Diagnosis of Female Sexual Dysfunction
Your physician will begin with general questions about sexual activity then becoming more specific. Using a written scale or questionnaire, patients are asked to rate their sexual satisfaction on a scale of 1-10.Sample questionnaire:
In the past, was your level of sexual desire/interest good and satisfying to you?
Has there been a decrease in your level of sexual desire?
Are you bothered by your decreased level of sexual desire/interest?
Would you like your level of sexual desire/interest to increase?
An operation, depression, injuries, or other medical condition
Medications, drugs, or alcohol you are currently taking
Pregnancy, recent childbirth, menopausal symptoms
Other sexual issues you may have (pain, decreased arousal, orgasm)
Your partner's sexual problems
Dissatisfaction with your relationship or partner
Stress fatigue
Types of FSD
There are several types of female sexual dysfunction, including hypoactive sexual desire disorder, sexual arousal disorder, orgasmic disorder and sexual aversion disorder. All these disorders are classified as persistent or recurrent and cause marked distress or interpersonal difficulty. The sexual dysfunction is not better accounted for by any general medical or psychiatric condition and not due exclusively to the direct physiological effect of a substance or medication.
Female sexual dysfunction is classified as the following:
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
This is the deficiency or absence of sexual fantasies and desire for sexual activity.
Sexual Aversion Disorder Aversion to and active avoidance of all or almost all genital sexual contact with sexual partner.
Sexual Arousal Disorder
Persistent or recurrent inability to attain, or to maintain until completion of the sexual activity, an adequate lubrication swelling response of sexual excitement.
Orgasmic Disorders
Persistent or recurrent delay in, or absence of, orgasm following a normal sexual excitement phase.
Sexual Pain Disorders
- Dyspareunia: Genital pain that is associated with sexual intercourse
- Vaginismus: Recurrent or persistent involuntary contraction of the perineal muscles surrounding the outer third of the vagina when vaginal penetration with penis, finger, tampon, or speculum is attempted.