A Model for the Management of Female Sexual Dysfunctions

Abstract

Introduction Sexual pleasure is fundamental for the maintenance of health and well-being, but it may be adversely affected by medical and psychosocial conditions. Many patients only feel that their health is fully restored after they resume normal sexual activities. Any discussion of sexuality in a doctor's office is typically limited, mainly because of a lack of models or protocols available to guide the discussion of the topic.

Objectives To present a model designed to guide gynecologists in the management of female sexual complaints.

Methods This study presents a protocol used to assess women's sexual problems. A semi-structured interview is used to assess sexual function, and the teaching, orienting and permitting (TOP) intervention model that was designed to guide gynecologists in the management of sexual complaints.

Results The use of protocols may facilitate the discussion of sexual issues in gynecological settings, and has the potential to provide an effective approach to the complex aspects of sexual dysfunction in women. The TOP model has three phases: teaching the sexual response, in which the gynecologist explains the physiology of the female sexual response, and focuses on the three main phases thereof (desire, excitement and orgasm); orienting a woman toward sexual health, in which sexual education is used to provide information on the concept and healthy experience of sexuality; and permitting and stimulating sexual pleasure, which is based on the assumption that sexual pleasure is an individual right and is important for the physical and emotional well-being.

Conclusion The use of protocols may provide an effective approach to deal with female sexual dysfunction in gynecological offices.

 

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Resumo

Introdução O prazer sexual é fundamental para a manutenção da saúde e do bem-estar da mulher, mas pode ser afetado negativamente por condições médicas e psicossociais. Em muitos casos, a mulher sente que sua saúde geral é restaurada após retomar sua vida sexual. Porém, a discussão sobre função sexual no consultório do ginecologista é limitada devido à falta de modelos ou protocolos disponíveis para orientar a intervenção neste tema.

Objetivos Apresentar um modelo de intervenção nas disfunções sexuais femininas para ser utilizado pelo ginecologista.

Métodos Foi realizada uma revisão da literatura com levantamento de estudos sobre o manejo das disfunções sexuais femininas nas diferentes culturas. A partir desta revisão, foi elaborado um protocolo que consiste da história clínica e de um modelo de intervenção para orientar os ginecologistas no tratamento das queixas sexuais femininas.

Resultados O uso de protocolos pode facilitar a discussão sobre questões sexuais pelo ginecologista, e pode fornecer uma abordagem eficaz para lidar com os aspectos complexos da disfunção sexual feminina. O modelo proposto, ensinar, orientar e permitir (EOP), tem três fases: ensinar sobre a resposta sexual, na qual o ginecologista explica a fisiologia da resposta sexual feminina, e se concentra nas suas três principais fases (desejo, excitação e orgasmo); orientar sobre saúde sexual para fornecer informações sobre vivência saudável da sexualidade; e permitir a estimulação do prazer sexual, que é um direito individual e importante para o bem-estar físico e emocional do indivíduo.

Conclusão O uso de protocolos pode fornecer uma abordagem eficaz para o ginecologista lidar com a disfunção sexual feminina.

 

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Keywords

sexuality - sexual dysfunction - female sexual response

Palavras-chave

sexualidade - disfunção sexual - resposta sexual feminina

Introduction

Sexual activity is important to the overall health and well-being of an individual.[1] Sexual dysfunction leads to negative effects on interpersonal and social relationships, and on the well-being and the quality of life of women.[2] Numerous clinical, psychological and social conditions may affect this important aspect of life, and patients may report full recovery only if normal sexual activities are restored. Female sexuality and sexual relations also depend heavily on the mores of each era and society.[3] [4] [5] [6]

A Brazilian survey showed that 49% of women experience sexual dysfunction, and hypoactive sexual desire is the most prevalent disorder.[7] Paradoxically, the discussion of sexuality with doctors is limited,[8] both because of perceived taboos[9] [10] and because most residents in Obstetrics and Gynecology (Ob-Gyn) are poorly equipped to address sexual problems. In addition, few models are available to guide a doctor in the discussion of sexual dysfunction. Thus, doctors are aware of less than 50% of the patients' sexual problems,[11] even though the patients recognize the importance of discussing such topics with their doctors.[12]

Even though female sexual dysfunction is prevalent, after it is identified, few protocols are available for the management of organic and non-organic sexual complaints. This topic was recently discussed in the context of the lack of effective treatment programs; the gap makes it difficult for gynecologists to discuss possible sexual problems with female patients.[13] Therefore, most patients have relatively little education and low level of access to information on healthy sexuality; this is a common situation, especially in developing countries.[14] [15]

Several validated self-reported and clinician-administered instruments are available for assessing female sexual function in clinical research trials; however ,a lack of protocol for practicing clinicians who are neither trained nor specialized in female sexual dysfunction exists.[16] Even in countries where physician training includes sexology programs,[8] most physicians still feel ill-equipped to address sexual problems.[17] The scarcity of technical and human resources useful in dealing with sexual problems has negative implications for the health of the patients. There is a need for a model to guide gynecologists in their attempts to improve the sexual health of their patients. However, not all populations and healthcare institutions openly discuss sexuality.[18] Thus, it is essential for healthcare professionals to consider the consequences of sexual repression[19] in their patients. Many sexual problems can be addressed if a gynecologist provides information on sexuality and the psychological, social, and biological mechanisms of the sexual response. Several types of sexual complaints that do not fulfill the criteria for the diagnosis of sexual dysfunction can be addressed with basic assistance from professionals.

The present work shows step-by-step the protocol used to manage female sexual dysfunction in a gynecologic setting, an interdisciplinary service formed by a team of gynecologists, psychologists, a psychiatrist, and physiotherapists, all experts in sexology. An interdisciplinary approach is required for the appropriate assessment of the sexual dysfunction of a person, due to a complex interaction of psychological, social, cultural and physiological processes and one or more factors that may impact on any stage of the sexual response cycle.

 

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Methods

Assessment of Sexual Dysfunction

In our Institution, Ob-Gyn residents receive training on female sexual problems, and 5th and 6th-year medical students also receive education on female sexual issues in the gynecologic setting. A systematic approach involving an empathic history-taking, a general physical examination, and a detailed local examination, as well as a prescription of rational investigation is used to manage women with sexual complaints, as shown in [Fig. 1]. A semi-structured interview developed based on the female sexual response model[20] is used to assess female sexual problems ([Table 1]). However, a brief validated five-question, self-administered instrument may be useful for physicians to screen pre and postmenopausal women regarding hypoactive sexual desire disorder.[21]

Fig. 1 Proposed algorithm for the management of female sexual dysfunction. Abbreviations: DSM, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; ICD, International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems.

Table 1 Semi-structured interview used for the approach of women's sexual complaints

Date: / /
Patient identification: name, age, place of birth, schooling, profession, marital status, time of relationship, religion, current medications, presence of co-morbidities
Partner: age, place of birth, schooling, profession, religion, mood, health status, use of drugs, sexual functioning (erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation)
Quality of their relationship
Main sexual complaint
History of the current sexual complaint: When the problem started, in which situation it occurs, how it evolved, does the partner know about the complaint?
Previous treatments, use of medication
Gynecological and obstetrical history: menarche, menstrual cycles, parity, route of delivery, contraception, presence of genital dystopias, genital infections, previous surgeries of the genital tract
Sexual history: age of sexarche, number of partners, quality of the first sexual experience, frequency of sexual relations, homosexual relations, extra conjugal relations, sexual repression, sexual abuse
Current emotional status
Current conditions of the sexual response (in the context of the relationship and/or individual practice)
• Desire	() preserved () impaired
• Arousal	() preserved () impaired
• Orgasm	() preserved () impaired
• Sexual impulse	() yes () no
• Sexual fantasies	() yes () no
• Masturbation practices	() yes () no
• Satisfaction with sexual life	() yes () no
Male partner sexual function assessment
• Affective relationship	() yes () no
• Affectionate	() yes () no
• Premature ejaculation	() yes () no
• Erectile dysfunction	() yes () no
Female partner sexual function assessment
• Affective relationship	() yes () no
• Affectionate	() yes () no
Diagnosis
Laboratory tests: blood count, TSH, prolactin and specific tests according to clinical signs and symptoms
Interventions (personalized gynecological intervention, general intervention regarding sexual complaints following the TOP protocol, psychotherapy, sexual therapy)

Abbreviation: TOP, (T) Teaching the sexual response, Orienting (O) women toward sexual health, Permitting (P) and stimulating sexual pleasure; TSH: thyroid stimulating hormone.

The diagnostic of sexual dysfunction is based on the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) criteria,[22] and on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5).[23] The TOP model, an acronym for teaching (T) the sexual response, orienting (O) women toward sexual health, and permitting (P) and stimulating sexual pleasure is used to promote education. This model is based on dimensions derived from the permission, limited information, specific suggestions, and intensive therapy (PLISSIT) model.[24]

 

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Management of Female Sexual Dysfunction

General Measures to Treat Female Sexual Problems

The TOP model could help physicians better manage patients who have sexual complaints. In regions where doctors are not trained in sexology, the TOP model can help physicians provide patients with basic information on sex, so that women can become familiar with their sexuality. This model also permits doctors to understand the extent to which a patient comprehends sexual function to a level beyond basic knowledge on reproduction. The use of the TOP model also encourages a doctor to provide information about the sexual response at the physical, psychological, social, and emotional levels, without the use of sex therapy, a field in which not all gynecologists are trained. The TOP model involves intervention at three levels, as shown below.

 

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Teaching (T) the Sexual Response

At this level, patients are given an explanation on genital anatomy, and on the mechanism of some components of the sexual response; desire, arousal, and orgasm. This strategy has been employed in other studies to treat different health problems:[25] [26] i) sexual desire is an appetite or drive that motivates us to engage in sexual behavior. A woman feels sexual desire in three situations: spontaneously (reflecting the natural sexual instinct), when she receives sexual stimulation from her partner, and when engaging in sexual fantasies.[27] There are many reasons women agree to or instigate sexual activity, and desire may be experienced once the sexual stimuli have triggered arousal; thus, arousal and desire co-occur and reinforce each other.[28] It is necessary to think about sex to generate sexual fantasies that can lead to desire. Such desire makes a woman receptive to sex, and can cause her to search for sexual relations or to masturbate to obtain sexual pleasure.[29] ii) Sexual arousal is a pleasurable sensation in the vulva and vagina that causes intumescence of the female genitals because of increased blood flow to this region, and wetness attributable to lubrication of the vagina.[30] If this complex state of arousal is accompanied by positive emotions and thoughts, then sexual desire, along with further arousal, is triggered. Positive sexual experiences provide further motivation to be sexual again.[31] iii) Orgasm consists of multiple pleasurable contractions of the genitalia, with the first being intense, and the subsequent contractions becoming weaker until they cease.[32] [33] The clitoris becomes erect, and the heartbeat and breathing rate accelerate. An orgasm is reached after stimulation by the movement of the penis inside the vagina, by stimulation of the clitoris, or both. Such stimulation can be caused by sexual activity, masturbation, oral sex, a vibrator, or other means. It is likely that all women have the ability to reach orgasm,[34] but some who do not attain orgasm spontaneously[35] may be helped by sex therapy.[36] Women exhibit a gradual resolution of subjective sexual arousal and sexual satiation, but they maintain subjective sexual arousal and desire longer than men after orgasm.[37]

 

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Orienting (O) Women toward Sexual Health

At this level, information is provided to improve a woman's understanding of the genital anatomy, the physiology of the female sexual function, sexuality and the sexual response,[38] as well as a description of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and contraceptive methods, as follows: i) sexuality involves affectivity and the search for emotional and physical interactions with partners to achieve sexual pleasure, which can also be attained by sexual self-stimulation, or masturbation; ii) sexuality is formed at an early age, and continues through childhood to adolescence, developing further throughout life; iii) with the aid of a drawing of the genitalia, the professional shows the location of the genital structures, and provides the following explanation: the female genitals consist of the mons pubis, which is covered with hair, the outer labia majora, which are covered with hair, the internal labia minora, which has no hair, and the clitoris, a prominence forming the continuation of the labia minora. The orifice of the urethra and the vaginal introitus are located below the labia;[26] iv) the genitals have nerve endings that, if touched, generate a pleasurable sensation and, if the nerves are properly stimulated, sexual pleasure may result;[39] [40] v) a woman does not always reach orgasm with penetration and the movement of the penis inside her vagina. She can attain orgasm by manipulation of the clitoris during or outside of intercourse;[41] [42] vi) all women have the potential to reach orgasm, but some women need to learn how to reach it. Additionally, variations in hormonal receptors, and the levels of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, may make orgasm difficult for some women;[43] vii) a woman can feel sexual satisfaction even without reaching orgasm; viii) the most common sex practices are vaginal sex, oral sex, and anal sex; ix) it is important for a woman to explore her own body and her genital area, especially the clitoris, to better understand the regions associated with sexual pleasure;[44] x) in sexual relationships, increase the time spent together as a couple, innovate the sexual repertoire (with different sexual positions, using vibrators, playing out sexual fantasies, etc.), and concentration is important for the woman to reach orgasm;[45] xi) the use of a condom protects against STDs and unwanted pregnancies; and xii) contraceptive methods are discussed.

 

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Permitting (P) and Stimulating Sexual Pleasure

Historically, female sexuality has been repressed,[46] [47] and many women thus feel guilty about engaging in sexual activities. Some previous studies have emphasized the importance of appropriate discourse facilitated by teaching,[48] and health care institutions have sought to prevent STDs without compromising the healthy expression of sexuality.[49] The following arguments have been developed to deal with this problem[50]: i) the human body is endowed with physical mechanisms that cause an individual to feel pleasure when eating, having sex, and taking care of him or herself, among other activities. Such pleasures are important for overall health; ii) sex is an important biological and biopsychological function, and everyone has the ability to feel sexual pleasure; iii) sexual pleasure is everyone's right; iv) all humans deserve sexual satisfaction; and v) the experience of sexual satisfaction (sexual fulfillment) is important for the emotional and physical well-being, independent of age and some health conditions.[51] [52]

The learning session allows the gynecologist to deal with sexual myths and mistaken beliefs about sex, and to reformulate concepts on affectivity and the sharing of sexual experiences.[53] Successful treatment of sexual complaints suggests that the enjoyment of sexuality increases after women learn that sexuality is healthy. Also, the learning session may equip women to reformulate their attitudes to embrace the full experience of sexuality in regard to sexual pleasure.

 

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Specific Measures

Management of Female Sexual Desire/Arousal Dysfunction

Medical interventions should be supported by evidence-based data. The management of women with sexual desire/arousal dysfunction must take into account that this disorder may arise from organic and/or psychical factors[45] ([Fig. 2]). Sexual desire disorder is the most frequent complaint among women with sexual problems.[54] Obstetricians and gynecologists should stress the fact that a creative and romantic dyadic relationship motivates couples to engage in sexual relations and correlates with sexual satisfaction.[55] However, long-term relationships may reduce the spontaneous sexual desire and sexual thoughts in women.[56] In our experience, this condition is highly prevalent in women with sexual complaints in the gynecology setting.

Fig. 2 Proposed algorithm for the management of female sexual desire/arousal dysfunction. Abbreviations: TOP, Teaching (T) the sexual response, Orienting (O) women toward sexual health, Permitting (P) and stimulating sexual pleasure; TSH, thyroid stimulating hormone. *Baseline testosterone dosage for women eligible for testosterone therapy.

 

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Testosterone Use for Sexual Desire Disorder

A recent study investigated the common clinical practices of specialists regarding androgen therapy for women; 88% of physicians recognized a correlation between testosterone levels and sexual desire in women, and half of them were likely to prescribe testosterone for pre and postmenopausal women with sexual desire disorder.[57] Clinical trials have consistently demonstrated that transdermal testosterone therapy improves sexual function and sexual satisfaction in women who have been assessed as having hypoactive sexual desire disorder, and in those who have suffered dramatic changes in their sex drive due to low androgen levels after bilateral ovary removal.[58] However, endogenous testosterone levels did not predict sexual desire disorder and response to therapy.[59] Nevertheless, high physiological doses of transdermal androgens are effective for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in postmenopausal women and women in their late reproductive years.[58]

The problem is that physiological testosterone preparations are not available for women, testosterone preparation is off-label[59] [60] ([Table 2]), and the possibility of overuse exists. Thus, the assessment of testosterone levels at baseline is recommended to identify possible overuse. As recommended previously, baseline lipid profile, baseline liver enzyme levels, and mammography should be taken. Testosterone measures after 3 to 6 weeks of the initial treatment, and every 6 months, are also recommended to assess patient overuse.[59]

Table 2 Testosterone schema associated with systemic/local estrogen therapy for women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder

Formulation	Frequency of use
Testosterone propionate 2% in petrolatum or pentravan 0.5 mg	Vaginal; daily[61]
Testosterone propionate 2 mg in 0.5 g of a neutral cream	Vaginal; daily[62]
Testosterone cream 1 g per application containing 300 μg testosterone propionate prepared using testosterone micronized powder in an emollient cream with silicone	Vaginal; three times a week[63]
Testosterone 300 µg in patch or pentravan in pump	Transdermal; daily[64]

 

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Management of Orgasm Disorder

The clitoris seems to be the most important anatomic structure to female orgasm (FO),[65] which can occur in women when the clitoris is effectively stimulated during masturbation, oral sex, anal intercourse, partner masturbation, or during vaginal intercourse.[66] Orgasm disorder is defined as a persistent or recurrent delay in, or absence of, orgasm following a normal sexual excitement phase.[67] As many as 20–30% of women reported an inability to orgasm during sexual intercourse.[68] Anorgasmia can occur after prolapse and urinary incontinence, and after surgical treatment due to alteration in sensitivity of the distal posterior and distal anterior parts of the vaginal wall.[69] Moreover, predictors of orgasmic difficulty in women within the context of a partnered sexual experience include arousal issues, levels of distress, and latency to orgasm.[70]

The clinical holistic medicine is an effective intervention to treat sex orgasm disorder.[71] At this level, women with anorgasmia can receive education that involves knowledge on genital anatomy, acceptance through touch and sexual fantasies, masturbation techniques, as well as acceptance of a clitoral vibrator. The use of testosterone as well as tibolone[72] may improve orgasm domains[23] ([Fig. 3]).

Fig. 3 Proposed algorithm for the management of female anorgasmia. Abbreviations: E, estradiol; EP, estradiol + progesterone; T, testosterone.[73]

 

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Management of Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder

The DSM-5 brought dyspareunia and vaginismus under the common heading of genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder. The diagnosis criteria for this disorder require at least six months of duration of persistent or recurrent difficulties with one or more of the following: marked vulvovaginal or pelvic pain during vaginal intercourse or penetration attempts; marked fear or anxiety about vulvovaginal or pelvic pain in anticipation of, during, or as a result of vaginal penetration; and marked tensing or tightening of the pelvic floor muscles during attempted vaginal penetration that causes significant distress in the individual. Some conditions should be excluded, such as: nonsexual psychiatric disorders; medical conditions (lichen sclerosus, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, and vulvovaginal atrophy, for example), substance abuse, and the use of certain medications.[74] [75]

A thorough evaluation should be made by an experienced gynecologist, including the history of duration and characteristics of the pain, as well as a physical examination to differentiate superficial dyspareunia and deep dyspareunia. If the diagnosis of vulvodynia is likely, general measures, such as genital care and hygiene, as well as the use of local anesthetics and some antidepressants and anticonvulsants, should be taken.[76] In cases of deep dyspareunia, organic causes such as endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease should be taken into consideration,[77] as mentioned before.

There is an important relationship between pelvic floor muscle dysfunction and genital pelvic pain penetration. The pelvic floor is formed by the lifter muscles of the anus (pubococcygeus, puborectalis and iliococcygeus) and the ischiococcygeus muscles, which are responsible for maintaining urinary and fecal continence;[78] [79] they also participate in sexual intercourse and the partum.[80] [81] Biomechanical changes, in turn, lead to overload of the pelvic floor muscles, favoring the onset of tender points, stiffness (spasm), contraction and inability of relaxation,[82] contributing to the manifestation of genitourinary pelvic pain. Surgical intervention such as the combination of Burch colposuspension and posterior colporrhaphy is likely to result in dyspareunia.[83]

The management of genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder may include digital palpation to allow the women to become aware of their pelvic floor muscles,[84] muscle relaxation intervention,[81] treatment of medical conditions, as well as a biopsychosocial approach and psychotherapy,[75] [85] especially for victims of sexual violence ([Fig. 4]).

Fig. 4 Proposed algorithm for the management of genito-pelvic pain / penetration disorder in women.[86] [87] [88] [89] Abbreviation: TOP, Teaching (T) the sexual response, Orienting (O) women toward sexual health, Permitting (P) and stimulating sexual pleasure.

 

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Discussion

Doctors who routinely ask about sexual complaints in their offices state that 50% of their female patients refer sexual problems.[90] Thus, Ob-Gyn professionals should routinely assess female sexual problems.[91] However, a previous research has indicated that both patients and doctors experience difficulties when talking about sexuality, and that the doctor often feels ill-equipped because of the lack of established protocols valuable for the treatment of sexual complaints and dysfunctions.[13] Moreover, most physicians argue about the lack of time to obtain relevant information for the clinical practice and to deal with sexual health issues; they were perceived as barriers in initiating a discussion with the patient.[35] Effective training is needed for professionals, to encourage dialogue about sexual health and to identify women who have sexual dysfunctions and offer them treatment.[2] Additional evidence-based educational and didactic activities would enhance the Ob-Gyn professionals' knowledge and confidence in treating sexual issues.[17]

It is strongly recommended that health professionals should include a sexuality approach in their routine engagement with patients, as sexual health problems are prevalent in women attending primary care clinics, where one in four women are at high risk of female sexual dysfunction.[92] It is recommend that the sexual history be based on three main topics, which serve as underpinning for the management of sexual problems: i) an approach centered on the person; ii) evidence-based recommendations for diagnosis and treatment; and iii) use of a managed and unified approach.[93] This approach is essential to enable the early diagnosis of female sexual dysfunction, as well as to guarantee sexual rights for women.

Various validated instruments for the diagnosis of sexual dysfunction are available, and can help physicians identify it according to the classifications of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5).[20] [94] However, most instruments are complex and designed to be applied by professionals with expertise in the area of sexuality, for specific situations, time or post treatment controls.[95] Nevertheless, doctors should ask at least one or two questions, such as: How is your sex life? Do you have a problem you would like to discuss?[93]

The use of protocols makes it easier to overcome certain barriers, since they provide the beginning of a dialogue. These can potentially provide more sensitive and accurate measurements of the complex and subjective aspects of the sexual function of women.[93] Information provided by the gynecologist on the biological, psychological, and social aspects of sexual function may help the patient better assess her sex life and verbalize complaints that can be addressed by the gynecologist. Additionally, many women with sexual complaints, but who do not fulfill the criteria for the diagnosis of sexual dysfunction can be helped by basic measures taken by a professional. The model presented here may guide gynecologists in their attempts to improve the sexual health of their patients.

It is important to highlight that some conditions related to female sexual dysfunction deserve a more appropriate intervention. For example, taboos concerning sexuality are common and prevent women from seeking professional help if sexual problems are encountered;[96] such taboos even permeate the clinical environment, resulting in significant negative effects on both general and sexual health.[19] [97] [98] Moreover, in some modern societies,[99] sexual activity remains associated with immorality, resulting in the continued repression of sexual expression,[100] especially for women, and in cases of gender violence.[101] Furthermore, some religions associate sexual activity with sin, and discourage the free expression of sexual relations, except as required for procreation.[19] [102] [103] All of these patients should be offered an interdisciplinary approach with a physiotherapist and a psychotherapist.

Cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, or diabetes mellitus may also be considered as early symptoms of the underlying disease, in which case the diagnosis serves as sentinel complementary actions.[104] Drugs, depression, surgery and trauma in the pelvic region are factors that are frequently associated with sexual difficulties in women.[105] Sexual abuse may have physical and emotional implications for women,[106] who are at high risk for depression, anxiety, worries, loneliness, low quality of life,[107] as well as sexual problems.[108] The interventions in these cases may require an interdisciplinary approach.

 

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Conclusion

The use of protocols may provide an effective approach to deal with female sexual dysfunction in gynecological offices.

 

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No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).

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