Sexual function is how the body reacts in different stages of thesexual response cycle. It is defined as the ability of an individual to react sexually or to experiencesexual pleasure.[1]
Relevant aspects of sexual function are described on the basis of a modified version ofMasters and Johnson's work.[2] The aspects of sexual function determined as being relevant to the assessment include;sexual desire,erection,orgasm andejaculation. Guidelines for assessing sexual function are suggested and divided into four stages:
Stage 1 deals with the documentation of the defined aspects of sexual function. The main questions are:
Stage 2 deals with the assessment of the frequency of different sexual activities, such as intercourse, within a given time frame. The possible explanations for an absence or a decreased frequency of sexual activities may include physiological,psychological, social,religious andethical reasons.
Stage 3 it is estimated if or to what extent waning sexual functions and/or activities cause distress.
Stage 4, the association between the distress due to waning sexual function andwell-being andemotional isolation is assessed.
These guidelines were constructed to assess male sexual function[3] in relation with treatment forprostate cancer. However, the concept has been modified and adapted for females.[4]
sexual functioning, which is defined as "a person's ability to respond sexually or to experience sexual pleasure"