Sexual Dysfunction
Overview
Female sexual dysfunction can make it difficult for a woman to enjoy satisfying sex. It might impair your capacity for arousal, orgasms, and pain-free sex. There are both physical and psychological causes. About 30% to 40% of women experience sexual dysfunction. The main grievance is a lack of desire. Sex issues can afflict women at any phase of life, but they tend to worsen with age. Sexual dysfunction can be either transient or persistent.
What is female sexual dysfunction?
An individual or couple may experience sexual dysfunction. It refers to any issue that interferes with enjoyment during the sexual response cycle. These four phases make up this cycle:
Arousal
Resolution
Orgasm
Motivation
Types of sexual dysfunction in women
Women’s sexual dysfunction is a condition that has many different forms and causes. It can happen before, during, or even the following sex. The following issues are the most typical ones caused by sexual dysfunction:
- Anorgasmia: A condition that prevents an orgasm from occurring.
- Dyspareunia: Sex-related pain.
- Sexual arousal disorder:
- Difficulty arousing.
- Low libido or a lack of sexual desire is a symptom of hypoactive sexual drive disease.
Causes of sexual dysfunction in women
Women may experience sexual dysfunction due to psychological and physical causes. While the psychological causes include stress, depression, past sexual or physical abuse and relationship turmoils, the physical aspects include:
Certain drugs and therapies: Some drugs impact sexual performance. Antidepressants may lessen your desire for sex or your capacity for orgasms. SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are particularly prone to have negative effects on sexual function. Hormone levels can be impacted negatively by chemotherapy and other cancer treatments.
Blood flow disorders: Blood flow to some areas of the female reproductive system may be impeded due to blood flow disorders. Sexual arousal requires increased blood flow to the labia, clitoris, and vagina.
Hormonal imbalance: Changes in hormone levels can lead to vaginal dryness or atrophy, which can make intercourse uncomfortable. The reduced vaginal sensation is another effect of low oestrogen levels. Hormone levels can be impacted by pregnancy, surgery, and menopause.
Certain medical conditions: Many medical issues can make it difficult for you to enjoy sex. These include heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. A good sexual encounter may also be hindered by drug or alcohol addiction or misuse.
Gynecologic conditions: Ovarian cysts, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and vaginitis are a few gynecologic diseases that might hurt during sex. Intercourse can also be difficult for those who have vaginismus, a disorder that causes spasms in the vaginal muscles.