Female sexual dysfunction

By:

Project Semicolon

Reviewed:

6 months ago

Our articles are medically reviewed and medically fact-checked by board-certified specialists to ensure that all factual statements about medical conditions, symptoms, treatments, procedures and tests, standards of care, and typical protocols are accurate and reflect current guidelines and the latest research.

Overview

Female sexual dysfunction refers to persistent or recurrent problems with sexual response, desire, orgasm, or pain that cause distress or strain in a woman's intimate relationship. Many women experience sexual function issues at some point in their lives, and for some, these difficulties persist throughout their lifetime. Female sexual dysfunction can manifest in specific sexual situations or across all sexual encounters.

Symptoms of Female Sexual Dysfunction

Female sexual dysfunction can present in various ways, depending on the specific type:

Low sexual desire: A lack of sexual interest and willingness to engage in sexual activity
Sexual arousal disorder: Difficulty with arousal or the inability to become aroused or maintain arousal during sexual activity
Orgasmic disorder: Persistent or recurrent difficulty in achieving orgasm despite sufficient sexual arousal and stimulation
Sexual pain disorder: Pain associated with sexual stimulation or vaginal contact

When to Seek Medical Help

If sexual problems are affecting your relationship or causing concern, it is essential to make an appointment with your doctor for a comprehensive evaluation.

Causes of Female Sexual Dysfunction

Female sexual dysfunction can arise due to various factors, many of which are interrelated:

Physical factors: Medical conditions such as cancer, kidney failure, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, and bladder problems can lead to sexual dysfunction. Additionally, certain medications, including antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, antihistamines, and chemotherapy medications, may decrease sexual desire and orgasmic response.
Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels, such as lower estrogen levels after menopause, can lead to changes in genital tissues and sexual responsiveness. Decreased estrogen levels may result in reduced blood flow to the pelvic region, leading to decreased genital sensation and longer time needed for arousal and achieving orgasm. Hormonal shifts also occur after childbirth and during breastfeeding, leading to vaginal dryness and potential impacts on sexual desire.
Psychological and social factors: Untreated anxiety or depression can contribute to sexual dysfunction, as can chronic stress and a history of sexual abuse. The demands of pregnancy and new motherhood may also affect sexual responsiveness. Conflicts with a partner, cultural and religious issues, and body image concerns may also play a role.

Risk Factors for Female Sexual Dysfunction

Several factors may increase the risk of experiencing female sexual dysfunction:

Depression or anxiety
Heart and blood vessel disease
Neurological conditions, such as spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis
Gynecological conditions, including vulvovaginal atrophy, infections, or lichen sclerosus
Certain medications, such as antidepressants or high blood pressure medications
Emotional or psychological stress, particularly related to the relationship with a partner
A history of sexual abuse

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