RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To compare the sexual function of women with and without vaginal penetration difficulties (VPDs) and relate it to the sexual function of their male partners. METHODS: All consenting women attending a sexual medicine centre during 2005-2007 completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and answered questions about five VPDs (placement of a tampon, gynaecological examination, insertion of her or her partner's finger, and penile-vaginal intercourse). Male partners filled the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). RESULTS: Full data were available for 223 women, and 118 male partners. Male partners of women with VPDs (n = 53) had lower sexual desire (p = 0.0225). The number of VPDs in the women concerned negatively correlated with their partners' desire (r = - 0.18339, p = 0.0468) and erectile function (r = - 0.19848, p = 0.0312). All women with at least one VPD (n = 109) reported significantly more sexual pain (p < 0.0001) and had worse sexual function scores (p = 0.014) than women with no VPDs (n = 114). Women with VPDs other than penile-vaginal penetration had worse orgasmic functioning (p = 0.0119). CONCLUSIONS: The women's VPDs are correlated with worse sexual functioning for them and for their male partners. The five VPDs are a practical and useful tool for identifying impaired sexual functioning.
