Human Sexuality

Physicians, especially family physicians, are often the first contacts for survivors of intimate partner violence and occasionally for sexual assault victims too. Both these problems are prevalent worldwide with both sexes being affected, although women are more affected than men. Besides physical harm and death, intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual assault can also cause psychological and psychiatric problems. Family physicians should be prepared to identify and provide supportive care to these patients.

The female sexual response is non-linear and complex and is intricately associated with feelings of intimacy and satisfaction. Female sexual dysfunction, therefore, can be a result of stresses and interpersonal conflicts, as well as physical illness or medication/substance use. The disorder can be due to lack of (adequate) desire, arousal, or orgasm, or presence of pain. The diagnosis can be tricky as there is frequently an overlap and underlying medical or psychiatric disorders need to be ruled out.