The successful pharmacological treatment of erectile dysfunction in males has led to increasing interest in the causes and treatment of female sexual disorders (FSD). Women’s sexuality varies over the life cycle and sexual disorders can affect up to 43% of women during their lives. Because of the differences between male and female sexuality, pharmacotherapy treatment only ( Estrogen, Testosterone, PDE-5 i) has been found to be very disappointing in the treatment of FSD. From our experience, of 20 years, we have seen a complexity of causes for FSD: biological, anatomical, physiological, as well as psychological (like sexual or emotional abuse), relational, and socio-cultural. Therefore, we saw the need for a multidisciplinary, integrated, holistic approach to treat FSD. Our team of physicians (gynecologist, urologist) and qualified sex therapists ( MSW) are successfully treating FSD.The therapeutic setting consists of a male physician who has specialized in sexual medicine together with a female sex and couple therapist using a variety of therapeutic approaches. These approaches include behavioral and cognitive psychotherapy along with hormonal therapy, medication, use of lubricants and vaginal trainers, Kegel and sensate focus exercises, video therapy, sexual education and lifestyle improvements. The importance of the partner’s participation is significant to the therapeutic process. Discussing such topics as body image and self esteem concerns, fear of being abandoned, anxieties, sexual and non sexual forms of communication adds to the willingness of the partner to be patient and understanding of what lies ahead and to be part of it if need be. It is important to rule out concomitant medical problems such as estrogen and testosterone deficiency, cancer, diabetes and other endocrine diseases, cardiovascular diseases, lower urinary tract symptoms, infertility, medications that effect sexual function, drug abuse and psychiatric and neurological problems. During the symposium I will elaborate on the different treatment models for hypo sexual desire, sexual arousal, orgasmic and sexual pain disorders.
Conflict of Interest: None disclosed
Financial Support/Funding: None disclosed
Recorded: Sydney, Australia, April 2007
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