The Epidemiology of Sexual Dysfunctions

Progress has been made concerning both the number and quality of epidemiologic prevalence studies in sexual medicine; however, there is a paucity of studies of the incidence of these conditions. Because reliable incidence data are critical for prevention and treatment planning, the design and execution of the incidence trials should become a high priority for the field. In addition, repeated calls for the development of a new systematic and integrated diagnostic system in sexual medicine were also evident, because of the perception by many that the imprecision of our current diagnostic system represents the “rate-limiting step” for the epidemiology of the field. The review suggests that although much has been accomplished in the past 15-20 years, much remains to be done. DeRogatis LR, and Burnett AL. The epidemiology of sexual dysfunctions.