(O-46) Sexual complaints in a public university sexology service: insights from an interdisciplinary care model

Abstract Introdution/Objectives In Brazil, the majority of the population (~ 70–80%) relies on the public health system (SUS). Despite the significant impact on quality of life, sexual complaints often go underdiagnosed and undertreated. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and characteristics of sexual complaints among patients attending a sexology outpatient clinic based in a public university hospital for women's health in Northeast Brazil. Methods Cross-sectional, descriptive study, based on data obtained through standardized records routinely performed, from January/2021 to May/2025. Variables included sociodemographic characteristics and aspects of sexual functioning. Exclusion criteria were age under 18 years and incomplete records. Analysis was performed using REDCap software. Results The sample included 194 patients aged 18-71 years. Sex assigned at birth: 186 female and 8 DSD. Gender identity: 189 women and 5 men. Regarding comorbidities, anxiety disorder (30.6%) and endometriosis (24.3%) were common. Most (87.9%) had not undergone previous treatment and 140 (72.2%) had acquired sexual complaints. First sexual experiences were unsatisfactory in 41.5% and occurred in the context of sexual violence in 18.3%. Regarding sexual function, spontaneous desire was impaired in 71.2%, and responsive desire preserved in 43.1%. Regarding orgasm, 64 patients mentioned it being frequent, 74 rare and 50 absent. When asked about dyspareunia, 90 patients presented it superficially (109; 55.9%) and 80 (41.1%) in depth - only 26.6% denied any painful symptoms related to sex. Conclusion Relational factors appear to play a significant role in many of the sexual complaints observed in this sample. The predominance of acquired complaints, low rates of previous treatment and psychosocial factors emphasize the need for integrated, multidisciplinary sexual health care. Financing No conflict.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
The Journal of Sexual Medicine
Published
2026-02-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdag002.045
Primary Topic
Sexual function and dysfunction studies
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

(O-46) Sexual complaints in a public university sexology service: insights from an interdisciplinary care model

D Fernandes Britto, M Carolina Freitas Muniz, M Tavares Rocha, I Parente Ribeiro Frota et al.
The Journal of Sexual Medicine
Sexual function and dysfunction studies
article

(O-46) Sexual complaints in a public university sexology service: insights from an interdisciplinary care model

D Fernandes Britto, M Carolina Freitas Muniz, M Tavares Rocha, I Parente Ribeiro Frota, H R Dias, R A C Peixoto, T L B Lima, J d S Lima
article en

Abstract

Abstract Introdution/Objectives In Brazil, the majority of the population (~ 70–80%) relies on the public health system (SUS). Despite the significant impact on quality of life, sexual complaints often go underdiagnosed and undertreated. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and characteristics of sexual complaints among patients attending a sexology outpatient clinic based in a public university hospital for women's health in Northeast Brazil. Methods Cross-sectional, descriptive study, based on data obtained through standardized records routinely performed, from January/2021 to May/2025. Variables included sociodemographic characteristics and aspects of sexual functioning. Exclusion criteria were age under 18 years and incomplete records. Analysis was performed using REDCap software. Results The sample included 194 patients aged 18-71 years. Sex assigned at birth: 186 female and 8 DSD. Gender identity: 189 women and 5 men. Regarding comorbidities, anxiety disorder (30.6%) and endometriosis (24.3%) were common. Most (87.9%) had not undergone previous treatment and 140 (72.2%) had acquired sexual complaints. First sexual experiences were unsatisfactory in 41.5% and occurred in the context of sexual violence in 18.3%. Regarding sexual function, spontaneous desire was impaired in 71.2%, and responsive desire preserved in 43.1%. Regarding orgasm, 64 patients mentioned it being frequent, 74 rare and 50 absent. When asked about dyspareunia, 90 patients presented it superficially (109; 55.9%) and 80 (41.1%) in depth - only 26.6% denied any painful symptoms related to sex. Conclusion Relational factors appear to play a significant role in many of the sexual complaints observed in this sample. The predominance of acquired complaints, low rates of previous treatment and psychosocial factors emphasize the need for integrated, multidisciplinary sexual health care. Financing No conflict.

The Journal of Sexual MedicineVol. 23(Supplement_1)
Universidade de Fortaleza (BR)
Gender equality
Openalex Percentile: Top 69%
Sexual function and dysfunction studies
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.