Sexual dysfunction in people, more and more women endanger their relationship with their partners.
Studies suggest that most relationships suffer in silence due to unspoken sexual problems between couples.
What is sexual dysfunction in women?
In medical terms, recurring sexual problems such as lack of sexual desire, orgasm or pain during intercourse can be classified under female sexual dysfunction. These problems can occur at any stage of the sexual response cycle, which is the sequence of emotional and physical changes a person experiences when sexually aroused. This prevents couples from experiencing maximum satisfaction from sexual activity—something they should enjoy differently.
Any woman can face this at any age in her life. Sexual dysfunction can be caused by problems in the sexual response cycle and involves a complex interplay of psychological, emotions, experiences, lifestyle and relationships.
Causes of sexual dysfunction in women?
Such problems mostly arise when the body’s hormones go astray, i.e. when you conceive a child or during menopause. It can be due to mental or physical problems. However, the following factors have a greater impact on sexual dysfunction:
Major illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, kidney failure, bladder problems or heart disease can cause sexual dysfunction. Medications, including certain antidepressants, blood pressure medications, histamines, and chemotherapy drugs, can decrease your sexual desire and your body’s ability to experience climax. So it is advisable to strictly consult a doctor while taking these medicines.
During menopause, women’s bodies release lower levels of estrogen, which alters genital tissues and sexual response. This causes less blood flow to the pelvic area, which doesn’t provide as much genital sensation, as well as time to build arousal and reach climax. The vaginal lining can become thinner and less elastic if you are not sexually active. This can lead to painful intercourse, also known as dyspareunia. Hormone levels can be reduced during childbirth or breastfeeding and thus, there is less sexual desire.
Anxiety or depression are considered important causes of sexual dysfunction, as they may include a history of severe stress or emotions or sexual abuse. Pregnant women are often stressed about giving birth and their rapid physical changes also lead to similar effects. If you have problems with your partner or fight often, chances are you have less sexual activity between the two of you.
Women can work with their health care team to create a sexual dysfunction treatment plan. It is important to understand the physical or psychological causes before choosing a treatment. Here are some treatments to consider:
Talk to your partner about different ways you can increase desire and arousal. Consider making changes to your sex routine. You can also try aphrodisiacs (sexual stimulation devices, videos or books), massage or masturbation.
Talking to a mental health professional can help. You can work through emotional or psychological barriers to pleasurable sex. You can choose to have one-on-one counseling or couples counseling.
Depending on your symptoms, your provider may prescribe topical creams, medications administered vaginally, or hormones that are taken orally or applied to your skin.