Sexual+Dysfunction+in+Women

Liz Eichorst ** Sexual Dysfunction in Women ** ** Definition ** Sexual dysfunction in women can be defined as any problem occurring during the sexual response cycle, which consists of excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution, that prevents a couple from enjoying or having a satisfying sexual experience (WebMD, 2010). If a female has one or more of the following symptoms, she might have sexual dysfunction: a low sex drive, an inability to become aroused, lack of orgasm, or pain during sex (MayoClinic, 2010). A low sex drive, often called hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), is the most commonly reported sex problem in women (Tate & Heider, 2010). This problem can occur after a trauma such as sexual abuse. Arousal problems, such as female sexual arousal disorder (FASD), involve failure to achieve or maintain sexual excitement. Women who cannot orgasm often have female orgasmic disorder (FOD), which is the delay or absence of orgasm after sexual arousal. Pain disorders are usually labeled either as vaginismus or dyspareunia. Vaginismus occurs when the vaginal and perineal muscles of the vagina contract involuntarily upon penetration, and dyspareunia is genital pain associated with sexual activity. Penetration can increase pain for woman with this type of sexual dysfunction (Tate& Heider, 2010). Sexual dysfunction occurs in 43% of women. Therefore, it is quite common and affects a significant amount of people. Sexual dysfunction is also a topic that people may feel uncomfortable discussing, which can hinder communication regarding sexual satisfaction in individuals. Without communication about the issue, solutions may be hard to achieve.

**Causes:** Sexual dysfunction can be a result of physical causes, such as diabetes, heart diseases, neurological diseases, hormone imbalances, menopause, and others. Psychological issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, or relationship problems may also be causal factors (WebMD, 2010). In addition, cultural and religious issues, along with body image issues may cause sexual dysfunction (MayoClinic, 2010). The use of certain drugs that are used to treat depression, specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may also contribute to sexual dysfunction (Bason, 2009). ** Getting help: ** Up to 70% of couple may have problems with their sex lives at some point (Philips, 2001), and most women have reported that sex does not feel good for them at some point in their life. This does not constitute a sexual problem necessarily. When sexual problems are persistent and causing a woman and her partner distress, she should see a doctor to discuss whether she is experiencing sexual dysfunction (WebMD, 2010). Although problems may exist with sexual dysfunction, many of them are treatable. The outlook for sexual dysfunction is better when the physical causes can be treated or reversed, or when psychological causes can be eliminated with counseling and communication. Disorders of desire are oftentimes difficult to treat because they are likely to result from boredom with sexual behaviors (Philips, 2001). Communication of concerns with a sexual partner and doctor are the first steps in gaining sexual satisfaction (MayoClinic, 2010). A doctor will usually perform a pelvic exam and pap smear to check for physical changes affecting sexual enjoyment, as well as possibly make referrals to a therapist specializing in sexual relationship issues. Also, the doctor may want to talk with and interview the woman and her partner regarding these issues (Bason, 2009). Sexual dysfunction is receiving increased professional attention because of the fact that women are becoming more vocal about their sexual satisfaction than they have been in the past (Tate & Heider, 2010). Communication about these issues is the first step to receiving help. ** Treatments: ** Sexual dysfunction affects women of all ages, ranging from women who have gone through menopause to women in their twenties and thirties. Researchers are constantly trying to find medicines or devices that can cure the causes of sexual dysfunction in women, bu t currently there is no one, single cure (Carlisle, 2011). Nonmedical treatments include communicating about the issue, practicing healthy lifestyle habits, and getting counseling. Medical treatments such as estrogen and androgen therapy can help improve dysfunction when the problem is related to hormonal imbalance (MayoClinic, 2010). Taking Viagra, which is a male hormone, has also been shown to help women with sexual problems (Philips, 2001). Using Viagra has not been researched extensively and negative side effects have been shown. Therefore, it has been advised to use with caution. A midwife, named Robyn Carlisle, spoke about her experiences with sexual dysfunction and how she discusses it with her patients on a daily basis (Carlisle, 2011). She mentioned how many women are very embarrassed and distressed about their issues when they speak about them to her. A common occurrence is that all women want help to be treated. Unfortunately, there is not always a simple cure. Over the counter products or prescription creams may be used to increase lubrication or low estrogen levels. For some post menopausal women, hormone replacement therapy has been effective in treating their dysfunction. Some psychological or relationship issues may be harder to treat. Carlisle (2010) concluded by stressing the importance of open and honest communication between couples in order to express their sexual needs or possible solutions. One solution she gave was expressing the need for more time for foreplay (Carlisle, 20100). “Body work”, or work in which touching the body is a central component, was defined as a treatment for sexual pain by Cacchioni and Wolkowitz (2011). This treatment is called pelvic physiotherapy. Women may seek this treatment at wellness clinics where equipment can be used to assess their vaginal elasticity, clitoral stimulation, and pelvic blood flow. An examination, biofeedback, and a pelvic massage are the three steps often involved pelvic physiotherapy. With the help of a practitioner, the patient may first be directed to do tightening muscle exercises, called kegels. A biofeedback machine shows when muscles are tensed or relaxed. Next, the patient would be instructed to insert her finger in her vagina. The patient then is prescribed vaginal dilators which can be used for the woman to get comfortable putting in her vagina on her own. Eventually, real penetration can be achieved with ease after taking these steps to make the woman comfortable. Massaging the pelvic floor muscles may also be done to loosen the tissue, which may result in less pain during sexual penetration. Practitioners remind patients to relax their pelvic muscles in order to prevent pain during this process. The patient is encouraged to let the specialist know if she is uncomfortable at any time, and treatment will be stopped. Women have reported that they like the attention they were given during pelvic physiotherapy as well as understanding how their vaginas feel and function (Cacchioni & Wolkowitz, 2011). A woman must be willing to be touched and be comfortable expressing her pain and comfort levels if she chooses to try this treatment. Devices have also been experimented with to improve sexual dysfunction. Two studies have shown that an FDA approved device called the Eros Clitoral Therapy Device has benefited women experiencing sexual dysfunction (Tate & Heider, 2010). This device works to improve blood flow to the genitals with a suction motion. Directed masturbation has been an effective treatment for female orgasmic disorder also. Sexual therapy, including exercises for the woman and her partner is also an option that has been beneficial for couples. Overall, Tate and Heider (2010) report that sex therapy and education are the main aspects of treatment for sexual dysfunction in women. Communicating about the issues therefore, is an essential first step to improving sexual problems that may exist between couples as a result of sexual dysfunction in women. ** Importance of your partner: ** For women experiencing sexual dysfunction, it is important that they involve their partners in the issue and communicate their sexual needs to their partner (Philips, 2001). It is important for a woman to ask her partner for help, but also to be respectful of their partner’s comfort levels regarding sex. The partner may not want to try all sexual suggestions offered, just as the woman may not want to do all of the sexual acts the partner may desire to do sometimes. Therefore, communication is essential in order to respect the boundaries in the relationship (Philips, 2001). Communication, overall, will promote a better sexual relationship between couples and help to alleviate the negative effects that sexual dysfunction in women can bring. ** References ** Bason, R. (2009). Introduction: Sexual Dysfunction in Women. In //The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals.// Retrieved from [] Cacchioni, .T & Wilkowitz, C. (2011). Treating Women’s Sexual Difficulties: The Body Work of Sexual Therapy. //Sociology of Health & Fitness, 33,// 266-279. Carlisle, R. (2011). Flipping the covers off female sexual dysfunction. //The Clinical Advisor.// Retrieved from [|//http://www.clinicaladvisor.com/flipping-the-covers-off-female-sexual-dysfunction/article/196323///] Causes of Sexual Dysfunction Image. (n.d.). //In Discovery Healthy Medical Dictionary.// Retrieved from http://healthguide.howstuffworks.com/causes-of-sexual-dysfunction-picture.htm Philips, Nancy. (2001). Female Sexual Dysfunction: Evaluation and Treatment. //American Family Physician.// Retrieved from http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/women/reproductive/sex-dys/612.html Tate, Denise M & Heider, G. (2010). Sexual Dysfunction in Women: A Brief Overview. Retrieved from [] Female Sexual Dysfunction (2010). //WebMD.// Retrieved from [] Female Sexual Dysfunction (2010). //MayoClinic.// Retrieved from [] Jio, S. (2009). 9 Treatments for Sexual Dysfunction in Women. //Women’s Day.// Retrieved from http://www.womansday.com/Articles/Health/9-Treatments-for-Sexual-Dysfunction-in-Women.html