Female Sexual Dysfunction

Health-care providers are known to consistently fail to recognize the sexual problems of their female patients. A general stigma surrounds communication about sex. Cultural embarrassment and avoidance of discussions about female sexual dysfunction in the clinical environment are the most common barriers preventing providers and patients from talking about sex. In addition, discussion and diagnosis can be overshadowed by the presence of comorbid illnesses of higher perceived priority, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, multiple sclerosis, and depression. These conditions and others may even play a causal role in Female Sexual Dysfunction and its sequelae. Unrecognized, sexual dysfunctions can be detrimental to quality of life and potentially can have health-related economic consequences.

A substantial body of research has explored the role of interpersonal factors in female sexual dysfunction among women, particularly in relation to orgasmic response. These studies have largely focused on the impact of the quality of the relationship on the sexual functioning of the partners. Some studies have evaluated the role of specific relationship variables, whereas others have examined overall relationship satisfaction. Some studies have explored events; others have focused on attitudes as an empirical measure of relationship functioning. Subject populations have varied from distressed couples to female sexual dysfunction clients to those in satisfied relationships.

Estimates of the percentage of female sexual dysfunction attributable to physical factors have ranged from 30% to 80%. The disorders most likely to result in sexual dysfunction are those that lead to problems in circulatory or neurological function. These factors have been more extensively explored in men than in women. Physical etiologies such as neurological and cardiovascular illnesses have been directly implicated in both premature and retarded ejaculation as well as in erectile disorder (Hawton 1993), but the contribution of physiological factors to female sexual dysfunction is not so clear. However, recent literature does suggest that there may be an impairment in the arousal phase among diabetic women. Given that diabetic women show a significant variability in their response to this medical disorder, it is not surprising that the disease’s influence on arousal is also highly variable. In fact, the lack of a clear association between medical disorders and female sexual dysfunction suggests that psychological factors play a significant part in the impact of these disorders on sexual functioning

Hormones play an important role in regulating female sexual dysfunction 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 AMI Australia, to treat sexual problems in women.

At each stage of your life, you may experience changes in sexual desire, arousal and satisfaction or female sexual dysfunction. Accepting these changes and exploring new aspects of your sexuality during times of transition contribute to positive sexual experiences. Understanding your body and what makes for a healthy sexual response can help, too. The more you and your partner know about the physical aspects of your body and how it works, the better able you'll be to find ways to ease female sexual dysfunction. Ask your doctor about how things like aging, illnesses, pregnancy, menopause and medicines might affect your sex life.

Many things can cause problems in your sex life. Certain medicines (such as oral contraceptives and chemotherapy drugs), diseases (such as diabetes or high blood pressure), excessive alcohol use or vaginal infections can cause sexual problems. Depression, relationship problems or abuse (current or past abuse) can also cause female 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 a decrease in estrogen (a hormone in the body).