Tshwane Women Clinic

What is female sexual dysfunction?

If you have persistent, recurrent problems with sexual response or desire - and if these problems are making you distressed or straining your relationship with your partner - what you're experiencing is medically known as female sexual dysfunction.

 

Female sexual dysfunction is not common - many women experience problems with sexual function at some point in their lives. Female sexual dysfunction can be a lifelong problem, or it can happen later in life after you've experienced a period of satisfactory functioning. In fact, several studies categorically report that sexual dysfunction is prevalent in 25%-63% of women, with one US study reporting a greater incidence in women (43%) than in men (31%)

 

Female sexual dysfunction has many possible symptoms and causes. Fortunately, they're almost all treatable. Communicating your concerns and understanding your body and its normal response to sexual activities are important steps towards gaining sexual satisfaction.

 

Symptoms of female sexual dysfunction

Your problems might be classified as female sexual dysfunction if you experience one or more of the following and you're distressed about it:

 

Your desire to have sex is low or absent

You can't maintain arousal during sexual activity, or you don't become aroused despite a desire to have sex.

You cannot experience an orgasm

You have pain during sexual contact.

Causes of female sexual dysfunction

Several factors may contribute to sexual dissatisfaction or dysfunction. These factors tend to be interrelated.

 

Physical:

Physical conditions that may cause or contribute to sexual problems include arthritis, urinary or bowel difficulties, pelvic surgery, fatigue, headaches, other pain problems, and neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis. Certain medications, including some antidepressants, blood pressure medications, antihistamines and chemotherapy drugs, can decrease your sex drive and your body's ability to experience orgasm

 

Hormonal:

Lower estrogen levels after the menopausal transition may lead to changes in your genital tissues and your sexual responsiveness. The folds of skin that cover your genital region (labia) become thinner, exposing more of the clitoris. This increased exposure sometimes reduces the sensitivity of the clitoris, or may cause an unpleasant tingling or pickling sensation.

In assertion, the vagina requires more stimulation to relax and lubricate before intercourse. These factors can lead to painful intercourse (dyspareunia), and experiencing orgasm may take longer. Your body's hormone levels also shift after giving birth and during breast-feeding, which can lead to vaginal dryness and can affect your desire to have sex.

 

Psychological and social:

Untreated anxiety or depression can cause or contribute to sexual dysfunction, as can long-term stress. The worries of pregnancy and demands of being a new mother may have similar effects. Longstanding conflicts with your partner - about sex or any other aspect of your relationship - can diminish your sexual responsiveness as well. Cultural and relgious issues and problems with your own body image also may contribute. Emotional distress can be both a cause and a result of sexual dysfunction. Regardless of where the cycle began, you usually need to address relationship issues for treatment to be effective