title: Sexual dysfunctions: classifications and definitions.
abstract: Sexual classification systems are based on precise and understandable definitions of sexual dysfunctions and are needed for investigative research, determination of diagnostic standards, and delineation of treatment strategies. The four major categories of sexual dysfunctions include disorders of sexual desire/interest, arousal, orgasm, and sexual pain. The purpose of this article is to review the major features, differences, and similarities of the six classification systems widely used in sexual medicine, including the International Classification of Diseases, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the National Institute of Health Consensus Conference on Impotence, the American Foundation for Urologic Diseases, International Consensus Conference on Women's Sexual Dysfunction, and the First and Second International Consultations on Sexual Dysfunctions.
authors.affiliation: 2nd Department of Urology and Center for Sexual and Reproductive Health, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Konstantinos
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hatzimouratidis
authors.affiliation: 2nd Department of Urology and Center for Sexual and Reproductive Health, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Electronic address: hatzichr@med.auth.gr.
authors.forename: Dimitrios
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hatzichristou
mesh_terms: D003075:Coitus; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D004414:Dyspareunia; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007989:Libido; D008297:Male; D009948:Orgasm; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy