Female sexual dysfunction is diagnosed by identifying diagnostic criteria through the medical and sexual history. A pelvic examination is required for diagnosis only for the sexual pain disorders, but an examination is important in all patients with sexual complaints to identify possible etiologic factors and associated conditions. This articles takes you through the intricacies of assessing female sexual dynsfuntion.
Diagnostic criteria The American Psychiatric Association (APA) guidelines define sexual disorders as a sexual problem that is recurrent or persistent and cause personal distress or interpersonal. In addition, the problem must be present for at least six months and not better accounted for by a different diagnosis (eg, depression). Sexual dysfunctions are defined in relation to one or more phases of the sexual response cycle, though in clinical practice, it is uncommon to…
