Female sexual dysfunction: anatomy, physiology, evaluation and treatment options

Curr Opin Urol. 1999 Nov;9(6):563-8. doi: 10.1097/00042307-199911000-00012.

Abstract

It has been estimated that up to 76% of women, depending upon their age, have complaints of sexual dysfunction, including decreased libido, vaginal dryness, pain with intercourse, decreased genital sensation and difficulty or inability to achieve orgasm. Female sexual dysfunction is a significant problem that affects the quality of life of many women. This review addresses the etiologies and incidence of female sexual complaints, as well as new findings in the evaluation and treatment of female sexual dysfunction.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Clitoris / physiology
  • Coitus / physiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Regional Blood Flow
  • Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological* / physiopathology
  • Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological* / psychology
  • Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological* / therapy
  • Vagina / blood supply
  • Vagina / physiology