The study will begin with a detailed medical history in which the characteristics of the sexual disorder must be taken into account (date it began, accompanying circumstances, other disorders of the sexual function, etc), illnesses (diabetes, depression, anaemia, kidney disease, neurological diseases or lesions, hormonal and vascular disorders, etc) and medical treatments (anti-depressants, etc) or surgical treatments (hysterectomy, laminectomy, vascular bypass, etc) which may affect female sexual function, details of first sexual experiences, factors relating to partner (type of relationship, sexual dysfunctions, sexual activity, etc), social and psychological factors, as well as the degree to which the problem is affecting the patient and availability for possible diagnostic studies and treatments.
The physical examination may highlight certain problems that interfere with sexual function such as disorders of the genitals, infections, etc.
After the first appointment and the possible detection of problems, it is advisable to look into the psychological aspects in greater depth, due to their enormous influence on female sexual function, as well as the sexual education of the patient and her partner.
In a great majority of cases, a general and hormonal (androgens, ovarian and adrenal, oestrogens, FSH, LH, etc.) analytical study is recommended, as well as certain vascular (photoplethysmography, Doppler, etc) and neurological studies.