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Cost implications of sexual dysfunction: the female picture

International Journal of Impotence Research volume 16, pages 130–134 (2004)Cite this article

Abstract

This study examined the clinical workload, outcome and direct costs of managing women with sexual dysfunction in an NHS clinic in the UK. A retrospective analysis of a 3-month period showed that of 47 referrals to the clinic, 38 undertook treatment. The therapists' assessments suggested that over 80% of patients improved on treatment. The average cost per patient was £472 (compared to £335 per annum for erectile dysfunction, which included physician's and drug costs). The average cost by type of practitioner was £278 (psychologist), £322 (physician), £532 (physician and psychologist) and £597 (sex therapist). Patients required between 1 and 51 treatment sessions, which were mainly restricted to psychological therapy. Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) represents a significant economic burden to the NHS. Further research on the potential role and cost effectiveness of pharmacological agents for FSD is warranted.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. St Mary's Hospital, London, UK

    D Goldmeier & J Green

  2. M Pharmacia, Ltd, High Wycombe, UK

    F Malik

  3. The Goffin Consultancy, Kent, UK

    R Phillips

Authors
  1. D Goldmeier
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  2. F Malik
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  3. R Phillips
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  4. J Green
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Correspondence to D Goldmeier.

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Goldmeier, D., Malik, F., Phillips, R. et al. Cost implications of sexual dysfunction: the female picture. Int J Impot Res 16, 130–134 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijir.3901179

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