The main purpose of this study is to examine the requests presented by a sample of patients in an institute of clinical sexology in Rome. This study analyses the clinical reports of 380 patients, 184 women and 196 men, ages 17-70 years (mean=34.99; SD=10.767), attending the institute between 2004 and 2008. The sample was divided into groups, males and females who required consultation for themselves and subjects who asked for a couple’s consultation. The valuation methods to classify sexual dysfunctions are referred to DSM-IV-TR. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data.
The most common sexual dysfunctions in men are ED, PE, HSD (52%, 30%, 12% respectively); while women most frequently reported difficulties are vaginismus, anorgasmia, HSD (40%, 35%, 19% respectively). Couples requests are more related to Unconsummated Marriage, ED, HSD (31%, 25%, 18% respectively). Both men and women with sexual dysfunctions revealed a co-presence of psychological problems like anxiety disorder, relationship troubles, mood disorder.
Our findings revealed a partial accord to literature about the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions. The association between psychological problems and sexual difficulties confirms the need to follow an integrated approach to better manage the issues presented by patients.
