What is Female Sexual Dysfunction?
At any point in their lives, women can experience reoccurring problems with their sex drive. Female sexual dysfunction includes low sexual desire, orgasmic disorder, and sexual pain disorder. The good news about sexual disorders in women is that if you have one, there is a good chance there is treatment available for it.
Causes of Female Sexual Dysfunction and Diagnosis
There are numerous reasons why women become dissatisfied with sex. The factors that can attribute to female sexual dysfunction include physical, hormonal, and physical and social. For a doctor to achieve a proper diagnosis, they will need to obtain a detailed patient medical history and perform a physical examination.
The physical factors that can hinder your ability to have normal and healthy sex include:
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Pain problems
- Neurological disorders
- Urinary or bowel difficulties
- Arthritis
- Certain medications
Hormones change after giving birth and during breastfeeding, which can lead to vaginal dryness and discomfort when having sex. Lower estrogen levels after menopause can also lead to female sexual disorders because it can change the tissues in your gentiles, making sex uncomfortable.
During your appointment, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, medical history, and the medications you take. They will also perform a gynecologic exam where they will check for physical changes such as scarring, pain, and thinning of your genital tissues. They may also test your bodily fluids including:
- Urine
- Cervical swabs
- Vaginal fluid
Symptoms you May Experience
Individuals experience symptoms of female sexual disorder, but the most common symptoms include:
- Inability to achieve an orgasm
- Low or no desire to have sex
- Pain or discomfort during sex
- Inability to maintain arousal during sex
It’s important to know that you’re not alone, and there is help for your sexual problems. If your sexual dysfunction has an impact on your peace of mind or negatively affects your relationship, it’s helpful to see a doctor. After a proper diagnosis, your doctor will be able to come up with an effective treatment plan to alleviate your symptoms.
Treatment and Medications Available
Since there are numerous factors that can lead to female sexual disorders, there is a wide range of treatment options available. Many possible treatment options are simple lifestyle changes, while others include taking medications and supplements.
Female sexual disorders can have a strong impact on a woman’s life.
- Hormone therapies
- Switching medications
- Treatment for anxiety and depression
- Strengthening pelvic muscles
- Seeking help from a sex therapist
- Using proper lubrication during sexual intercourse
- Improving diet and exercise
Sexual disorders can lead to frustration and embarrassment in relationships. According to Harvard Health, it helps to have an honest discussion with your partner about the problems you face. Talking with your partner can help you determine if the problem you experience is emotional, physical, or both.
Knowing when to get help for your female sexual dysfunction disorder is important. Sexual disorders affect everyone differently, and when your symptoms become too much for you to handle, it may be time to pay a visit to your doctor. With lifestyle changes and proper medications, you notice significant changes in your sex life.
