Psychological and interpersonal dimensions of sexual function and dysfunction: recommendations from the fifth international consultation on sexual medicine (ICSM 2024)
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Sexual health concerns are common and significantly impact quality of life, but many people do not seek treatment due to embarrassment and other barriers. A biopsychosocial model of assessment and treatment acknowledges the biological, psychological, and social contributors to sexual difficulties and suggests that all these domains should be evaluated. OBJECTIVES: This paper provides an overview of the major psychological factors contributing to sexual difficulties and offer an evidence-based approach for primary care clinicians to assess and treat these issues. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was undertaken focusing on articles published since the last consultation in 2016. The study findings were synthesized, critiqued, authors assigned a Grading of Recommendation as Weak or Strong following a year-long process of discussions among the committee. When a particular well-established psychological practice was not evaluated in the literature, we assigned an expert opinion recommendation. RESULTS: Since the 2015 ICSM, there have been a number of high-quality trials of psychological treatments addressing sexual dysfunctions, as well as meta-analyses and systematic reviews. In some domains, there is strong evidence of psychological treatment, and primary care providers should be aware of such approaches and refer when appropriate. CONCLUSIONS: This paper offers a practical guide for primary care clinicians to understand the psychological factors…
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