Persistent, recurrent problems with sexual response, desire, orgasm or pain â that distress you or strain your relationship with your partner â are known medically as female sexual dysfunction.
Many women experience problems with sexual function at some point. Female sexual dysfunction can occur at any stage of life. It can be lifelong or be acquired later in life. It can occur only in certain sexual situations or in all sexual situations.
Sexual response involves a complex interplay of physiology, emotions, experiences, beliefs, lifestyle and relationships. Disruption of any component can affect sexual desire, arousal or satisfaction, and treatment often involves more than one approach.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Your symptoms will depend on the type or types of female sexual dysfunction you have:
If sexual problems affect your relationship or worry you, make an appointment with your doctor for evaluation.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Sexual problems often develop when your hormones are in flux, such as after having a baby or during menopause. Major illness, such as cancer, diabetes, or heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease, can also contribute to sexual dysfunction.
Factors, often interrelated, that contribute to sexual dissatisfaction or dysfunction include:
Hormonal. Lower estrogen levels after menopause may lead to changes in your genital tissues and sexual responsiveness. A decrease in estrogen leads to decreased blood flow to the pelvic region, which can result in needing more time to build arousal and reach orgasm, as well as less genital sensation.
The vaginal lining also becomes thinner and less elastic, particularly if you're not sexually active. These factors can lead to painful intercourse (dyspareunia). Sexual desire also decreases when hormonal levels decrease.
Your body's hormone levels also shift after giving birth and during breast-feeding, which can lead to vaginal dryness and can affect your desire to have sex.
Psychological and social. Untreated anxiety or depression can cause or contribute to sexual dysfunction, as can long-term stress and a history of sexual abuse. The worries of pregnancy and demands of being a new mother may have similar effects.
Long-standing conflicts with your partner â about sex or other aspects of your relationship â can diminish your sexual responsiveness, as well. Cultural and religious issues and problems with body image also can contribute.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
To diagnose female sexual dysfunction, your doctor will:
Your doctor may also refer you to a counselor or therapist specializing in sexual and relationship problems.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
More research is needed, but promising therapies for improving sexual satisfaction include:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
To boost your sexual health, find ways to be comfortable with your sexuality, improve your self-esteem and accept your body. Try practicing these healthy lifestyle habits:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
At each stage of your life, you may experience changes in sexual desire, arousal and satisfaction. To better adapt:
Sexual response often has as much to do with your feelings for your partner as it does with physical sexual stimuli. Reconnect and discover each other again.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Some factors may increase your risk of sexual dysfunction:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
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