ABSTRACT

Millions of women worldwide struggle with sexual difficulties such as low desire, arousal problems, or genito-pelvic pain. This chapter outlines how to adequately diagnose and effectively treat the most common sexual dysfunctions among women. Recent developments in diagnostic criteria of women’s sexual dysfunctions are described and biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors contributing to sexual dysfunctions are detailed. Specific suggestions for how to diagnose sexual difficulties are followed by an outline of effective medical (e.g., hormonal treatment, flibanserin) and psychological (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based treatments, sensate focus) treatments.