Important Questions about Female Sexual Dysfunctions

The reproductive system of females comprises of different organs that function altogether. In some cases, when an organ malfunctions, the whole reproductive system is affected. This article will provide you some important facts about female sexual dysfunctions, the descriptions of the dysfunctions, and the methods on how to resolve the problems.

Q: What are the most common female sexual dysfunctions?

A: A recent study at the University of Chicago that was initiated by Laumann et al, have found out that hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is the prevailing female sexual dysfunction among women. In layman’s term, this disorder is called as low libido or low sex drive. Almost one third of the women who have sexual disorders are reported to have hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Aside from that, the second in rank dysfunction is difficulty with orgasm. Among the subjects involved in the study, one fourth is reported to have this dysfunction. The third prevailing female sexual dysfunction is painful sexual intercourse. However, age is also considered because older women are usually the ones who experience pain during intercourse.

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder is a deficiency or absence of desire for sexual activity. This condition is considered as a dysfunction if it causes disruption in the woman’s social life. Usually, relationships with partners are affected when a woman has this type of disorder. According to the recent study conducted, woman would only think of a sexual activity for only a limited period in one month. They have also found out that normal women are more cheerful and energetic than women who have hypoactive sexual desire disorder.

When a woman is said to have difficulties in orgasm, this means that a woman is having a hard time to achieve the orgasmic phase during sexual intercourse. However, this would still vary according to the woman’s body reactions. Normal women or those who do not have problems with orgasm are the ones who often have a good relationship with their partners.

With all of these findings, it is now evident that sexual arousal, desire, and ability to reach orgasm vary from one woman to another. Dysfunctions occur when it already causes problems with relationships. If a woman feels that her partner is not satisfied, or if she feels that there is something that is lacking, then it would be best to consult the doctor to give proper medical attention.

Q: What are the factors that could’ve contributed to the decreased sexual desire in women?

A: There are a lot of factors associated with decreased sexual drive among women. Usually, these factors would either cause major or minor effects depending on the woman’s overall physical well being. The most common factors that can affect a woman’s sexual drive are stress and over fatigability. Aside from that, conditions such as obesity and other diseases can also contribute to a woman’s decreased libido. For women who have depression, sexual desire is at an extremely low level. Adding to that are the medications that are taken to treat depression that also contributes to decreased sexual drive such as SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Aside from that, there are also other medications that can affect a woman’s libido. These medications are birth control pills, sleeping pills, and psychiatric medications such as mood stabilizers. For women who are taking these medications, it is necessary that you consult your doctor if you experience changes in your body before you abruptly stop drinking the medication. Some medications that are stopped abruptly may cause rebound effects that are harmful to the body.

More on Sexual Arousal and Sexual Desire

Q: How can you differentiate sexual arousal from sexual desire?

A: Sexual arousal and sexual desire are two different terms that are connected to one another. Sexual desire or libido is the woman’s interest in a sexual activity. This may vary among women because some may have increased libido but still normal, while some may have decreased libido but is also considered normal. On the other hand, sexual arousal is the woman’s response to sexual stimuli. Signs of sexual arousal would include lubrication in the vaginal walls and increased blood flow to the area, causing contractions.

Q: How can a woman’s sexual arousal increase?

A: Upon knowing the causes of decreased sexual drive, increasing it will be a little easier. Usually, decreased sexual arousal is caused be decreased natural lubrication. Good thing, there are a lot of products available to resolve this problem. Water based lubricants are much preferred than oil based lubricants that are out in the market. However, if the decreased lubrication is caused by menopause or other hormonal problems, then a hormonal replacement therapy is advised.

Aside from that, studies have also found out that Sildenafil or also known as Viagra can help in increasing lubrication in women. Another drug has also been proven to give the same effects called as Phentolamine. However, studies have also found out that Viagra, although it helps in lubrication, doesn’t provide much desired effects than other lubricants.

Aside from medications, there are also a lot of other ways to promote lubrication. Usually, these ways would include psychotherapeutic methods such as behavioral therapy. Psychiatrists help women to fix their relationship with their partners through behavioral therapy. This approach is effective to couples with disrupted relationships due to the sexually related problems.

Q: How can a woman’s sexual desire increase?

A: As of the moment, there aren’t any products in the market that promotes an increase in sexual desire to women, but researchers have found out that a drug called as Wellbutrin is effective in potentiating the sexual desire in women. The results of the study have shown that women with low sexual desire who took Wellbutrin reported to have an increase in desire for sexual activity. However, this study is not enough to prove the positive effects of Wellbutrin to sexual desire; therefore, further studies are needed.

For women who have been undergoing testosterone treatment to increase sexual desire, studies have found out that it is not really effective and would just cause masculinity in women. Side effects would include changes in voice pitch and changes in the women’s clitoris. This shows that women should consult an expert in the field prior to undergoing treatments.