Female Sexual Medicine – An Emerging Field

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of female sexual health and functioning. Female sexual medicine is an emerging field within gynecology and urology that focuses specifically on diagnosing and treating sexual health issues among women.

What is Female Sexual Medicine?

Did you know that 43% of the female population experiences some type of dysfunction? 

Female sexual medicine encompasses aspects of sexual health including sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and pain. It deals with the evaluation and treatment of common female sexual disorders such as low libido, painful intercourse, and inability to orgasm. The field combines gynecology, endocrinology, physiology, psychology, and interpersonal relationships to promote sexual wellbeing.

Some key areas that specialists in this field address include:

• Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (low libido)
• Sexual arousal disorder
• Orgasmic disorder
• Genito-pelvic pain and penetration disorder

Causes and Contributing Factors

Female sexual dysfunction can be caused by a wide range of physiological and psychological factors. Some potential causes include:

• Hormonal changes due to menopause, pregnancy, post-pregnancy, or contraceptives
• Other medical conditions like diabetes, cancer, neurological diseases  
• Psychiatric problems like depression, anxiety, trauma
• Interpersonal problems
• Side effects from medications
• Vulvar skin conditions

Many times, it is a combination of factors that ultimately impact a woman’s sexual satisfaction and functioning.  

Evaluation and Treatment

The evaluation includes a detailed medical and sexual history, physical examination, and investigations to detect any underlying conditions causing the dysfunction.

Treatment is tailored to the patient’s specific issues and needs. It can include:

• Hormone therapy
• Medications to improve genital arousal  
• Vaginal or vulvar procedures or surgery
• Psychotherapy and sex therapy
• Pelvic floor physical therapy
• Education and counseling of patient and partner

Gynecologists and Urologists and advanced practice providers specially trained in female sexual medicine can provide an integrated approach combining medical, psychological, interpersonal and holistic modalities to help women restore their sexual wellbeing and improve their quality of life. They likely also work with psychologists and pelvic floor physical therapists to provide a holistic approach to addressing sexual issues. 

The Future

With women increasingly speaking about sexual health issues, there is now greater awareness and need for female sexual medicine. As research continues to advance in this field, we can expect newer and better approaches to optimizing women’s sexual functioning and satisfaction in the years ahead. If you are one of the 43% with any sexual issue, check the International Society Study of Womens Sexual Health (ISSWSH) provider directory.