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Assistant Professor, Departments of Pharmacy Practice and Family Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Nesbitt School of Pharmacy, Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, PA
Reprints: Kelly R Ragucci PharmD BCPS CDE, Departments of Pharmacy Practice and Family Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 295 Calhoun St., PO Box 250192, Charleston, SC 29425-0001, FAX 843/792-0436, E-mail raguccik{at}musc.edu
OBJECTIVE: To review the pathophysiology and psychology of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and describe potential prevention and treatment strategies for the disorder.
DATA SOURCES: Articles identified from a MEDLINE search (1966June 2002) using the term female sexual dysfunction. Additional references were obtained from cross referencing retrieved articles.
STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: After evaluating various review articles, clinical trials, and investigational studies, all information that was deemed relevant by the reviewers was included.
DATA SYNTHESIS: FSD is a multicausal and multidimensional problem combining biological, psychological, and interpersonal factors. The American Foundation for Urological Disease classifies FSD into 4 broad categories: sexual desire disorders, arousal disorder, orgasmic disorder, and sexual pain disorders. Depending on specific individual characteristics and category of disorder, a variety of potential treatments are available. Pharmacists can play a role in identifying and managing medication-related adverse effects that may be exacerbating FSD and educating women on treatment modalities.
CONCLUSIONS: FSD is a complicated disorder that is often difficult to identify, classify, and treat appropriately. Pharmacists should have an understanding of the potential causes of FSD and the treatment options available so that they may make appropriate recommendations and counsel women effectively.
Key Words: estrogen, female sexual dysfunction, testosterone
Published Online, March 6, 2003. www.theannals.com, DOI 10.1345/aph.1C392
THIS ARTICLE IS APPROVED FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT ACPE UNIVERSAL
PROGRAM NUMBER: 407-000-03-009-H01