Existing and repeatable problems with sexual response, desire, or orgasm pains that make you to be uncomfortable or hinder your relationship with your partner are known medical as sexual dysfunction.
There are lots of women that have problems with sexual function at some point in their lifetime, and some have difficulties throughout their lives. Women’s sexual dysfunction may occur at any stage of life. This can only happen in certain sexual situations or in all sexual situations.
The sexual response involves a complex interplay of physiology, emotions, experiences, beliefs, lifestyles, and relationships. Disorder of any component can affect sexual desire, excitement, or pleasure, and treatment often involves multiple approaches.
How does sexual dysfunction affect women?
The most common problems associated with sexual dysfunction in women include are listed below:
- Inhibited sexual desire. This is simply a lack of sexual desire or interest in sexual activities. There are lots of factors that have been found to play vital roles in lack of desire, including hormonal changes, medical conditions, and treatments (e.g. cancer and chemotherapy), depression, pregnancy, stress, and fatigue. Boredom coupled with regular sexual routines may also contribute to a lack of enthusiasm for sex, as can lifestyle factors, such as careers and the care of children.
- Inability to become aroused. For women, the inability to wake physically during sexual activity often involves insufficient lubrication of the vagina. This disability may also be related to anxiety or inadequate stimulation. In addition, researchers are studying how the problems of blood circulation affecting the vagina and clitoris can contribute to excitement problems.
- Lack of orgasm (anorgasmia). This is the absence of sexual climax (orgasm). This can occur as a result of a woman’s sexual inhibition, inexperience, lack of knowledge, and psychological factors such as feelings of guilt, anxiety or past trauma or sexual abuse. Other factors contributing to anorgasmia include insufficient stimulation, some medications, and chronic illnesses.
- Painful intercourse. Pain during sexual intercourse can be caused by a variety of problems including endometriosis, a pelvic mass, ovarian cyst, vaginitis, poor lubrication, and the presence of scar tissue from surgery or sexually transmitted diseases. The condition called vaginismus is a painful, involuntary spasm of the muscles which surround the vaginal entrance. This can also happen in women who are afraid that penetration is painful; they may also be the result of sexual phobia or from a past traumatic or painful experience.
Diagnosis
To diagnose female sexual dysfunction, your doctor may:
- Discuss your sexual and medical history. You may be uncomfortable talking to your doctor about these personal issues, but your sexuality is key to your well-being. The more you can be aware of your sexual history and your current problems, the better the chance of finding an effective way to treat them.
- Perform a pelvic examination. During the examination, your doctor will check for physical changes that affect your sexual pleasure such as thinning of your genital tissue, reduced skin elasticity, scarring or pain.
- Order blood tests. Your doctor may recommend blood tests to check for any basic health problems that may contribute to sexual dysfunction.
Your doctor may also refer you to a counselor or therapist who specializes in sexual and relationships problems
Treatment of sexual problems
Remember that sexual dysfunction is just a problem if you do. If you do not mind, there is no need for treatment.
Since sexual dysfunction in women has many possible symptoms and causes, treatment is different. It is important that you communicate your concerns, understand your body and your normal sexual response. Additionally, your goals for your sex life are important for choosing the treatment and whether it will work for you or not.
Women with sexual problems are most often used by a combined approach to medical, emotional and relational treatment.
Non-medical treatment of sexual dysfunction in women
- Practice healthy lifestyle habits
- Seek counseling
- Use a lubricant
- Try a device
Medical treatment for female sexual dysfunction
Effective treatment for sexual dysfunction always needs addressing an underlying medical condition or hormonal change. It can be recommended by your doctor that you should change your present medications or prescribing a new one.
Learn more about Sexual problems in women