Women are Complex Creatures

With so much to do and so many different people depending on them to do it, a woman will quite often allow herself to become run down, to do too much over time and sometimes even to become less healthy than she might be. Nurturing is what most women do, but quite often they forget that in order to be the nurturing person that they are, taking care of themselves is vastly important.

Female Sexual Dysfunction Is A Serious Issue And One That Affects More Than 40% Of Women!

A sexual dysfunction problem prevents the individual or couple from experiencing satisfaction from sexual activity during the sexual response cycle. This cycle has four phases: excitement,plateau, orgasm, and resolution. While research suggests that sexual dysfunction is common (43% of women report some difficulty) it is a topicthat many people are hesitant to discuss. Fortunately, most cases of sexual dysfunction are treatable, so it is important to share your concerns with your doctor and partner.

How Does Sexual Dysfunction Affect Women?

The most common problems related to sexual dysfunction in women include:

•            Inhibited sexual desire. This involves a lack of sexual desire or interest in sex. Many factors can contribute to a lack of desire, including hormonal changes, medical conditions and treatments (for example, cancer and chemotherapy), depression, pregnancy, stress, and fatigue. Boredom with regular sexual routines also may contribute to a lack of enthusiasm for sex, as can lifestyle factors, such as careers and the care of children.

•            Inability to become aroused. For women, the inability to become physically aroused during sexual activity often involves insufficient vaginal lubrication. The inability to become aroused also may be related to anxiety or inadequate stimulation. In addition, researchers are investigating how blood flow problems affecting the vagina and clitoris may contribute to arousal problems.

•            Lack of orgasm (anorgasmia). This is the absence of sexual climax (orgasm). It can be caused by a woman’s sexual inhibition, inexperience, lack of knowledge, and psychological factors such as guilt, anxiety, or a past sexual trauma or abuse. Other factors contributing to anorgasmia include insufficient stimulation, certain medications, and chronic diseases.

•            Painful intercourse. Pain during intercourse can be caused by a number of problems, including endometriosis, a pelvic mass, ovarian cysts, vaginitis, poor lubrication, the presence of scar tissue from surgery, or a sexually transmitted disease. A condition called vaginismus is a painful, involuntary spasm of the muscles that surround the vaginal entrance. It may occur in women who fear that penetration will be painful and also may stem from a sexual phobia or from a previous traumatic or painful experience.

Do Hormones Affect Female Sexual Dysfunction?

Hormones play an important role in regulating sexual function in women. With the decrease in the female hormone estrogen that is related to aging and menopause, many women experience some changes in sexual function as they age, including poor vaginal lubrication and decreased genital sensation. Further, research suggests that low levels of the male hormone testosterone also contribute to a decline in sexual arousal, genital sensation, and orgasm. Researchers still are investigating the benefits of hormones and other medications, including drugs like Viagra, to treat sexual problems in women.

How Is Female Sexual Dysfunction Diagnosed?

To diagnose female sexual dysfunction, the doctor likely will begin with a physical exam and a thorough evaluation of symptoms. The doctor may perform a pelvic exam to evaluate the health of the reproductive organs and a Pap smear to detect changes in the cells of the cervix (to check for cancer or a pre-cancerous condition). He or she may order other tests to rule out any medical problems that may be contributing to the woman’s sexual dysfunction.

An evaluation of your attitudes regarding sex, as well as other possible contributing factors (such as fear, anxiety, past sexual trauma/abuse, relationship problems, or alcohol or drug abuse) will help the doctor understand the underlying cause of the problem and make appropriate recommendations for treatment.

How Is Female Sexual Dysfunction Treated?

The ideal approach to treating female sexual dysfunction involves a team effort between the woman, doctors, and trained therapists. Most types of sexual problems can be corrected by treating the underlying physical or psychological problems. Other treatment strategies focus on the following:

•            Providing education.

•            Enhancing stimulation.

•            Providing distraction techniques

•            Encouraging non-coital behaviors.

•            Minimizing pain.

Can Female Sexual Dysfunction Be Cured?

The success of treatment for female sexual dysfunction depends on  the underlying cause of the problem. The outlook is good for dysfunction that is related to a treatable or reversible physical condition. Mild dysfunction that is related to stress can quite often be cured simply by discussing it and sharing with a partner or doctor..