Female Sexual Dysfunction

Sexual dysfunction can happen to both men and women. When we say sexual dysfunction, we generally refer to a problem during any of the phases of the sexual response cycle of an individual. The problem normally prevents the person suffering from dysfunction from getting complete satisfaction from the sexual act.

There can be a number of causes of sexual dysfunction including physical causes, psychological causes and environmental causes. Physical conditions can also include medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, neurological disorders, hormonal imbalances, menopause, etc. Side effects of certain drugs can also affect sexual functions and libido.

Among the psychological causes are generally included work-related stress and anxiety, lack of sexual confidence, relationship problems, feelings of guilt, or depression. Environmental factors can cover pollution as well as work related exposure to extreme heat or cold.

What is female sexual dysfunction?

Most of the time we hear talks about male sexual dysfunction; female sexual dysfunction gets largely ignored. However women too can suffer from sexual dysfunction and this can affect them in a big way too. Some of the most common issues that cause female sexual dysfunction include:

Lack of/suppressed sexual desire: In everyday terms, we describe this as a woman being cold. A woman can suffer from sexual dysfunction when she does not have any interest in or desire for sex. Such a condition can be causes by a number of factors including hormonal changes, medical conditions and treatments (such as cancer and chemotherapy), depression, pregnancy, stress and fatigue. Life factors, careers, as well as boredom can also cause this effect.

Lack of sexual arousal: This would normally happen when a woman does not get sufficient vaginal lubrication during sexual activity. The major reasons behind such a happening would be anxiety or inadequate stimulation. If a woman is afraid of the sexual act or is not sure about her partner, she might suffer from lack of sexual arousal.

Inability to achieve orgasm (anorgasmia): This refers to the inability to reach sexual climax or climax being extremely delayed. Causes for anorgasmia sexual inhibition, lack of experience or knowledge about the act, or psychological factors like guilt, and anxiety. Past sexual trauma or abuse can also lead to this condition.

Painful intercourse (dysparenuia): Many women suffer from pain during intercourse on account of various conditions including endometriosis, pelvic mass, ovarian cysts, vaginitis, poor lubrication, the presence of scar tissue from surgery and sexually transmitted diseases. Some women who fear that penetration may be painful may also suffer from a painful, involuntary spasm of the muscles surrounding the vaginal entrance – a condition known as vaginismus.

Can female sexual dysfunction be diagnosed and treated?

Yes it is possible to diagnose and treat female sexual dysfunction. It usually involves a thorough examination and evaluation of all symptoms. Tests such as a pelvic examination, Pap as well as other diagnostic tests can also help with diagnosis. Other contributing factors such as fear, anxiety, past sexual trauma/abuse, relationship problems, substance abuse etc. can be determined through psychological evaluation to get an idea about the person’s attitude towards sex and thereby determine the underlying factors causing the problem.

There are a number of treatments available for female sexual dysfunction. These involve correcting and treating the underlying physical or psychological problems behind the condition. Other methods include education, counseling, stimulation enhancement as well as distraction techniques.

One of the best methods of treating female sexual dysfunction is hormone therapy. Hormones play a major role in regulating sexual functions in women. Most women face a drop in estrogen levels as they age. Menopause brings about a sharp drop in hormone production level and this can badly affect sexual function and libido. Hysterectomy and removal of the ovaries can also play havoc on hormone production and cause female sexual dysfunction.

In all such conditions the best method of treatment turns out to be hormone replacement therapy (HRT). There are a number of medications available for HRT. One of the latest and best medications to be introduced is Intrinsa testosterone patches. This transdermal treatment method works by providing a steady, continuous supply of testosterone to the woman, thereby affecting changes in her libido and sexual drive.

Intrinsa testosterone patches are now approved for prescription sale in the UK and are available online through 121doc.co.uk. If you are suffering from female sexual dysfunction and libido problems, you too can do a consultation and place an order for Intrinsa testosterone patches (if approved) and get your sexual life back!!