Sexual Dysfunctions in Women
What is Sexual Dysfunction?Sexual dysfunction is a medical term for experiencing problems with sex by either men or women.There are 4 kinds of sexual problems in women. -Desire disorders - When you are not interested in having sex or have less desire for sex than you used to. -Arousal disorders - When you don't feel a sexual response in your body or you cannot stay sexually aroused. -Orgasmic disorders - When you can't have an orgasm or you have pain during orgasm. -Sexual pain disorders - When you have pain during or after sex. What Causes Sexual Dysfunction?Many things can cause problems in your sex life, including certain medicines (such as oral contraceptives and chemotherapy drugs), diseases (such as diabetes or high blood pressure), excessive alcohol use or vaginal infections. Depression, relationship problems or abuse (current or past abuse) can also cause sexual dysfunction.You may have less sexual desire during pregnancy, right after childbirth or when you are breastfeeding. After menopause many women feel less sexual desire, have vaginal dryness or have pain during sex due to hormonal changes, for example a decrease in estrogen. The stresses of everyday life can also impact your ability to have sex. Being tired from a busy job or caring for young children may affect your sexual desire. You may also be bored by a long-standing sexual routine.
DiagnosisThe 7 most common sexual dysfunctions in women can be treated with a combination of sex therapy and medical intervention. The first step, however, is proper diagnosis.1. Lack of libido or loss of sexual desireThis is characterised by a lack of pleasure in anticipating sexual activity or a low urge to engage in sexual activity. You may still be able to get aroused and enjoy sex when it occurs, but your lack of desire makes initiation of sexual intercourse less likely.Loss of desire may be situational (only with a particular partner) or total. If it’s total, a thorough medical examination to rule out physical causes is essential. These may include chronic pain, hormonal imbalances, or the effect of drugs and alcohol. If desire is the problem, try changing your usual routine. Try having sex at different times of the day, or try a different sexual position. Read the section on libido for strategies to increase your sex drive. 2. Sexual aversionThis involves strong negative feelings and intense anxiety at the idea of sexual intercourse. Sexual aversion is one of the sexual dysfunctions that will cause you to do whatever you can to avoid sexual intercourse completely.3. Lack of sexual enjoymentIt is quite common for women to lack sexual enjoyment, despite the fact that sexual responses occur naturally and you’re able to reach an orgasm.4. Failure of genital responseOne of the main problems with genital response in women is dryness of the vagina. An inability to lubricate may stem from psychological factors such as anxiety, and is often aggravated by other factors related to sexual dysfunctions, or medical problems such as infections or oestrogen deficiency (amongst post-menopausal women).Try using a vaginal cream or sexual lubricant for dryness. If you have gone through menopause, talk to your doctor about taking estrogen or using an estrogen cream. 5. Orgasmic dysfunctionSexual arousal proceeds normally but orgasm is delayed or doesn’t occur at all. If the problem is situational (only occurs in specific situations or with a specific partner), it is likely that there is a psychological cause since orgasm occurs normally at other times.If the difficulty is total (occurs in all sexual situations and with all partners), there may be a variety of causes, including psychological, medical, and pharmalogical. Some medications, notably certain anti-depressants and birth control pills, inhibit sexual desire and/or delay orgasm. If you have a problem having an orgasm, you may not be getting enough foreplay or stimulation before actual intercourse begins. Extra stimulation (before you have sex with your partner) with a vibrator may be helpful. You might need rubbing or stimulation for up to an hour before having sex. Many women don't have an orgasm during intercourse. If you want an orgasm with intercourse, you or your partner may want to gently stroke your clitoris. Masturbation may also be helpful, as it can help you learn what techniques work best for you. One of the most effective treatment strategies for anorgasmia is a directed masturbation program. 6. VaginismusIf you suffer from vaginismus, penetration is painful or impossible due to restriction of the vaginal opening. This is caused by spasms of the pelvic floor muscles which surround the vagina. The spasms usually develop in response to fearful thoughts and anxiety. You can read more about this in the section on vaginismus.7. DyspareuniaDyspareunia is painful sexual intercourse due to medical or psychological causes. The pain can be in the genital area or deep inside the pelvis. The pain is often described as sharp, burning or similar to menstrual cramps.If you're having pain during sex, try different positions. When you are on top, you have more control over penetration and movement. Emptying your bladder before you have sex, using extra lubrication or taking a warm bath before sex all may help. If you still have pain during sex, talk to your doctor. He or she can help you find the cause of your pain and decide what treatment is best for you.
Self-HelpThere are strategies that you can use to help yourself set out in the sections on sex therapy , as well as how to be your own sex therapist. It's vital for you to know that most of these conditions are treatable, so please see your medical practitioner and mental health professional if symptoms persist.(From Sexual Dysfunctions) (Back To Sex Problems) (Back to Sex Therapy) (Be Your Own Sex Therapist) (Back to Home Page)
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