Female Sexual Dysfunction
According to a survey done by the Journal of the American Medical Association, about 40 million women in America suffer from some type of sexual disorder.
While sexual difficulties can happen at any age it is more likely to occur during or after menopause, when hormone production drops and the risk of vascular conditions are greater.
Female complaints
Lack of sexual desire
- Difficulty with “dryness”
- Difficulty achieving orgasm
- Pain during sex
Experiencing these types of problems from time to time does not make a woman frigid or even mean that she has a sexual dysfunction. If symptoms become problematic then she might have to consider getting help.
Sexual dysfunction can be influenced by physical or emotional factors.
Physical problems
- Hormonal imbalances
- Infections (yeast infections)
- Diseases such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis that cause pain or dryness during sex
- Post – Partum Depression
- Side effects from certain medications
- Drug or alcohol abuse
Emotional Causes
- Cultural issues about intimacy
- Body image
- Stress
- Previous sexual abuse
- Relationship issues with partner
While physical problems can affect a woman’s sexual desire, emotional reasons seem to be more common.
Physical Problems Associated with Sexual Dysfunction
Dyspareunia is a term for pain during or after sex. Lack of lubrication causes friction which can cause great pain.
Vaginismus is determined when the pubic muscles and lower vaginal area begins to spasm during intercourse.
Menopause can cause difficulty with arousal. When estrogen levels begin to decrease a woman may experience dryness or lack of interest in sex.