Physiologic measures of sexual function in women: a review.
OBJECTIVE
To review and describe physiologic measures of assessing sexual function in women.


METHODS
Literature review.


METHODS
Studies that use instruments designed to measure female sexual function.


METHODS
Women participating in studies of female sexual function.


METHODS
Various instruments that measure physiologic features of female sexual function.


METHODS
Appraisal of the various instruments, including their advantages and disadvantages.


RESULTS
Many unique physiologic methods of evaluating female sexual function have been developed during the past four decades. Each method has its benefits and limitations.


CONCLUSIONS
Many physiologic methods exist, but most are not well-validated. In addition there has been an inability to correlate most physiologic measures with subjective measures of sexual arousal. Furthermore, given the complex nature of the sexual response in women, physiologic measures should be considered in context of other data, including the history, physical examination, and validated questionnaires. Nonetheless, the existence of appropriate physiologic measures is vital to our understanding of female sexual function and dysfunction.
Woodard
Terri L
TL
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 3750 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
Diamond
Michael P
MP
D001472:Bartholin's Glands / Q000378:metabolism; D002987:Clitoris / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007989:Libido; D010991:Plethysmography; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler; D014599:Uterus / Q000601:surgery; D014621:Vagina / Q000098:blood supply / Q000502:physiology