Is female sexual dysfunction related to personality and coping? An exploratory study.

INTRODUCTION: Sexual disorders impact up to 43% of women. However, the relationship between sexual dysfunction and psychological variables such as personality traits and coping mechanisms is not well understood. AIM: To examine personality domains and coping strategies utilized by women with sexual dysfunction in a clinical sample. METHODS: Patients seeking care for female sexual dysfunction (FSD) from a sexual medicine specialist were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes. Packets containing informed consent, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R), Ten Item Personality Index (TIPI), and Brief COPE were mailed to subjects. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Correlations among FSFI, FSDS-R, TIPI, and Brief COPE. RESULTS: Of 79 eligible subjects, 50 (63.2%) returned completed questionnaires. The mean age was 40 years (standard deviation 14). Total FSFI and FSDS-R scores confirmed FSD. Correlations between the FSFI and TIPI illustrated trends with the domain of extraversion, suggesting better function in those exhibiting more of this trait (r = 0.285, P = 0.079). Similarly, FSDS-R scores correlated with openness to experience (r = -0.305, P = 0.037) and approached significance for extraversion (r = -0.258, P = 0.080), indicating lower distress in such personality types. When assessing the Brief COPE, use of emotional support, a positive coping strategy, correlated with better orgasm (r = 0.303, P = 0.048) and higher satisfaction (r = 0.331, P = 0.03). Finally, when evaluating TIPI with COPE scores, several significant associations were noted, establishing that personality may influence these adaptive behaviors. CONCLUSION: Many notable relationships between sexual function, personality, and coping are presented. These support a role for consideration of psychological variables when evaluating women presenting for sexual dysfunction. Crisp CC, Vaccaro CM, Pancholy A, Kleeman S, Fellner AN, and Pauls R. Is female sexual dysfunction related to personality and coping? An exploratory study. Sex Med 2013;1:69-75.

Resident education and training in female sexuality: results of a national survey.

INTRODUCTION: Considering the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction, the lack of education and training in female sexual function and dysfunction (FSF&D) during and obstetrics and gynecology residency highlights a need for greater focus on this topic. AIM: To assess understanding and confidence among third and fourth year Ob/Gyn residents with respect to FSF&D. METHODS: An Internet-based survey was constructed to evaluate third and fourth year residents in American Council for Graduate Medical Education-approved Ob/Gyn programs. Residents were asked about familiarity, knowledge, and confidence in treating various aspects of FSF&D, based on the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology (CREOG) Educational Objectives for Ob/Gyn training. They were also queried regarding areas of improvement for their education. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Responses to survey instrument. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-four residents responded. The majority (91.5%) reported attending ≤5 didactic activities on FSF&D. Only 19.6% reported often or always screening women for sexual function problems; most had very little or no knowledge in administering or interpreting screening questionnaires. While many (82.8%) felt confident about obtaining a complete sexual history, only 54.7% felt able to perform a targeted physical exam. Although most residents had cared for women with dyspareunia (55.1%), a minority had managed many women with low desire (18.4%), arousal problems (8.1%), anorgasmia (5.6%), or vaginismus (16.7%). In treating patients, 34-56% reported rarely or never suggesting ancillary therapy such as counseling and medications. However, the majority believed that their confidence would increase through FSF&D lectures (97.9%), FSF&D patient observations (97.4%), rotating with a urogynecologist (94.4%), and online modules (90.6%). CONCLUSION: Despite CREOG requirements for Ob/Gyn training in female sexuality, most residents feel ill-equipped to address these problems. Additional evidence-based educational and didactic activities would enhance residents' knowledge and confidence in treating these common, quality-of-life issues.

Attitudes and perceptions regarding subspecialty training in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery.

The objective of the study was to evaluate perceptions regarding subspecialty training in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS) in the United States. A 57-item questionnaire was anonymously mailed to fellows and applicants to FPMRS fellowship. Seventy-four American fellowship interviewees and current fellows completed the entire questionnaire (56% response rate). Key factors associated with higher interest in FPMRS compared to general obstetrics and gynecology (OBG) included competitiveness to get into fellowship and new developments. Key factors associated with higher interest in FPMRS compared to other subspecialties in obstetrics and gynecology (SUB) were lower risk of malpractice and higher sense of career satisfaction. Commonly cited attributes of FPMRS that attract to the field relate to the complexity of cases and the quantity of time spent in the operating room. Majority of responders preferred academics over private practice or a mixture (55.4%, 17.6%, and 27%, respectively). The most important reason for interest in FPMRS compared to OBG and SUB is quality time in the operating room and lower risk of malpractice, respectively. Results of this study may help attract medical students to OBG and help mentors with career counseling.