If you have persistent, recurrent problems with sexual response or desire — and if these problems are making you distressed or straining your relationship with your partner — what you're experiencing is known medically as female sexual dysfunction.
Female sexual dysfunction isn't uncommon — many women experience problems with sexual function at some point in their lives. Female sexual dysfunction can be a lifelong problem, or it can happen later in life after you've experienced a period of satisfactory functioning.
Female sexual dysfunction has many possible symptoms and causes. Fortunately, they're almost all treatable. Communicating your concerns and understanding your body and its normal response to sexual activity are important steps toward gaining sexual satisfaction.
Symptoms
You can develop female sexual dysfunction at any age, but sexual problems often happen when your hormones are in flux — for example, after having a baby or during menopause. Sexual concerns may also occur with major illness, such as cancer or cardiovascular disease.
Your problems might be classified as female sexual dysfunction if you experience one or more of the following and you're distressed about it:
· Your desire to have sex is low or absent.
· You can't maintain arousal during sexual activity, or you don't become aroused despite a
desire to have sex.
desire to have sex.
· You cannot experience an orgasm.
· You have pain during sexual contact.
When to see a doctor
If sexual problems are undermining your relationship or disrupting your peace of mind, make an appointment with your doctor for evaluation.
If sexual problems are undermining your relationship or disrupting your peace of mind, make an appointment with your doctor for evaluation.
Causes
Several factors may contribute to sexual dissatisfaction or dysfunction. These factors tend to be interrelated.
· Physical. Physical conditions that may cause or contribute to sexual problems include arthritis, urinary or bowel difficulties, pelvic surgery, fatigue, headaches, other pain problems, and neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis. Certain medications, including some antidepressants, blood pressure medications, antihistamines and chemotherapy drugs, can decrease your sex drive and your body's ability to experience orgasm.
· Hormonal. Lower estrogen levels after the menopausal transition may lead to changes in your genital tissues and your sexual responsiveness. The folds of skin that cover your genital region (labia) become thinner, exposing more of the clitoris. This increased exposure sometimes reduces the sensitivity of the clitoris, or may cause an unpleasant tingling or prickling sensation.
In addition, the vaginal lining becomes thinner and less elastic, particularly if you're not sexually active. At the same time, the vagina requires more stimulation to relax and lubricate before intercourse. These factors can lead to painful intercourse (dyspareunia), and experiencing orgasm may take longer.
Your body's hormone levels also shift after giving birth and during breast-feeding, which can lead to vaginal dryness and can affect your desire to have sex.
· Psychological and social. Untreated anxiety or depression can cause or contribute to sexual dysfunction, as can long-term stress. The worries of pregnancy and demands of being a new mother may have similar effects. Longstanding conflicts with your partner — about sex or any other aspect of your relationship — can diminish your sexual responsiveness as well. Cultural and religious issues and problems with your own body image also may contribute.
Emotional distress can be both a cause and a result of sexual dysfunction. Regardless of where the cycle began, you usually need to address relationship issues for treatment to be effective.
Risk factors
Some factors may increase your risk of sexual dysfunction:
· Depression or anxiety
· Cardiovascular disease
· Neurologic conditions, such as spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis
· Liver or kidney failure
· Certain medications, such as antidepressants or high blood pressure medications
· Emotional or psychological stress, especially with regard to your relationship with your
partner
partner
· A history of sexual abuse
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