Female sexual dysfunction: incidence, pathophysiology, evaluation, and treatment options

Female sexual dysfunction is age-related, progressive, and highly prevalent, affecting 30% to 50% of women.1–3 Based on the National Health and Social Life Survey of 1749 women, 43% experienced sexual dysfunction.4 U.S. population census data reveal that 9.7 million American women aged 50 to 74 years self-report complaints of diminished vaginal lubrication, pain and discomfort with intercourse, decreased arousal, and difficulty achieving orgasm. Female sexual dysfunction is clearly an important women’s health issue that affects the quality of life of many of our female patients.