Infertile women are more likely to suffer from female sexual dysfunction, according to a new study carried out by Stanford University.

The research showed that 40% of infertile women were also inclined to experience symptoms that are associated with sexual dysfunction. The exact reason for this discrepancy is unknown, but it is strongly believed by some experts that stress is a common factor.

It can be an incredibly stressful experience for a woman who is unable to conceive. This kind of anxiety could be sparking off a lack of interest in sex among infertile women.

Other factors may be to blame as well, and researchers hope that through more detailed studies, these triggers will be revealed. Experts often concede that there is a great deal more to learn about female sexual dysfunction as a condition. It is relatively ‘young’, and there is still an ongoing debate regarding the exact nature of the problem.

Recently there have been discussions about the ways in which female sexual dysfunction should be defined. This should however be made clearer come 2012, when a major US medical manual is set for revision.

It is believed that one in ten women are affected by it, and yet very little is known about FSD. This contrasts in comparison with male erectile dysfunction, which is widely acknowledged and discussed.

Another area that is up for debate at the moment is how female sexual dysfunction should be treated. Next year the first ‘female Viagra’ treatment may go on sale, if a drug called Filbanserin, produced by the drug company Boehringer Ingleheim, is approved.