WHAT IS FEMALE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION?
Female sexual dysfunction is a prevalent issue. Nearly half of all women experience ongoing sex-related issues, such as low or nonexistent libido desire, difficulty eliciting an orgasm, or discomfort during sexual activity. Your body, mind, health, beliefs, and feelings for your partner are just a few of the things that go into having satisfying sex. Here are some potential reasons why there may be issues in your sexual life. Pain during sexual activity, painful spasms of the muscles around the vagina, lack of interest in (or desire for) sex, and issues with arousal or orgasm are all examples of sexual dysfunction.
Sexual dysfunction is any difficulty a person or their partners have at any time during a sexual activity that is considered to be normal, including during the physical pleasure, desire, preference, arousal, or orgasm phases. Sexual dysfunction is described by the World Health Organization as “a person’s inability to participate in a sexual relationship as they would like. This definition is ambiguous and has a wide range of applications. According to the DSM-5, a person must experience severe suffering and interpersonal strain for at least six months in order to be diagnosed with sexual dysfunction (except for substance- or medication-induced sexual dysfunction). An individual’s perception of the quality of his or her sexual life can be significantly impacted by sexual dysfunction. [3] The phrase “sexual disorder” can relate to paraphilias as well as actual sexual dysfunction; this is sometimes called a disorder of sexual preferences.
TYPES OF FEMALE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION:
Female sexual dysfunction can be subdivided into four types
- Sexual desire disorder
- Sexual arousal disorder
- Sexual orgasmic disorder
- Sexual pain disorders
Sexual Desire disorder: Lacks of sexual desire, libido for sexual activity, or long-lasting sexual fantasies are characteristics of sexual desire disorders or diminished libido. From a general lack of sexual desire to a lack of desire for the current partner, the disease might exist. A period of sexual function may have preceded the onset of the disease, or the person may have always experienced a lack of or a less intense level of sexual desire. The causes are numerous and diverse, but some of them include a decrease in the amount of natural estrogen produced by women or testosterone produced by both men and women. Other factors include aging, weariness, pregnancy, drugs (such as SSRIs), or mental health issues including sadness and anxiety. However, just a few of the various reasons for poor sexual desire are addressed.
Sexual Arousal disorder: The phrases frigidity in women and sexual arousal disorders, which were once used interchangeably, have been superseded. The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders divides sexual dysfunction into four categories: lack of desire, lack of arousal, discomfort during intercourse, and lack of orgasm. These terminologies have taken the place of frigidity. These problems might show up in women as a dislike of and avoidance of sexual activity with a partner. Men may struggle partially or entirely to achieve or maintain an erection, or they may experience a lack of ecstasy and pleasure during the sexual engagement. These diseases may have physiological roots, such as reduced blood flow or insufficient vaginal lubrication. The relationship between the partners as well as chronic illness might cause dysfunction.
Sexual Orgasm disorder: The range of orgasmic issues is known as female orgasmic dysfunction. Anorexia is the medical term for the inability to experience an orgasm; nevertheless, it is also a colloquial term for illnesses that prevent women from experiencing orgasms. Anorgasmia is the delayed, infrequent, or absence of orgasms—or orgasms that are much less intense—following adequate sexual stimulation and arousal. Anorgasmia may be identified in women who experience severe distress as a result of their orgasmic issues. Orgasm intensity and frequency vary among all women. Orgasms can also vary from person to person and from one occasion to the next. Additionally, different stimuli require different levels and types of orgasms. Anorgasmia can be caused by a variety of things. These include problems with intimacy or romantic relationships, cultural aspects, health disorders, and medication. Individual or couple counseling, sexual enhancement gadgets, education on sexual stimulation, and medicine are all examples of possible treatments.
Sexual Pain disorder: Dyspareunia (painful sex) and vaginismus are sexual pain diseases in women (an involuntary spasm of the muscles of the vaginal wall that interferes with intercourse). Vaginal dryness may be the cause of dyspareunia. Insufficient excitement and stimulation, hormonal changes brought on by menopause, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or both might lead to poor lubrication. Dryness can also be a result of irritation from contraceptive creams and foams, as well as from sexual anxiety and panic. Although the specific causation of vaginismus is unknown, it is believed that previous sexual trauma (such as rape or abuse) may be a contributing factor. Vulvodynia, or vulvar vestibulitis when it only affects the vulval vestibule, is a different type of female sexual pain problem. Burning pain during sex is a symptom of this ailment in women, and it appears to be linked to issues with the skin around the vulvar and vaginal regions of the body. Its origin is a mystery.
CAUSES OF FEMALE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION:
Sexual dysfunction in women may have physical causes such as:
- According to one study, blood vessel disorders may be the root of blood flow problems. These illnesses may restrict blood supply to some parts of the female reproductive system. Increasing blood flow to the labia, clitoris, and vagina is necessary for sexual stimulation.
- Certain medicines can affect sex. Your capacity for orgasms or decreased sex desire may be caused by antidepressants. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are particularly prone to impair sexual performance. Chemotherapy and other cancer treatments have the potential to adversely affect hormone levels.
- Some gynecologic conditions that can cause pain during sexual activity include endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and vaginitis. Those who have vaginismus, a condition that produces vaginal spasms, may find it challenging to engage in intercourse.
- Hormone changes can cause vaginal shrinkage or dryness, which can make sex painful. Another consequence of reduced estrogen levels is a decreased feeling in the vagina. Pregnancy, surgery, and menopause can all have an effect on hormone levels.
- Several medical issues may make it more difficult for you to partake in sex. These include multiple sclerosis, diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. Drug or alcohol abuse or addiction may also make it difficult to have a satisfying sexual encounter.
SYMPTOMS OF FEMALE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION
- Decreased sexual desire
- Few thoughts related to sex
- Less initiation of sexual activity
- Decrease pleasure during sex
- Reduced external sexual cues
TREATMENT OF FEMALE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION
- Onlybremelanotide (VyleesiTM), flibanserin (Addyi®), and Cenforce-FM (Sildenafil) has been given the go-ahead to treat low sex drive in female patients with hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Only premenopausal female patients are eligible for this kind of therapy. Other drugs that are used “off-label” to treat sexual dysfunction can be discussed with you by your doctor.
- Discuss various strategies for increasing arousal and desire with your spouse. Think about altering your sexual regimen. You could also attempt erotic reading material, videos, equipment, massage, or masturbation.
- It can be beneficial to speak with a mental health expert. You can select either individual or couple counseling.
- Your doctor might advise topical creams, vaginally given drugs, or hormones that you take orally or apply to your skin, depending on your symptoms.
- There are various methods for minimizing pain during sexual activity. You might also get a discussion with your doctor about using vaginal dilators.
CONCLUSION
Many women have different degrees of sexual dysfunction, including difficulties arousing. To begin, schedule a visit with your doctor to rule out any underlying medical or psychiatric issues that could be the source of your symptoms. Alternatively, you might consider going to a sex therapist with your partner or by yourself.
