Published in:
01-12-2020 | Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause | Female Sexual Dysfunction and Disorder (A Stanton & T Lorenz, Section Editor)
Mind-Body-Spirit Model for the Medical Management of Female Sexual Well-Being
Authors:
Tierney Lorenz, Nicola Finley
Published in:
Current Sexual Health Reports
|
Issue 4/2020
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Abstract
Purpose of Review
Although healthcare providers are increasingly interested in addressing their female patient’s sexual well-being in a holistic fashion, most do not receive training in how to conceptualize the complex interactions between mind, body, and spirit that drive health and wellness, let alone how to apply empirical data in any of these dimensions to their individual patients. Here, we present a simple mind-body-spirit model, grounded in an integrative medicine approach, to help translate research on sexual functioning and satisfaction into a shared decision-making plan for the management and enhancement of women’s sexual wellness.
Recent Findings
In considering the dimensions of physical and behavioral health, spirituality, and sensuality, physicians can help women orient to the ways in which their sexual healthcare can address their core values and connection to others, which in turn can improve sexual satisfaction. The application of the model is outlined in a case study.
Summary
Too often female sexual well-being is not discussed in the medical setting and this mind-body-spirit model is a tool that health care providers could use to address this important aspect of well-being.