Female Sexual Dysfunction: Knowledge Development and Practice Implications

  1. Janet Ambrogne Sobczak PhD, PMHCNS, BC

Article first published online: 25 JUN 2009

DOI: 10.1111/j.1744-6163.2009.00218.x

Issue

Perspectives in Psychiatric Care

Perspectives in Psychiatric Care

Volume 45, Issue 3, pages 161–172, July 2009

Additional Information

How to Cite

Sobczak, J. A. (2009), Female Sexual Dysfunction: Knowledge Development and Practice Implications. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, 45: 161–172. doi: 10.1111/j.1744-6163.2009.00218.x

Author Information

  1. Janet Ambrogne Sobczak, PhD, PMHCNS, BC, is an Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA.

*Author contact: sobczakj@upstate.edu, with a copy to the Editor: pearsong@uchc.edu

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 25 JUN 2009
  2. Article first published online: 25 JUN 2009
  3. First received July 20, 2008; Revision received December 31, 2008; Accepted for publication January 26, 2009.

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Keywords:

  • Sexual dysfunction;
  • sexual problem;
  • sexuality;
  • woman

PURPOSE.  Sexual dysfunctions are thought to be common in the population. However, the majority of research on sexual dysfunctions has focused on male problems. Consequently, women's sexual function is poorly understood. This article aimed to (a) provide a historical overview of the knowledge development of female sexual function, (b) describe the current state of knowledge pertaining to sexual problems in women, and (c) discuss implications for the assessment of sexual problems in women.

CONCLUSIONS.  A women's sexual response may differ from current conceptualizations.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS.  A sexual history should be included in routine health assessments. Information specific to contextual and relational factors is particularly important for women.

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