Zdravniški Vestnik (Jul 2016)
The management of sexual dysfunctions according to the principles of sexual medicine
Abstract
Sexual Medicine is a discipline concerned with the impact of psychophysiology, relationships, socio-cultural influences, developmental effects, sexual preference and variations, gender identity and inter-gender differences on the sexual function and experience of men and women of all ages, both as individuals and within the context of their relationships. Its aim is the restoration or improvement of function, and the optimisation of sexual experience and well-being, and of personal and interpersonal satisfaction with sexuality. According to sexual medicine, sexual problems are divided into four categories: sexual concerns, difficulties, dysfunctions and disorders.Two linear (Masters and Johnson, Kaplan) and a circular model (Basson) are the three most commonly used models of sexual response in sexual medicine. According to the latest sexuality studies a new classification has been introduced by the International Committee of Sexual Medicine. Sexual dysfunctions are not divided into physical or psychogenic anymore; the cause should be clarified through the etiology. A biopsychosocial approach, which systematically considers biomedical, psychological and socio-cultural history, is used in the assessment of a sexual problem. The basic modelling system of psychosexual therapy is the PLISSIT model.A biopsychosocial approach was used on 127 women with a sexual dysfunction, average age 34.3 (from 19 to 64), treated at the gynaecological outpatient clinic in General hospital Novo mesto between 2013 and 2015. In addition, the PLISSIT model proved to be simple and successful.
