Prevalence of female sexual dysfunction in gynecologic and urogynecologic patients according to the international consensus classification.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in an outpatient gynecologic and urogynecologic clinic using the current International Consensus Classification. METHODS One hundred fifty-nine patients were asked to answer an anonymous survey about FSD. Patients in the gynecologic (group 1) and urogynecologic (group 2) clinics were compared. RESULTS The mean age in group 1 was 37.8 years (range 20 to 76) and in group 2 was 55.7 years (range 18 to 82). The prevalence of FSD was 50% in group 1 and 48% in group 2; 86% of group 1 and 66% of group 2 patients had been sexually active within the past 2 years. The differences found in FSD according to the consensus panel classification achieved no significance. Of the 159 patients, 96% were not embarrassed by filling out this questionnaire about their sexual function. CONCLUSIONS No statistically significant difference in FSD was found between the younger and older patients seeking help in a gynecologic or urogynecologic outpatient clinic. Because of the high incidence of FSD, we recommend integrating the inquiry about female sexual health concerns into routine gynecologic care. The simple survey based on the International Consensus Conference Classification of FSD gives reliable results, and this systematic framework facilitates methodologic examination.