Evaluation of Female Sexual Dysfunction

Evaluation of Female Sexual Dysfunction

Evaluation of Female Sexual Dysfunction

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FSD Overview - Defining Desire's Dip

  • Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD): Clinically significant disturbance in a woman's ability to respond sexually or experience sexual pleasure.
  • Key Criteria: Causes personal distress; present for ≥ 6 months (not solely due to nonsexual mental disorder, severe relationship distress, other significant stressors, or effects of a substance/medication).
  • DSM-5 Major Types:
    • Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder (FSIAD): Absent/reduced sexual interest, thoughts, fantasies, initiation, pleasure, or arousal (genital/non-genital).
    • Female Orgasmic Disorder: Marked difficulty, infrequency, or absence of orgasm; or markedly reduced intensity of orgasmic sensations.
    • Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder (GPPPD): Persistent/recurrent difficulties with one or more: vaginal penetration, vulvovaginal/pelvic pain during intercourse, fear/anxiety about pain, or pelvic floor muscle tensing during attempted penetration.

Conceptual Model of Sexual Dysfunction

⭐ FSIAD is the most commonly diagnosed FSD, characterized by a significant lack of, or reduction in, sexual interest and/or arousal for at least 6 months, causing clinically significant distress to the individual.

Etiology of FSD - Unraveling the Knots

  • Biological Factors:
    • Hormonal: ↓Estrogen (e.g., menopause, lactation), ↓androgens, ↑prolactin, thyroid dysfunction.
    • Vascular: Atherosclerosis, peripheral vascular disease (PVD) → ↓genital blood flow.
    • Neurological: Multiple sclerosis (MS), diabetes (neuropathy), spinal cord injuries.
    • Medications: SSRIs, antihypertensives (β-blockers, diuretics), OCPs, antiandrogens.
    • Chronic illness: Diabetes mellitus, CKD. Pelvic surgery/trauma (e.g., hysterectomy).
  • Psychological Factors:
    • Mental health: Depression, anxiety disorders (GAD, panic), PTSD.
    • Stress, negative body image, history of sexual trauma/abuse.
  • Interpersonal Factors:
    • Relationship discord, poor communication, partner's sexual dysfunction or health issues.
  • Sociocultural Factors:
    • Restrictive cultural/religious norms, lack of comprehensive sex education, societal pressures. Biopsychosocial Model of Sexual Dysfunction Etiology

⭐ SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction is common; consider bupropion or mirtazapine as alternatives if FSD develops and psychiatric stability allows a switch or augmentation strategy under guidance.

History Taking in FSD - The Patient's Story

  • Sexual History (DAPO 📌):
    • Desire (↓libido), Arousal (↓subjective/physical), Pain (dyspareunia, vaginismus), Orgasm (anorgasmia).
    • Onset, duration, severity, context.
    • Partner factors: health, sexual function, relationship.
  • Medical/Surgical History:
    • Illnesses: DM, HTN, thyroid, neuro, depression/anxiety.
    • Meds: Antihypertensives, OCPs.

      ⭐ SSRIs are a common iatrogenic cause of FSD, particularly affecting orgasm and libido.

    • Surgeries: Pelvic, GYN, breast.
  • Obstetric/Gynecologic History:
    • Menopause, childbirth (trauma), lactation.
    • Contraception, STIs, endometriosis.
  • Psychosocial History:
    • Mood disorders, stress, relationship dynamics.
    • History of abuse, body image concerns.

Exam & Investigations - Clues & Corroboration

  • Physical Examination:
    • General: BMI, BP; signs of systemic illness (thyroid, diabetes, androgen excess).
    • Pelvic Exam:
      • External Genitalia: Atrophy (thinning, pallor, loss of rugae), lesions, clitoral health.
      • Vaginal Mucosa: Dryness, pallor, petechiae (Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause - GSM), discharge, pH.
      • Tenderness: Q-tip test (vestibulodynia), Pelvic Floor Muscle (PFM) palpation for trigger points.
      • PFM Function: Tone (hyper/hypo), Kegel strength, relaxation.
      • Masses, prolapse, structural issues.
  • Investigations (Guided by Findings):
    • Hormonal Profile (if indicated):
      • Estradiol, FSH (suspected menopause/hypoestrogenism).
      • Testosterone (total & free for persistent low libido).
      • TSH, Prolactin (thyroid/pituitary screen).
    • Validated Questionnaires:
      • Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI): Assesses 6 domains (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, pain).

        ⭐ FSFI score < 26.55 strongly suggests FSD.

    • Others (as indicated): Glucose/HbA1c, Pap smear, wet mount/cultures, pelvic USG.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • FSD evaluation uses a biopsychosocial approach for its multifactorial nature.
  • Thorough history (sexual, medical, psychosocial, relationship) is key for diagnosis.
  • Validated tools like FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index) quantify sexual function and distress.
  • Focused physical exam detects pelvic pathology, atrophy, or pain triggers.
  • Hormonal tests (estrogen, androgens, thyroid) for low libido or menopausal signs.
  • Diagnosis follows DSM-5 criteria for specific disorders like FSIAD, FOD, GPPPD.
  • Screen for drug side effects (e.g., SSRIs) and comorbidities (diabetes, depression).
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