Sexual dysfunction is a problem during the sexual response cycle that prevents an individual from experiencing pleasure or satisfaction from any sexual activity. 43% of women and 31% of men report some sexual dysfunction at any stage of their life.
Many women experience problems relating to sexual function at some point in life. For some, it may be persistent and recurrent, and for some, it may be temporary owing to various causes.
Sexual dysfunction is the absence or the lack of interest/response to any phase of the sexual response cycle. Complex cooperation of emotions, lifestyle, relationships, bodily functions, experiences (sexual or non-sexual) makes up the sexual response.
And the absence or reduction of any one component affects the desire, excitement, pleasure, or satisfaction for and from any sexual activity.
The treatment of sexual dysfunction involves a medical and or non-medical approach.
Symptoms of sexual dysfunction depend upon the type of sexual dysfunction an individual is experiencing. These can be:
There may be various causes of sexual dysfunction. Some are related to the female’s health, lifestyle, major illness, and or psychology. Such factors, which are primarily interrelated, add to the sexual dissatisfaction or dysfunction.
Medical conditions such as diabetes, heart problems, kidney failure, cancer, sclerosis can lead to sexual dysfunction. Besides these conditions, certain medications such as antidepressants like:
Antihypertensive medications like- diuretics, reserpine, methyldopa, hormones like- goserelin, leuprolide, chemotherapy drugs can cause sexual dysfunction. Gynaecological factors like- vulvovaginal atrophy, STDs, STIs, etc., may also lead to low sex drive or sexual dysfunction.
Hormonal imbalances after menopause, birth-giving, during breastfeeding, may lead to changes in sexual responsiveness. Sexual desire has a direct relation to the level of hormones. Decreased levels of estrogen can lead to a low sex drive in women.
The less genital sensation caused by low blood flow to the pelvic area is one reason for sexual problems. The vaginal lining becomes less elastic, leading to painful sexual intercourse, especially in low sexual engagement.
Hormonal shifts after birth-giving and during breastfeeding can also lead to vaginal dryness. Hence, low libido in women and sexual dysfunction.
All these factors may contribute to sexual dysfunction. These factors can limit or decrease your sexual responsiveness. Besides these factors, religious and/or cultural issues and issues regarding the perfect body image may also result in sexual dysfunction in women.
To diagnose sexual dysfunction, you may be asked questions relating to your medical and sexual history. Your doctor may also perform a pelvic exam to rule out any vaginal problem or order blood tests to detect any underlying condition.
Besides the medical diagnosis, your doctor may refer you to a sex therapist or sex counsellor, specialising in relationship and sexual problems.
“Sexual dysfunction is a problem if it bugs you. Sometimes, a woman may refrain from engaging in sexual activity due to her personal choice, which does not mean sexual dysfunction.”
But in case of a persistent and recurrent absence or reduction of sexual desire, sexual arousal/interest, and/or orgasmic disorder, a woman may seek treatment and/or guidance from her doctor.
Treatment for sexual dysfunction includes both medical and non-medical treatment. Sometimes, non-medical treatment makes you more aware of yourself and your body. It enables you to understand more about your sexual requisites. The non-medical approach makes you confident about your sexuality.
Open communication with your spouse can make a big difference in your sexual relationship. Talking your concerns out with your spouse helps alleviate your stressful mood and freshens you for sexual experiences.
Quit smoking, limit alcohol, eat healthy, work out regularly. All these practices may increase your sexual responsiveness. They keep you physically and mentally fit and elevate your mood. A healthy lifestyle reduces stress and helps in improving romantic feelings.
You can talk with a sex therapist or a sex expert. They educate you about how you can enhance intimacy with your spouse, improve your sexual satisfaction, what other ways you can use to better your sexual pleasure. Your therapist can recommend you read materials and articles for you to learn more about sexual dysfunction.
Besides talking, counselling, and a healthy lifestyle, you can take matters into your own hands. You can use sex toys, vibrators, etc., for clitoral stimulation, and watch and read erotica to enhance your sexual desire and sexual arousal.
If pain during sexual intercourse is putting you off sexual satisfaction and pleasure, try using a lubricant. This shall take care of the vaginal dryness or the pain during sex.
You may require medical treatment in case of any underlying health condition that is causing the sexual dysfunction. The medical condition may be hormonal imbalance, intake of antidepressants, anti-hypertensives, etc. Your doctor may prescribe a new medication or change the one you are taking currently.
In hormonal therapy, medications like Ospemfene and Flibanserin have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat low sex drive and low libido in women. However, doctors and experts recommend that women stop taking the drugs after eight weeks if they see no improvement in their sexual function.
Besides these drugs, androgen therapy, which includes testosterone, contributes to healthy sexual function in both men and women. However, in women, androgen therapy for sexual dysfunction is controversial due to its little to no benefits.
Side-effects of these drugs include dizziness, nausea, fatigue, high blood pressure, faulting, especially if consumed with alcohol.
Other drugs like Sildenafil (Viagra) may prove effective in women if they have already taken antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). But if you are taking medication for chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart, it’s highly recommended NOT to take Sildenafil.
Cigarette smoking limits the blood flow to the pelvic region, and alcohol blunts your sexual responsiveness resulting in sexual dysfunction. Quitting these habits may enhance your sexual desire and sexual arousal.
Aerobic exercises increase your stamina, elevate your mood, alleviate stress, improve your body image, and enhance your romantic feelings, thereby increasing your sex drive and libido.
Besides these, you can learn ways to manage your stress and routine. Engage in activities that make you happy and lighten your mood. Surround yourself with positive vibes. It will thereby enhance your focus on sexual experiences and help you attain sexual pleasure and satisfaction.
Low sex drive or low libido in women is a significant symptom of sexual dysfunction in women. Diagnosed and understood well can help you detect any underlying health condition or the cause that stops you from experiencing sexual satisfaction and sexual pleasure. When you reach out to a doctor regarding sexual dysfunction, be prepared to answer personal questions regarding your sexual and medical history.
Be sure to gather information or know what causes you difficulty during sexual activity. The more open you’re about sexual concerns with your partner, your approach will be more effective in treating sexual dysfunction.
