What Is Female Sexual Dysfunction? | HealthInfi

A sexual problem, or sexual dysfunction, refers to a problem during any phase of the sexual response cycle that prevents the individual or couple from experiencing satisfaction from the sexual activity. The sexual response cycle has four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.

While research suggests that sexual dysfunction is common (43% of women and 31% of men report some degree of difficulty), it is a topic that many people are hesitant or embarrassed to discuss. Fortunately, most cases of sexual dysfunction are treatable, so it is important to share your concerns with your partner and doctor.

Persistent, recurrent problems with sexual response, desire, orgasm or pain — that distress you or strain your relationship with your partner — are known medically as female sexual dysfunction.

Many women experience problems with sexual function at some point. Female sexual dysfunction can occur at any stage of life. It can be lifelong or be acquired later in life. It can occur only in certain sexual situations or in all sexual situations.

Sexual response involves a complex interplay of physiology, emotions, experiences, beliefs, lifestyle and relationships. Disruption of any component can affect sexual desire, arousal or satisfaction, and treatment often involves more than one approach.

What Causes Sexual Dysfunction?

Sexual dysfunction can be a result of a physical or psychological problem.

• Physical causes. Many physical and/or medical conditions can cause problems with sexual function. These conditions include diabetes, heart disease, neurological diseases, hormonal imbalances, menopause plus such chronic diseases as kidney disease or liver failure, and alcoholism or drug abuse. In addition, the side effects of certain medications, including some antidepressant drugs, can affect sexual desire and function.
• Psychological causes. These include work-related stress and anxiety, concern about sexual performance, marital or relationship problems, depression, feelings of guilt, or the effects of a past sexual trauma.

Symptoms

Your symptoms will depend on the type or types of female sexual dysfunction you have:

• Low sexual desire. This most common of female sexual dysfunctions involves a lack of sexual interest and willingness to be sexual.
• Sexual arousal disorder. Your desire for sex might be intact, but you have difficulty with arousal or are unable to become aroused or maintain arousal during sexual activity.
• Orgasmic disorder. You have persistent or recurrent difficulty in achieving orgasm after sufficient sexual arousal and ongoing stimulation.
• Sexual pain disorder. You have pain associated with sexual stimulation or vaginal contact.

Pain during sex

Vaginismus

Pain during sex – also called dyspareunia – can be a result of vaginismus.

Vaginismus is when muscles in or around the vagina go into spasm, making sexual intercourse painful or impossible. It can be very upsetting and distressing.

It can occur if the woman associates sex with pain or being “wrong”, or if she’s had vaginal trauma, such as childbirth or an episiotomy.

It can also stem from relationship problems, fear of pregnancy, or painful conditions of the vagina and the surrounding area.

It can be treated by focusing on sex education, counselling and using vaginal trainers, also known as vaginal dilators.

Vaginal trainers are cylindrical shapes that are inserted into the vagina. A woman will gradually use larger sizes until the largest size can be inserted comfortably. Some women may wish to try using their fingers instead.

Sex after menopause

Pain during sex is common after the menopause as oestrogen levels fall and the vagina feels dry.

This can affect a woman’s desire for sex, but there are lubrication creams that can help. Ask your GP or pharmacist.

Find out more about sex after menopause.Read More