[Questionnaires in sexual medicine].

INTRODUCTION

Screening, diagnosis and assessment of the management of male and female sexual dysfunctions have been greatly improved by the scientific development of self-administered questionnaires. Their use became the rule in clinical trials and epidemiological surveys. Nevertheless, their routine use has not yet become part of daily urological practice. Even if these tools replace neither the patient interview and medical history and the psychological and social context of the sexual behavior, nor clinical examination, they are of great assistance for determining management and are also highly reliable.

METHODS

Medical literature was reviewed and combined with expert opinion of the author.

RESULTS

We present here several questionnaires which have been validated in their French version with the methodology for the calculation of the scores. The International Index of Erectile Function (15 items) and two abbreviated versions, the Erectile Function domain (six items) and the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (five questions) are mainly of use for patients with erectile dysfunction. They provide a robust classification of the severity of the condition. The Premature Ejaculation Profile (four questions) is used for patients with premature ejaculation. It describes premature ejaculation with the following criteria: time to ejaculation, control over ejaculation, the level of distress. The Male Health Sexual Questionnaire (25 questions) provides with a wider and more comprehensive approach to male sexuality of male sexuality including: erection, ejaculation, desire and satisfaction. This questionnaire is particularly useful to investigate ejaculatory disorders. Lastly, the Female Sexual Function Index (19 questions) is the tool of choice for female sexuality with questions regarding desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain.

CONCLUSION

Validated, user-friendly questionnaires are available in French language for the diagnosis and the follow-up of sexual dysfunctions in both men and women.