Resolution
How Do Sexual Problems Affect Women?
The most common problems related to sexual dysfunction in women include:
• Inhibited sexual desire: This involves a lack of sexual desire or interest in sex. Many factors can contribute to a lack of desire, including hormonal changes, medical conditions and treatments (for example cancer and chemotherapy), depression, pregnancy, stress and fatigue. Boredom with regular sexual routines also may contribute to a lack of enthusiasm for sex, as can lifestyle factors, such as careers and the care of children.
• Inability to become aroused .
• Lack of orgasm (anorgasmia): This is the absence of sexual climax (orgasm).
• Painful intercourse
How Is a Female Sexual Problem Diagnosed?
The doctor likely will begin with a thorough evaluation of symptoms and a physical exam. The doctor may perform a pelvic examination to evaluate the health of the reproductive organs and a Pap smear to detect changes in the cells of the cervix (to check for cancer or a pre-cancerous condition). He or she may order other tests to rule out any medical problems and that may be contributing to the problem.
How Are Female Sexual Problems Treated?
The ideal approach to treating sexual problems in women involves a team effort between the woman, doctors, and trained Psychological Therapists. Most types of sexual problems can be corrected by treating the underlying physical or psychological problems. Other treatment strategies focus on the following:
• Providing education.
• Enhancing stimulation.
• Providing distraction techniques.
• Encouraging non-coital behaviors.
• Minimizing pain.
Can Sexual Problems Be Cured?
The success of treatment for sexual dysfunction depends on the underlying cause of the problem. The outlook is good for dysfunction that is related to a treatable or reversible physical condition. Mild dysfunction that is related to stress, fear or anxiety often can be successfully treated with counseling, education and improved communication between partners.
How Do Hormones Affect Sexual Function?
Hormones play an important role in regulating sexual function in women. With the decrease in the female hormone that is related to aging and menopause, many women experience some changes in sexual function as they age, including poor vaginal lubrication and decreased genital sensation.
What Effect Does a Hysterectomy Have on Sexual Function?
Many women experience changes in sexual function after a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus). These changes may include a loss of desire as well as decreased vaginal lubrication and genital sensation. These problems may be associated with the hormonal changes that occur with the loss of the uterus. Furthermore, nerves and blood vessels critical to sexual function can be damaged during the hysterectomy procedure.
How Does Menopause Affect a Woman's Sexual Function?
The loss of hormones following menopause can lead to changes in a woman's sexual functioning. Emotional changes that often accompany menopause can add to a woman's loss of interest in sex and/or ability to become aroused. Hormone replacement therapy may improve certain conditions, such as loss of vaginal lubrication and genital sensation, which can create problems with sexual function.
It should be noted that some post-menopausal women report an increase in sexual satisfaction. This may be due to decreased anxiety over getting pregnant. In addition, post-menopausal woman often have fewer child-rearing responsibilities, allowing them to relax and enjoy intimacy with their partners.
