5:1681–1693

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Heiman JR (2000) Orgasmic disorders in women. In: Rosen RC, Leiblum SR (eds) Principles and practices of sex therapy. Guilford Press, New York, pp 118–153

    Google Scholar 

  • Heiman JR, Meston CM (1997) Empirically validated treatment for sexual dysfunction. Annu Rev Sex Res 8:148–194

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hickey M, Elliott J, Davison SL (2012) Hormone replacement therapy. BMJ 344:e763

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hite S (2005) The Hite report. New York: Dell; 1976.8 Lloyd EA. The case of the female orgasm: bias in the science of evolution. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA

    Google Scholar 

  • Ishak WW, Bokarius A, Jeffrey JK et al (2010) Disorders of orgasm in women: a literature review of etiology and current treatments. J Sex Med 7:3254–3268

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • ISSM Health Policy Statement (2011) hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women. J Sex Med 8:1313

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones LM, McCabe MP (2011) The effectiveness of an Internet-based psychological treatment program for female sexual dysfunction. J Sex Med 8:2781–2792

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kalmbach DA, Ciesla JA, Janata JW et al (2012) Specificity of anhedonic depression and anxious arousal with sexual problems among sexually healthy young adults. J Sex Med 9:505–513

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kaplan H (1974) The new sex therapy. Brunner Mazel, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Kelly MP, Strassberg DS, Turner CM (2006) Behavioral assessment of couples’ communication in female orgasmic disorder. J Sex Marital Ther 32:81–95

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kennedy SH, Dickens SE, Eisfeld BS et al (1999) Sexual dysfunction before antidepressant therapy in major depression. J Affect Disord 56:201–208

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kim C, Kong S, Laughlin GA et al (2012) Reductions in glucose among postmenopausal women who use and do not use estrogen therapy. Menopause 20(4):393–400

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • King R, Belsky J, Mah K et al (2011) Are there different types of female orgasm? Arch Sex Behav 40:865–875

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kingsberg SA, Simon JA, Goldstein I (2008) The current outlook for testosterone in the management of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in postmenopausal women. J Sex Med 5(Suppl 4):182–193

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kingsberg SA, Tkachenko N, Lucas J et al (2013a) Characterization of orgasmic difficulties by women: focus group evaluation. J Sex Med 10(9):2242–2250. doi:10.1111/jsm.12224

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kingsberg SA, Wysocki S, Magnus L et al (2013b) Vulvar and vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: findings from the REVIVE (REal Women’s VIews of Treatment Options for Menopausal Vaginal ChangEs) survey. J Sex Med 10(7):1790–1799

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kovalevsky G (2005) Female sexual dysfunction and use of hormone therapy in postmenopausal women. Semin Reprod Med 23:180–187

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Krychman ML (2011) Vaginal estrogens for the treatment of dyspareunia. J Sex Med 8:666–674

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Laan E, Everaerd W (1995) Determinants of female sexual arousal: psychophysiological theory and data. Annu Rev Sex Res 6:32–76

    Google Scholar 

  • Laan E, Everaerd W (1998) Physiological measures of vaginal vasocongestion. Int J Impot Res 10(Suppl 2):S107–S110

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Laan E, Rellini AH, Barnes T (2013) Standard operating procedures for female orgasmic disorder: consensus of the International Society for Sexual Medicine. J Sex Med 10:74–82

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Labrie F, Archer D, Bouchard C et al (2009) Effect of intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (Prasterone) on libido and sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women. Menopause 16:923–931

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Labrie F, Archer D, Bouchard C et al (2010) High internal consistency and efficacy of intravaginal DHEA for vaginal atrophy. Gynecol Endocrinol 26:524–532

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lahaie MA, Boyer SC, Amsel R et al (2010) Vaginismus: a review of the literature on the classification/diagnosis, etiology and treatment. Womens Health (Lond Engl) 6:705–719

    Google Scholar 

  • Lamont JA (1978) Vaginismus. Am J Obstet Gynecol 131:633–636

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Laumann EO, Paik A, Rosen RC (1999) Sexual dysfunction in the United States. Prevalence and predictors. JAMA 281:537–544

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Laumann EO, Nicolosi A, Glasser DB et al (2005) Sexual problems among women and men aged 40–80 y: prevalence and correlates identified in the Global Study of Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors. Int J Impot Res 17:39–57

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Leddy LS, Yang CC, Stuckey BG et al (2012) Influence of sildenafil on genital engorgement in women with female sexual arousal disorder. J Sex Med 9:2693–2697

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Leiblum SR, Koochaki PE, Rodenberg CA et al (2006) Hypoactive sexual desire disorder in postmenopausal women: US results from the Women’s International Study of Health and Sexuality (WISHeS). Menopause 13:46–56

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Leonard LM, Follette VM (2002) Sexual functioning in women reporting a history of child sexual abuse: review of the empirical literature and clinical implications. Annu Rev Sex Res 13:346–388

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Levine SB et al (2008) Phase 2B bremelanotide study in pre- and postmenopausal women with FSAD. Poster presentation at ACOG 56th annual meeting, New Orleans, May 3–7 2008

    Google Scholar 

  • Lewis RW, Fugl-Meyer KS, Corona G et al (2010) Definitions/epidemiology/risk factors for sexual dysfunction. J Sex Med 7:1598–1607

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lloyd EA (2005) The case of the female orgasm: bias in the science of evolution. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA

    Google Scholar 

  • Long CY, Liu CM, Hsu SC et al (2006) A randomized comparative study of the effects of oral and topical estrogen therapy on the vaginal vascularization and sexual function in hysterectomized postmenopausal women. Menopause 13:737–743

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mah K, Binik YM (2001) The nature of human orgasm: a critical review of major trends. Clin Psychol Rev 21:823–856

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Maserejian NN, Shifren JL, Parish SJ et al (2010) The presentation of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women. J Sex Med 7:3439–3448

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Maserejian NN, Shifren J, Parish SJ et al (2012) Sexual arousal and lubrication problems in women with clinically diagnosed hypoactive sexual desire disorder: preliminary findings from the hypoactive sexual desire disorder registry for women. J Sex Marital Ther 38:41–62

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Masters WH, Johnson VE (1966) Human sexual response. Little; Brown, Boston

    Google Scholar 

  • Melnik T, Hawton K, McGuire H (2012) Interventions for vaginismus. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 12:CD001760. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001760.pub2

  • Meston CM, Hull E, Levin RJ et al (2004) Disorders of orgasm in women. J Sex Med 1:66–68

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Middleton LS, Kuffel SW, Heiman JR (2008) Effects of experimentally adopted sexual schemas on vaginal response and subjective sexual arousal: a comparison between women with sexual arousal disorder and sexually healthy women. Arch Sex Behav 37:950–961

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mok K, Juraskova I, Friedlander M (2008) The impact of aromatase inhibitors on sexual functioning: current knowledge and future research directions. Breast 17:436–440

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mongomery JC, Studd JW (1991) Physiological and sexual aspects of the menopause. Brit J Hosp Med 45:300–302

    Google Scholar 

  • Moyal-Barracco M, Lynch PJ (2004) 2003 ISSVD terminology and classification of vulvodynia: a historical perspective. J Reprod Med 49:772–777

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Muller MJ, Ruof J, Graf-Morgenstern M et al (2001) Quality of partnership in patients with erectile dysfunction after sildenafil treatment. Pharmacopsychiatry 34:91–95

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nachtigall L, Casson P, Lucas J et al (2011) Safety and tolerability of testosterone patch therapy for up to 4 years in surgically menopausal women receiving oral or transdermal oestrogen. Gynecol Endocrinol 27:39–48

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Naessen T, Rodriguez-Macias K, Lithell H (2001) Serum lipid profile improved by ultra-low doses of 17 beta-estradiol in elderly women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 86:2757–2762

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nappi RE, Albani F, Santamaria V et al (2010a) Hormonal and psycho-relational aspects of sexual function during menopausal transition and at early menopause. Maturitas 67:78–83

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nappi RE, Albani F, Santamaria V et al (2010b) Menopause and sexual desire: the role of testosterone. Menopause Int 16:162–168

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nappi RE, Kingsberg S, Maamari R et al (2013) The CLOSER (CLarifying Vaginal Atrophy’s Impact On SEx and Relationships) survey: implications of vaginal discomfort in postmenopausal women and in male partners. J Sex Med 10(9):2232–2241. doi:10.1111/jsm.12235

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nathorst-Boos J, Wiklund I, Mattsson LA et al (1993) Is sexual life influenced by transdermal estrogen therapy? A double blind placebo controlled study in postmenopausal women. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 72:656–660

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nobre PJ, Pinto-Gouveia J (2009) Cognitive schemas associated with negative sexual events: a comparison of men and women with and without sexual dysfunction. Arch Sex Behav 38:842–851

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nobre PJ, Pinto-Gouveia J, Gomes FA (2006) Prevalence and comorbidity of sexual dysfunctions in a Portuguese clinical sample. J Sex Marital Ther 32:173–182

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • North American Menopause Society (2012) The 2012 hormone therapy position statement of: the North American Menopause Society. Menopause 19:257–271

    Google Scholar 

  • Oberg K, Fugl-Meyer K, Fugl-Meyer AR (2005) On Swedish women’s distressing sexual dysfunction: some concomitant conditions and life satisfaction. J Sex Med 2:169–180

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pacik PT (2011) Vaginismus: review of current concepts and treatment using botox injections, bupivacaine injections, and progressive dilation with the patient under anesthesia. Aesthetic Plast Surg 35:1160–1164

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Palacios S (2009) Managing urogenital atrophy. Maturitas 63:315–318

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Panay N, Maamari R (2012) Treatment of postmenopausal vaginal atrophy with 10-μg estradiol vaginal tablets. Menopause Int 18:15–19

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Panjari M, Davis SR (2007) DHEA therapy for women: effect on sexual function and well-being. Hum Reprod Update 13:239–248

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Park K, Goldstein I, Andry C et al (1997) Vasculogenic female sexual dysfunction: the hemodynamic basis for vaginal engorgement insufficiency and clitoral erectile insufficiency. Int J Impot Res 9:27–37

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Park K, Tarcan T, Goldstein I et al (2000) Atherosclerosis-induced chronic arterial insufficiency causes clitoral cavernosal fibrosis in the rabbit. Int J Impot Res 12:111–116

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pfaus JG (2009) Pathways of sexual desire. J Sex Med 6:1506–1533

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pfaus JG, Giuliano F, Gelez H (2007) Bremelanotide: an overview of preclinical CNS effects on female sexual function. J Sex Med 4:269–279

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Philippsohn S, Hartmann U (2009) Determinants of sexual satisfaction in a sample of German women. J Sex Med 6:1001–1010

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Philippsohn S, Kruger TH (2012) Persistent genital arousal disorder: successful treatment with duloxetine and pregabalin in two cases. J Sex Med 9:213–217

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Plutzky J (2003) The vascular biology of atherosclerosis. Am J Med 115:55S–61S

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Poels S, Bloemers J, van Rooij K et al (2013) Toward personalized sexual medicine (part 2): testosterone combined with a PDE5 inhibitor increases sexual satisfaction in women with HSDD and FSAD, and a low sensitive system for sexual cues. J Sex Med 10:810–823

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Reissing ED, Binik YM, Khalife S et al (2004) Vaginal spasm, pain, and behavior: an empirical investigation of the diagnosis of vaginismus. Arch Sex Behav 33:5–17

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rellini A (2008) Review of the empirical evidence for a theoretical model to understand the sexual problems of women with a history of CSA. J Sex Med 5:31–46

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rellini A, Meston C (2007) Sexual function and satisfaction in adults based on the definition of child sexual abuse. J Sex Med 4:1312–1321

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rosen RC, Maserejian NN, Connor MK et al (2012) Characteristics of premenopausal and postmenopausal women with acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder: the Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder Registry for women. Menopause 19:396–405

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rubio-Aurioles E, Kim ED, Rosen RC et al (2009) Impact on erectile function and sexual quality of life of couples: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of tadalafil taken once daily. J Sex Med 6:1314–1323

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Salonia A, Nappi RE, Pontillo M et al (2005) Menstrual cycle-related changes in plasma oxytocin are relevant to normal sexual function in healthy women. Horm Behav 47:164–169

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Salonia A, Giraldi A, Chivers ML et al (2010) Physiology of women’s sexual function: basic knowledge and new findings. J Sex Med 7:2637–2660

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Segraves KB, Segraves RT (1991) Hypoactive sexual desire disorder: prevalence and comorbidity in 906 subjects. J Sex Marital Ther 17:55–58

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Segraves RT, Clayton A, Croft H et al (2004) Bupropion sustained release for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women. J Clin Psychopharmacol 24:339–342

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Semmens JP, Semmens EC (1984) Sexual function and the menopause. Clin Obstet Gynecol 27:717–723

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shifren JL (2011) Increasing our understanding of women’s sexuality at midlife and beyond. Menopause 18(11):1149–1151

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shifren JL, Braunstein GD, Simon JA et al (2000) Transdermal testosterone treatment in women with impaired sexual function after oophorectomy. N Engl J Med 343:682–688

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shifren JL, Davis SR, Moreau M et al (2006) Testosterone patch for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in naturally menopausal women: results from the INTIMATE NM1 Study. Menopause 13:770–779

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shifren JL, Monz BU, Russo PA, Segreti A, Johannes CB (2008) Sexual problems and distress in United States women: prevalence and correlates. Obstet Gynecol 112:970–978

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shulman LP, Portman DJ, Lee WC et al (2008) A retrospective managed care claims data analysis of medication adherence to vaginal estrogen therapy: implications for clinical practice. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 17:569–578

    Google Scholar 

  • Sims JS (1861) On vaginismus. Trans Obstet Soc Lond 3:356–367

    Google Scholar 

  • Sinha A, Ewies AA (2013) Non-hormonal topical treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy: an up-to-date overview. Climacteric 16:305–312

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Smith WJ, Beadle K, Shuster EJ (2008) The impact of a group psycho-educational appointment on women with sexual dysfunction. Am J Obstet Gynecol 198:697e1–697e6

    Google Scholar 

  • Stahl SM, Sommer B, Allers KA (2011) Multifunctional pharmacology of flibanserin: possible mechanism of therapeutic action in hypoactive sexual desire disorder. J Sex Med 8:15–27

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Staples J, Rellini AH, Roberts SP (2012) Avoiding experiences: sexual dysfunction in women with a history of sexual abuse in childhood and adolescence. Arch Sex Behav 41:341–350

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Suckling J, Lethaby A, Kennedy R (2003) Local oestrogen for vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2003;(4):CD001500

    Google Scholar 

  • ter Kuile MM, Both S, van Lankveld JJ (2010) Cognitive behavioral therapy for sexual dysfunctions in women. Psychiatr Clin North Am 33:595–610

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Thorp J, Simon J, Dattani D et al (2012) Treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women: efficacy of flibanserin in the DAISY study. J Sex Med 9:793–804

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tkachenko N et al (2013) An open−label, single and multiple−application of intranasal testosterone gel (tbs−2) in healthy pre−menopausal female subjects at three dose levels. Annual meeting ISSWSH: New Orleans, USA

    Google Scholar 

  • Traish AM, Botchevar E, Kim NN (2010) Biochemical factors modulating female genital sexual arousal physiology. J Sex Med 7:2925–2946

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Triggle CR, Hollenberg M, Anderson TJ et al (2003) The endothelium in health and disease—a target for therapeutic intervention. J Smooth Muscle Res 39:249–267

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Trudel G, Marchand A, Ravart M et al (2001) The effect of a cognitive-behavioral group treatment program on hypoactive sexual desire in women. Sex Relat Ther 16:145–164

    Google Scholar 

  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration (2000) Guidance for industry. Female sexual dysfunction: clinical development of drug products for treatment. Draft guidance. In: Center for Drug Evaluation, Research (CDER) (eds)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ückert S, Kuczyk MA, Oelke M (2013) Phosphodiesterase inhibitors in clinical urology. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 6:323–332

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Van den Hout M, Barlow D (2000) Attention, arousal and expectancies in anxiety and sexual disorders. J Affect Disord 61:241–256

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • van Lankveld JJ, Granot M, Weijmar Schultz WC et al (2010) Women’s sexual pain disorders. J Sex Med 7:615–631

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Waldinger MD, Schweitzer DH (2009) Persistent genital arousal disorder in 18 Dutch women: Part II. A syndrome clustered with restless legs and overactive bladder. J Sex Med 6:482–497

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Waldinger MD, van Gils AP, Ottervanger HP et al (2009a) Persistent genital arousal disorder in 18 Dutch women: Part I. MRI, EEG, and transvaginal ultrasonography investigations. J Sex Med 6:474–481

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Waldinger MD, Venema PL, van Gils AP et al (2009b) New insights into restless genital syndrome: static mechanical hyperesthesia and neuropathy of the nervus dorsalis clitoridis. J Sex Med 6:2778–2787

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • West SL, D’Aloisio AA, Agans RP et al (2008) Prevalence of low sexual desire and hypoactive sexual desire disorder in a nationally representative sample of US women. Arch Intern Med 168:1441–1449

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wiedeking C, Ziegler MG, Lake CR (1979) Plasma noradrenaline and dopamine beta-hydroxylase during human sexual activity. J Psychiatr Res 15:139–145

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Andrea Salonia MD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2015 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Salonia, A., Castagna, G., Montorsi, F. (2015). Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD). In: Mirone, V. (eds) Clinical Uro-Andrology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-45018-5_9

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-45018-5_9

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-662-45017-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-662-45018-5

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics