Sexual dysfunction and relationship stress: how does this association vary for men and women?

• Gender differences in association between sexual dysfunction and relationship stress.
• Male sexual dysfunction was related to relationship stress in female partners.
• Associations were dependent on type of sexual dysfunction for men.
• Treatment for MSD improves relationship stress in men and their partner.

This paper examines the association between relationship stress and sexual dysfunction. The results demonstrated a strong association between female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and relationship stress, and between male sexual dysfunction (MSD) and relationship stress among their female partners. No studies examined the association between FSD and relationship stress of male partners. Treatment for MSD was associated with improved relationship stress for female partners, but no studies were located that examined this association for treatment of FSD. These findings suggest that FSD and relationship stress are strongly related, but the association does not seem to be so strong for men. The review highlights the need for further research in this field to inform therapy for both sexual dysfunction and relationship problems.