Female Sexual Dysfunction

Overview

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) can have profound effects on women's relationships with sexual partners as well as self-esteem, confidence and mental health.

A woman suffering from sexual problems or FSD may be reluctant to discuss them with others, including her ob-gyn.  Surveys consistently show that patients want to talk about their sexual issues with health care providers, but are reluctant to initiate the conversation.

ACOG District II's Finding Solutions for Female Sexual Dysfunction serves to guide best practices; however, the most essential best practices are those that seek to recognize the need to evaluate each patient individually and to utilize sound clinical judgment. With this in mind, these evidence-based guidelines provide a foundation from which women's health care providers can achieve optimal quality in patient care.

For more information about this initiative, please contact Kristin Zielinski, ACOG District II Director of Medical Education, at kzielinski@ny.acog.org or (518) 436-3461.

Selected Provider Resources

Finding Solutions for Female Sexual Dysfunction
Resource Guide

Female Sexual Dysfunction
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Practice Bulletin (April 2011)

Selected Patient Resources

Female Sexual Dysfunction Online

Kinsey Institute

MedlinePlus - Sexual Health Issues

National Vulvodynia Association

Women's Therapy Center