Female sexual dysfunction

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) was recently recognized as arising from multiple organic etiologies; it is not primarily a psychological symptom as believed previously. A symptom-related complex resulting in physiologic changes, FSD can respond to either treatment of the underlying condition or supportive measures. A new diagnostic classification allows physicians to perform a clinical evaluation of women with FSD, and recently validated FSD questionnaires allow monitoring of treatment efficacy. This article details the clinical evaluation and physical examination of women with FSD and outlines the fledgling research and treatment options.