A Short Summary of Female Sexual Dysfunctions

As many as one in five women experience problems with sexual function at some point, and some have difficulties throughout their lives. Female sexual dysfunction can occur at any stage of 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. The so-called biopsychosocial approach.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on what type of sexual dysfunction you are experiencing:
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (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 cannot become aroused or maintain arousal during sexual activity.

Orgasmic disorders. You have persistent or recurrent difficulty achieving orgasm after sufficient sexual arousal and ongoing stimulation.

Sexual Pain Disorders: Pain associated with sexual stimulation or penetration. For instance, Vaginismus, Dyspareunia, Vulvodynia and others.

Causes

Sexual problems often develop when your hormones are in flux, such as after having a baby or during menopause. Major illnesses, such as cancer, diabetes, or heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease, can also contribute to sexual dysfunction.

Factors — often interrelated — that contribute to sexual dissatisfaction or dysfunction may also include:

Physical: Many medical conditions, including cancer, kidney failure, multiple sclerosis, heart disease and bladder problems, can lead to sexual dysfunction. Certain medications, including antidepressants, blood pressure, contraceptives, antihistamines, and chemotherapy drugs, can decrease your sexual desire and your body's ability to experience orgasm and/or climax.

Hormonal: Lower oestrogen levels after menopause may lead to changes in your genital tissues and sexual responsiveness. A decrease in oestrogen leads to decreased blood flow to the pelvic region, which can result in less genital sensation and more time to build arousal and reach orgasm. The vaginal lining also becomes thinner and less elastic, particularly if you are not sexually active. These factors can lead to painful intercourse (dyspareunia). Sexual desire also decreases when hormonal levels decrease. Your body's hormone levels also shift after birth and during breastfeeding, which can lead to vaginal dryness and affect your desire to have sex. It is always imperative to test your Testosterone level, especially where low libido and orgasmic problems are concerned.

Psychological and social: Untreated anxiety or depression can cause or contribute to sexual dysfunction, as can long-term stress and a history of sexual abuse. The worries of pregnancy and demands of being a new mother may have similar effects. Long-standing conflicts with your partner — about sex or other aspects of your relationship — can diminish your sexual responsiveness as well. Cultural and religious issues, guilt and shame and problems with body image may also hurt sexual functioning.

Risk factors

Some factors may increase your risk of sexual dysfunction:

• Depression or anxiety

• Heart and blood vessel disease

• Neurological conditions, such as spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis

• Gynaecological conditions, such as vulvovaginal atrophy, infections, or lichen sclerosis

• Certain medications, such as antidepressants or high blood pressure medications

• Emotional or psychological stress, especially concerning your relationship with your p artner

• A history of sexual abuse

There is help! If sexual problems affect your relationship or worry you, make an appointment with a certified, registered, credible sexologist for an assessment.