Female sexual dysfunction can be an issue for women of all ages. The problem is made increasingly complicated as women are far more likely influenced by non-physical factors such as emotional intimacy and culture.
It is estimated that around 10% of women in the United States are living with Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD). Some health problems are easily identified and classified. However, that isn’t the case with FSD. There’s isn’t one specific symptom that can diagnose a woman with this condition. In the broadest of terms, women with FSD are those who are essentially dissatisfied with their sexual health for a number or reasons. Symptoms generally include: low sexual desire, trouble becoming aroused, trouble having an orgasm, and pain during sex.
It’s not uncommon for a women to have more than one of these symptoms at a time. Similarly, it can be a combination of situations causing FSD. FSD is generally the result of difficulties in one or two of the following categories:
Gynecological
- Cysts, endometriosis, pelvic muscle problems or chronic pelvic pain
- Pelvic or genital surgeries that caused scarring, decreased blood flow or nerve damage to the genital area
General Physical
- Health problems: diabetes, heart disease, cancer, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or alcohol abuse
- Medicines to treat high blood pressure, depression, pain; oral contraceptives
Psychological and Emotional
- Mental distress: stress, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, past sexual abuse, fear of unwanted pregnancy
- Relationship issues: boredom, anger, abuse (physical or emotional)
- Religious or cultural beliefs about sex
Hormonal
- A drop in estrogen levels from menopause (natural or surgical) or premature ovarian failure (when the ovaries stop working before age 40), which can cause vaginal dryness and painful intercourse
- Possibly, a drop in levels of testosterone, which women produce in only small amounts, after removal of the ovaries
Historically, a greater amount of research and funding has been geared towards the topic of male sexual dysfunction. In recent years though, significant advances have been made in the area of female sexual health. Everyday more studies are funded and treatment plans are discovered in the area FSD.
One of the arenas where fantastic strides have been made if with hormone therapies as treatment for several aspects of women’s health, not just FSD. These treatments are a fantastic alternative to more drastic options, like surgery. Not only are they minimally invasive, but they are treating FSD with material already naturally available in the female body.
The most important consideration for this type of therapy is to consult a physician with experience in hormone therapies and FSD. Because these situations often deal with a combination of factors, both physical and emotional, it is important to have someone with a wealth of previous knowledge to guide you through the process.