Female Sexual Dysfunction

female sexual dysfunction and sexuality is a complex process, coordinated by the neurologic, vascular and endocrine systems. Individually, sexuality incorporates family, societal and religious beliefs, and is altered with aging, health status and personal experience. In addition, sexual activity incorporates interpersonal relationships, each partner bringing unique attitudes, needs and responses into the coupling. A breakdown in any of these areas may lead to female sexual dysfunction.

During sexual arousal of a woman and during sexual activity, vaginal lubrication is naturally produced. female sexual dysfunction refers to a condition of decreased, insufficient, or absent vaginal lubrication in a woman during sexual arousal or activity. The condition should be distinguished from other female sexual dysfunction, such as the orgasmic disorder (anorgasmia), which may be separate issues at the same time. Loss of interest in sexual activity occurs most commonly in women as they age and approach menopause.

Most studies that have assessed the impact of childhood experiences on female sexual dysfunction are methodologically flawed. They rely on retrospective recall, which is particularly problematic when emotional responses to the event as well as the actual occurrence of the event are being reported. However, there are been some probative links between childhood sexual abuse and having a later female sexual dysfunction.

The ideal approach to treating female sexual dysfunction in women involves a team effort between the woman, doctors, and trained therapists. Most types of sexual problems can be corrected by treating the underlying physical or psychological problems.

Concepts of female sexual dysfunction are controversial, particularly those based on biological causes. The American Psychological Association (APA) classifies female sexual problems as mental disorders: loss of sexual desire or arousal, discomfort during intercourse, diminished blood flow to the vagina, trauma-related aversion to sex, and the inability to achieve orgasm. Historically, psychiatrists and sex therapists have diagnosed and treated these disorders, perhaps, in many cases, according to limited perspectives maintained by psychiatric literature. Urologists and gynecologists now treat female sexual dysfunction that result from medical conditions causing diminished pelvic and vaginal blood flow and nerve damage.

Untreated anxiety or depression can cause or contribute to female sexual dysfunction, as can long-term stress. The worries of pregnancy and demands of being a new mother may have similar effects. Longstanding conflicts with your partner — about sex or any other aspect of your relationship — can diminish your sexual responsiveness as well. Cultural and religious issues and problems with your own body image also may contribute.