Genital self-image as a component of sexual health: relationship between genital self-image, female sexual function, and quality of life measures

Abstract

Thirty-one patients completed a Genital Self-Image Scale along with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI; Rosen et al., 2000), Sexual Distress Scale (Derogatis et al., 2001), Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen et al., 1983), Golombok Rust Inventory of Marital State (Rust et al., 1986) Questionnaire, and Beck's Depression Inventory (Beck et al., 1988). A positive genital self-image correlated negatively with amount of sexual distress and depression but not with marital state, perceived stress, or overall sexual function. A positive genital self-image was associated with higher desire but not with arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, or absence of pain on the FSFI. Although not correlated directly with sexual function, genital self-image appears to be associated with parameters of the overall sexual experience.