What You Need to Know about Female Sexual Dysfunction

Updated on January 28, 2020

Sexual dysfunction can be understood as a problem that occurs at any stage of the sexual response cycle and prevents a couple or an individual from enjoying or experiencing satisfaction from sex. Sexual dysfunction is quite a prevalent issue, especially among women. About 43 percent of all women suffer from the problem. However, sexual dysfunction is an issue a lot of people are unwilling to discuss. This is because many people think that it is embarrassing. However, if you are struggling with female sexual dysfunction, it is imperative for you to know that, with the assistance of a Lafayette OB/GYN, the issue is treatable. Below are some important things that you should know about female sexual dysfunction.

Types of Sexual Dysfunction

There are four main categories of female sexual dysfunction:

  • Desire Disorders: These disorders have to do with lack of interest in sex or sexual desire
  • Arousal Disorders: This problem has to do with difficulty or inability to get physically aroused or excited during sex.
  • Orgasm disorders: This issue has to do with the inability to achieve sexual orgasm
  • Pain disorders: This issue has to with experiencing pain, instead of pleasure, during sexual intercourse.

Who Can Be Affected?

Female sexual dysfunction can affect any woman. However, it is most prevalent among women above the age of 40. This can be explained by declining health and disrupted hormonal levels that are associated with aging.

Symptoms of Female Sexual Dysfunction

Female sexual dysfunction can be associated with a number of symptoms. Some of the most common ones include:

  • Lack of desire for sex
  • Being unable to become aroused
  • Inadequate vaginal lubrication
  • Difficulty achieving orgasm
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Being unable to relax vaginal muscles to enable sexual intercourse

Causes of Female Sexual Dysfunction

There are several factors that can cause sexual dysfunction. Some of them include:

  • Physical Factors: medical conditions such as kidney failure, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, and bladder problems can lead to sexual dysfunctions. Some medications can also make it difficult or even impossible for you to achieve orgasm.
  • Hormonal Factors: decreased levels of hormones, such as estrogen, can reduce the flow of blood to the pelvic area, which can lead to a low genital sensation
  • Social and Psychological Disorders: Mental issues such as untreated stress, depression, and anxiety can lead to sexual dysfunction. Social issues, such as being in an abusive relationship, can impair your ability to enjoy sexual intercourse.

Risk Factors for Sexual Dysfunction

Some of the risk factors for sexual dysfunction include:

  • Anxiety and depression
  • Having a history of physical and sexual dysfunction
  • Use of some medications, such as antidepressants
  • Having a gynecological issue such as lichen sclerosis or infections
  • Problems with the blood circulatory system

The Bottom Line

Overall, it is apparent that there are a number of issues that can cause female sexual dysfunction. There are also a number of factors that can increase your chances of suffering from female sexual dysfunction. If you are suffering from the issue, and it is bothering you, you can talk to a reliable Lafayette OB/GYN for diagnosis and treatment.

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