A brief mindfulness-based intervention was effective for improving sexual functioning. Geographic restrictions permitted only a select sample of survivors to participate, thus, the generalizability of the findings is limited. Future studies should aim to develop online modalities for treatment administration to overcome this limitation.

Overall the findings suggest some important differences in the characteristics of women with primary versus secondary PVD which may have management-related implications.

Conflicting data exist regarding the sexual arousal patterns of post-operative male-to-female (MTF) women with Gender Identity Disorder. The purpose of this study was to examine objective and subjective aspects of the sexual arousal response using a vaginal photoplethysmograph. Fifteen MTF women viewed neutral and erotic audiovisual film segments while their blood flow patterns were monitored. Subjective measures of affect and sexual arousal were taken before and immediately after the films. There was a significant increase in self-reported subjective arousal, perceived genital arousal, perceived autonomic arousal, and positive affect; however, movement artefacts interfered with our assessment of the genital arousal response. MTF women reported both low levels of pain and low levels of awareness of the vaginal probe during testing. These data are discussed in the context of differences in pelvic musculature between natal and new women and have implications for future studies that aim to measure sexual arousal objectively in MTF women.Keywords: Gender identity disorder, male-to-female transsexual, sex reassignment surgery, vaginal photoplethysmography, sexual arousal Gender Identity Disorder (GID) is diagnosed when an individual experiences (1) a strong, persistent cross-gender identification (not merely a desire for any perceived cultural advantages of being the other sex), and (2) a significant discomfort with his or her sex or a sense of inappropriateness in the gender role of that sex (termed gender dysphoria) [1]. GID should be distinguished from Transvestic Fetishisma form of cross-dressing that the DSM-IV-TR describes as often being associated with intense sexual fantasies or sexual urges. In a small number of individuals with transvestic fetishism, there is also the persistent desire to live and dress permanently as the opposite sex, in which case the diagnosis becomes Transvestic Fetishism with Gender Dysphoria.Views on GID have changed considerably over the last three decades, from attempting to ''treat'' individuals with the disorder through various behavioural therapies [2,3], to focusing on quality of life via surgical techniques that preserve sexual function [4,5]. The Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association was established in 1978 to provide Standards of Care for health professionals treating individuals with GID. According to the Standards of Care published in 1998 [6], Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS) is considered to be ''effective. . .when prescribed or recommended by qualified practitioners, is medically indicated, and [is] medically necessary''. Research on the long-term results of SRS in individuals with GID includes studies examining physical function [7], psychological function [8], and satisfaction with surgery [9]. For example, a large retrospective study on 232 male-to-female (MTF) women at least one year following SRS indicated that 96% were happy with the surgical results and 97% experienced improved quality of life as a result [5]. Moreover, no individuals rep...

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