Female Sexual Dysfunction, Sexual Distress, and Compatibility with Partner

Abstract

Introduction Few studies have looked at prevalence estimates for female sexual dysfunctions in combination with personal distress, although existing diagnostic criteria for sexual disorders include both aspects. Further, the variation in female sexual function has been shown to be largely explained by unique nongenetic factors. Such factors may include partner sexual function and perception of sexual compatibility with a partner, factors which may also be associated with sexual distress. Aim We investigated the association between female sexual dysfunction and distress as well as their association with partner compatibility. Methods In order to assess sexual function and distress, the Female Sexual Function Index and seven items from the Female Sexual Distress Scale were used in a population-based sample of 5,463 women, aged 18–49 years. The women were, based on cutoff points, classified as either having neither dysfunction nor distress, one of them, or both, separately for each dysfunction. Further, the associations between partner compatibility, distress, and sexual dysfunctions were analyzed. Sexual compatibility with partner was investigated by using several items exploring, for example, amount of foreplay, interest in sex, and communication about sexual matters. Main Outcome Measures Associations between partner compatibility and female sexual function and sexual distress. Results The proportion of women reporting both sexual dysfunction and distress ranged from 7% to 23%, depending on the dysfunction. Desire disorders followed by orgasmic disorders were most common. All compatibility variables were significantly associated with distress and with most of the sexual dysfunctions. The main complaints of the women were “too little foreplay” (42%) and “partner is more interested” (35%). The women feeling distress or having a sexual dysfunction reported more incompatibility with partner compared with functional women. Conclusions The findings highlight the importance of addressing partner compatibility for successful treatment and counseling of female sexual dysfunctions.

The DSM Diagnostic Criteria for Female Sexual Arousal Disorder

“…A criticism of earlier studies that claimed to have used DSM criteria to establish sexual dysfunction was that they did not evaluate the presence of "marked distress or interpersonal difficulty" (Simons & Carey, 2001). More recent studies have assessed the presence of associated distress or impairment (Bancroft, Loftus, & Long, 2003;Oberg, Fugl-Meyer, & Fugl-Meyer, 2004;Shifren, Monz, Russo, Segreti, & Johannes, 2008;Witting et al, 2008). Notwithstanding these methodological improvements over earlier studies, some of the criteria required to make DSM diagnoses are difficult, if not impossible, to assess in large, population-based surveys (Graham & Bancroft, 2006).…”

“…A number of recent studies have assessed personal distress (Criterion B) associated with sexual arousal difficulties (e.g., Bancroft et al, 2003;Hayes et al, 2008;King, Holt, & Nazareth, 2007;Oberg et al, 2004;Shifren et al, 2008;Witting et al, 2008). A consistent finding across these studies has been that sexual problems, even if moderate/severe, do not always cause distress.…”

Quality of sexual life in adult and elderly female college students from a university in amazon

“…4 When a woman feels that her partner is able and has the will to engage in a sexual intercourse, she feels reinforced in her sexual motivation. 2 The harmony with the partner is linked to a decrease in sexual inhibition in women and also decreases the risk of erectile dysfunction in men. 5 In the present study, most adult students felt more stimulated for sex as the partner's arousal increased, while a considerable number of their elderly peers never felt stimulated to do the same.…”

“…18 Therefore, sexual activity is influenced by partner presence and his overall health and sexual function. 2,4,8,14,30 …”

“…2 Among Brazilian women, prevalence rates of low sexual desire, arousal problems, and inability to reach orgasm are 8.2, 26.2, and 26.6%, respectively.…”