TheTreatmentofSexualDysfunction.docx

The Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction: A Nurse-Based Clinic
Richard S. Ferri, PhD, ANP, ACRN, FAAN
 Jun 19, 2006
Editor's Note: 
Sexual dysfunction is defined as a persistent impairment of a couple's normal patterns of sexual interest and/or response. [1] Sexual dysfunction is the general term for all male or female sexual problems including desire disorders, orgasmic disorders, rapid/premature or delayed ejaculation, sexual pain disorders, erectile dysfunction, sexual response disorders, and curvature of the penis (Peyronie's disease). However, like many sexual concerns, it is often plicated clinical and psychosocial condition that frequently is avoided due to patient and clinician embarrassment.
Although healthcare professionals believe sexuality issues are important, they are often not likely to address these issues with patients. Some would argue that many patients needlessly do not receive the appropriate diagnosis and treatments of their condition and that their quality of life is diminished.
At Northwestern Memorial Hospital (NMH) in Chicago, Illinois, Jeff Albaugh, MS, RN-APN, S, Clinical Nurse Specialist, (see Figure 1) has been instrumental in addressing sexual dysfunction problems with patients in the Sexual Dysfunction Clinic since 1994. Through a collaborative effort with urologists, Jeff and colleagues took on the challenge of diagnosing and treating patients