The behavioral and cognitive-behavioral treatment of female sexual dysfunction: how far we have come and the path left to go

Over the past several decades, researchers have been trying to determine efficacious treatments for sexual dysfunctions. While sexual dysfunction is problematic for both men and women, studies have shown women consistently deal with it at higher rates than men. Proposed treatment modalities come in many forms, yet many outcome studies support the use of behavioral or cognitive-behavioral interventions when addressing female sexual dysfunction. This paper will review the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction, provide a brief history of its treatment, and outline studies that used behavioral and cognitive-behavioral treatments. Lastly, a discussion will address the need for psychologists to continue researching, improving and promoting the use of psychological interventions for women who present with concerns related to sexual functioning.