Toward a More Evidence-Based Nosology and Nomenclature for Female Sexual Dysfunctions—Part III
Authors: Parish Sharon J. , Meston Cindy M. , Althof Stanley E. , Clayton Anita H. , Goldstein Irwin , Goldstein Sue W. , Heiman Julia R. , McCabe Marita P. , Segraves R. Taylor , Simon James A. 
Published: March 2019

Introduction

In 2016 the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) published an expert consensus report on new nomenclature that addressed the need for comprehensive, evidence-based criteria for new diagnoses in desire, arousal, and orgasm, with the definition on arousal focusing exclusively on female genital arousal disorder (FGAD).

Aim

A new expert panel solely focused on mechanisms of arousal disorders convened to revise the nomenclature to include female cognitive arousal disorder (FCAD) and FGAD.

Methods

The ISSWSH co-chairs identified experts on arousal disorders in women. The 10 participants included clinicians, researchers, and educators, representing a diverse, multidisciplinary group. Pre-meeting preparation included evidence-based literature review as the basis of presentations panelists made at the meeting on the current knowledge in cognitive arousal. Consensus was reached using a modified Delphi method. Writing assignments were made as a basis of manuscript development.

Main Outcome Measures

The new definition of FCAD is characterized by distressing difficulty or inability to attain or maintain adequate mental excitement associated with sexual activity, as manifested by problems with feeling engaged and mentally turned on or sexually aroused for a minimum of 6 months.

Results

Female sexual arousal disorder encompasses both FGAD (revised definition) and FCAD (new definition). Recommendations regarding diagnosis include a clinical interview to assess for FCAD using targeted questions. Patient-reported outcomes that contain questions to assess FCAD are described, including limitations for differentiating between cognitive arousal, genital arousal, and sexual desire. Laboratory measures of cognitive and genital arousal are discussed, including the relationships between genital and cognitive arousal patterns. Biopsychosocial risk factors for FCAD and FGAD, as well as exclusionary conditions, are presented.

Clinical Implications

The revision of the ISSWSH nomenclature regarding the criteria for the 2 arousal categories, FCAD and FGAD, and the recommended diagnostic strategies offers a framework for management of women with arousal disorders.

Strengths & Limitations

This nomenclature allows for basic science and clinical research in subtypes of arousal in order to develop better diagnostic and treatment options for use by clinicians, scientists, and regulatory agencies. There are limited validated measures of cognitive arousal, including the Female Sexual Function Index, the most commonly used measure, which does not effectively distinguish between cognitive excitement, genital sensations, and event-related desire.

Conclusion

Future directions include the refinement of FCAD and FGAD and development and validation of patient-reported outcomes that distinguish between the cognitive processes and genital responses to enhance clinical care and research in this area.