Reproductive life events and sexual functioning in women: case reports.
Are reproductive life events in women associated with an increased risk of sexual dysfunction? Female sexual dysfunction effects up to 40% of women in the United States between 18 and 59 years of age. Sexual dysfunction may be accompanied by fluctuations in gonadal hormone secretion, making women more vulnerable to sexual symptoms, especially during times of reproductive life events. Reproductive life events, such as the use of birth control pills, various phases of the menstrual cycles, postpartum and lactation states, and perimenopause, are highly correlated with changes in sex steroids. As an understanding of the role of sex steroids on sexual functioning is elucidated, clinicians will be able to offer more specific and effective treatment options for women during various phases of reproductive life. Several case studies are presented to illustrate the unique clinical considerations that a clinician must consider when treating the biologic component of female sexual dysfunction.
Warnock
Julia K
JK
Department of Psychiatry, University of Oklahoma, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135, USA. julia.warnock@ouhsc.edu
Biggs
C Faye
CF
D000328:Adult; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016642:Bupropion / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008875:Middle Aged; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D016642:Bupropion