SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION IN WOMEN: OFFICE BASED SURVEY OF WOMEN IN BOTH UROLOGIC AND GYNECOLOGIC PRACTICES. Wellman W Cheung, Nabet G Kasabian, Stanton C Honig, Mary J Minkin, Bruce R Gilbert, 900 Northern Blvd.,Suite 230, Great Neck, New York 11021

Introduction: The success of treating male sexual dysfunction has focused attention on women with similar concerns. However, little data exists as to the magnitude of the problem or whether women would seek treatment if effective therapy was available. In this study we evaluate the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction in patients presenting for routine urologic or gynecologic care.
Methods: 102 women anonymously completed a standardized questionnaire at the time of their scheduled visit to either a Gynecologic (N=76) or Urologic (N=26) office for reasons other then sexual dysfunction.
Results: The mean age of respondents was 42.9 + 11.8 years with a range from 24.7 to 78.5 years old. 73% of respondents described their general medical health as excellent, with 6% reporting hypertension, 1% smoke and none had diabetes. 39% of these women stated that their interest in sex has decreased with age. The major complaints were with an inability to have orgasm with intercourse (28%) or other stimulation (26%), an inability to have adequate vaginal lubrication (28%) and pain or spasm with relations (34%). Other complaints included lack of pleasure (15.8%), lack of genital sensation (9.8%) and inadequate sexual excitement (12.2%). Overall 81% of respondents reported some degree of impairment of their sexual function while 55% indicated they would seek treatment if effective therapy was available.
Conclusions: This survey demonstrates a very high prevalence of female sexual dysfunction in women seen in routine consultation by both Urologists and Gynecologists. In addition, there is great interest among women for safe and effective treatment options. Physicians with training and experience in dealing with male sexual dysfunction are uniquely positioned to effectively evaluate and treat women with sexual disorders and should consider becoming involved in the treatment options currently available as well as those under investigation.