Beyond The Abstract: Female Sexual Dysfunction: A New Urogynaecological Research Field

Main Category: Women's Health / Gynecology
Also Included In: Sexual Health / STDs;  Urology / Nephrology
Article Date: 02 Mar 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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UroToday.com - Female sexual dysfunction represents a new and underestimated field in urogynaecological research.

Therefore, we provided an overview of the current literature to emphasize the growing importance and relevance of this widespread problem. In addition, it was the aim to provide evidence that definitions, prevalence, diagnostic protocols and therapeutic possibilities are confusing and not standardized. Considering the importance of this problem, we tried to find out if it would be possible to answer some major questions: What is the "true" prevalence? What are the "standard" questionnaires? What are the causes and "available" therapies? Until now the scientific literature is too inadequate to provide even most basic data for diagnosis and treatment. The number of papers investigating this issue is very scarce, and so far no randomized clinical trials have been performed. Furthermore, the most of the studies do not use standardized methods to assess this condition, and contrary to erectile dysfunction in men- sexual dysfunction is not defined as a disease in women. The use of standardized diagnostic tools is essential to determine the true prevalence and also the risk factors of this condition. Appropriate treatment will be developed only if diagnosis is improved and if doctors pay appropriate attention to this medical problem that affects a high percentage of women.

Written Orietta Dalpiaz MD, FEBU as part of Beyond the Abstract on UroToday.com. This initiative offers a method of publishing for the professional urology community. Authors are given an opportunity to expand on the circumstances, limitations, etc., of their research by referencing the published abstract.

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