Medical Treatment of Female Sexual Dysfunction

Urol Clin North Am. 2022 May;49(2):299-307. doi: 10.1016/j.ucl.2022.02.001.

Abstract

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) comprises multiple overlapping sexual disorders with a multifaceted cause within the frame of the biopsychosocial model. Health care providers can screen for FSD according to their level of expertise and deliver at least basic counseling before eventually referring to sexual medicine specialists for specific care. The therapeutic algorithm comprises a multidisciplinary approach, including pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic management. Flibanserin and bremelanotide are psychoactive agents indicated for the treatment of generalized acquired hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women, whereas transdermal testosterone is effective on HSDD in postmenopausal women. Menopause hormone therapy (systemic and local) is the mainstay for individualized management of women at midlife.

Keywords: Androgens; Estrogens; Female sexual dysfunction; Genitourinary syndrome of menopause; Hypoactive sexual desire disorder; Psychoactive drugs; Vasoactive drugs.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Libido
  • Premenopause
  • Sexual Behavior / psychology
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological* / diagnosis
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological* / drug therapy
  • Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological* / diagnosis
  • Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological* / drug therapy