Analysis

The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) is a widely used assessment tool designed to measure various dimensions of sexual function in women. It includes questions that examine six key domains: desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain during sexual activity. The FSFI has been designed to identify dysfunctions and problems in sexual function and to provide an overall picture of sexual well-being.

Purpose

The main purpose of the FSFI is to provide a detailed assessment of sexual function and satisfaction in women. The tool is used for the evaluation of sexual dysfunctions, monitoring changes in function over time, and assessing the effects of treatments or interventions.

Scoring

The scoring of the FSFI is carried out through a Likert scale, where participants respond to questions about their sexual function during the most recent period (usually the past month). Responses are typically rated from 0 (never) to 5 (always), or with other quantitative scales depending on the question. Each assessment domain is combined to give an overall score of sexual function.

References

Rosen, R. C., Brown, C., Heiman, J. R., Leiblum, S., Meston, C., & Shabsigh, R. (2000). The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI): A multidimensional self-report instrument for the assessment of female sexual function. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 26(2), 191–208.
Wiegel, M., Meston, C. M., & Rosen, R. C. (2005). The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI): Cross-validation and development of clinical cutoff scores. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 31(1), 1–20.
Meston, C. M., & Buss, D. M. (2007). Why humans have sex. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 36(4), 477–507.