ABSTRACT
FSD is a poorly understood condition. Huge variations in what is considered normal sexual function make defi ning FSD all the more diffi cult. Currently, FSD may be diagnosed if the symptoms are a source of distress to the patient (not the partner). According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, text revision (DSM-IV-TR) criteria, FSD may consist of problems with desire (hypoactive sexual desire disorder), arousal (female sexual arousal disorder), orgasm (female orgasmic disorder) or a sexual pain disorder (vaginismus and/or dyspareunia). Th e underlying reasons are usually fairly complex and may represent a combination of physical, psychological, social and environmental factors. Th e increasing sexualisation of society may also be a factor, as men and women’s desire to live up to a contemporary sexual norm, which may have been considered abnormal by earlier societies, is increasing. Coupled with the availability of drugs marketed to improve sexual function, it would be easy to fall into the trap of overlooking the complex causes that may underlie FSD. Indeed, there are many who believe that FSD is a condition ‘manufactured’ by drug companies to boost sales of some of their most prized drugs. Th ey believe that the oft - quoted fi gure of 43% of women suff ering from FSD is an overestimation. Th e initial study by Laumann and colleagues asked women a series of questions regarding their sexual function. A single ‘yes’ was enough to have them classifi ed as having FSD, criteria considered too loose by its critics. However, other studies have replicated their results, suggesting a
prevalence of FSD of approximately 40% in women. Despite the controversy, in this case we are confronted with a real patient.
