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Chapter 48 - Sexual Pain Disorders in the Female

from Section 3A - Sexual Dysfunction and Counselling

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 January 2024

By
Francesca Tripodi
Edited by
Johannes Bitzer  and
Tahir A. Mahmood
Johannes Bitzer
Affiliation:
University Women's Hospital, Basel
Tahir A. Mahmood
Affiliation:
Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy
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Summary

Considerable evidence indicates sexual pain (SP) is a common concern in women of reproductive age (12–60%) despite findings suggesting that around 40% of women between the ages of 20 and 40 did not seek help for their condition [1]. Most women who suffer from SP struggle to understand and cope with this distressing problem, which negatively affects their identity, sexuality and romantic relationships. Nearly all healthcare professionals have seen a woman or a couple that suffers from SP, whether they know it or not. Evidence also indicates that healthcare providers poorly understand and often misdiagnose SP [2]. The broad range of prevalence estimates and poor understanding stem from differences between the populations involved in a study design and the inconsistent use of definitions.

Type
Chapter
Information
Textbook of Contraception, Sexual and Reproductive Health , pp. 300 - 310
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2024

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