Clinical biologic pathophysiologies of women's sexual dysfunction.
BACKGROUND
Data concerning the biologic pathophysiology of desire, arousal, and orgasm in women are limited.


OBJECTIVE
To gain knowledge of biologic pathophysiology of female sexual function. METHODS. To provide state-of-the-art knowledge concerning female sexual dysfunction, representing the opinions of seven experts from five countries developed in a consensus process over a 2-year period.


METHODS
An International Consultation in alliance with key urological and sexual medicine societies convened over 200 multidisciplinary specialists from 60 countries into 17 consultation committees. The aims, goals and intentions of each committee were defined. Expert opinion was based on grading of evidence-based medical literature, extensive internal committee dialogue, open presentation, and debate.


RESULTS
Three critical physiologic requirements, including intact sex steroids, autonomic/somatic nerves, and arterial inflow/perfusion pressure to women's genital organs play fundamental roles in maintaining women's sexual function. Despite this, there are nominal data supporting a direct pathophysiologic involvement of abnormal sex steroid values, and/or damage/injury to neurologic and/or blood flow integrity in women with problems in sexual desire, arousal, and/or orgasm. This summary details the available literature concerning hormonal, neurologic, and vascular organic pathophysiologies of women's sexual dysfunctions.


CONCLUSIONS
Additional research on clinical pathophysiologies in women's sexual dysfunction is needed. This chapter encompasses data presented at the 2nd International Consultation on Sexual Medicine in Paris, France, June 28-July 1, 2003.
Nappi
Rossella
R
University of Pavia, Italy.
Salonia
Andrea
A
Traish
Abdulmaged M
AM
van Lunsen
Rik H W
RH
Vardi
Yoram
Y
Kodiglu
Ates
A
Goldstein
Irwin
I
D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008659:Metabolic Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology
D000928:Antidepressive Agents