At some point in their lives, many women struggle with sex. Over 60% of Australian women admitted to having a sexual problem in the previous 12 months. About a quarter of women reported pain or a lack of enjoyment during sex, while the other half said they had no interest in having sex.
Sexual issues (or dysfunctions) refer to a state of affairs when you are unable to have the kind of sex that bothers you and/or your spouse.
The many aspects of sexual functioning—libido, arousal, orgasm, and frequency of sexual activity—often have distinct types of difficulties associated with them. Some instances of female sexual dysfunction are as follows:
1. Libido
Some women experience a decreased sex desire (loss of libido) at specific stages of life, including:
- during pregnancy
- after having a baby and breastfeeding
- Menopause
- relationship problems
- depression, stress or anxiety
- previous mental or physical trauma
- Fatigue
- Diabetes
- hormone disorders
- excessive alcohol consumption or drug use
- certain medicines, such as SSRI type of antidepressants
2. Arousal
Arousal may be decreased because of:
- Painful sex
- Anticipation of sex to be painful, uncomfortable or unpleasurable
3. Orgasm
Orgasm issues might result from two issues:
- Whenever a woman has never experienced orgasm
- When a woman has previously experienced orgasms but is unable to do so now.
- A woman could be unable to experience orgasms for the following reasons:
- Unable to "let go" due to fear or ignorance of sex
- not enough stimulating enough
- relationship issues
- having experienced a horrible sexual experience and feeling depressed or worried
4. Painful Sex
Vaginismus
Vaginismus is a condition where the muscles in or near the vagina contract, having sex uncomfortable or difficult. It can be extremely distressing and unpleasant.
There are several causes of vaginismus in women, including:
- sensitivity to or pain associated with sex
- Vaginal injury from the past, such as a birthing episiotomy
- Relationship issues
- Fear of becoming pregnant
5. Sex After the Menopause
As estrogen levels decline and the vagina feels dry after menopause, pain during sex is frequent and may lessen a woman's desire for sex. Lubricating creams may be useful.
6. Female Genitalia Mutilation
Female genital mutilation (FGM) refers to the deliberate cutting, injury, or modification of female genitalia without a valid medical justification. FGM survivors may find sex uncomfortable and painful, have lessened sexual desire, and experience a loss of pleasurable sensation.
Sexual issues that may be brought on by FGM may be resolved by speaking with a doctor, medical expert, or therapist.
Other aspects that could aggravate sexual anxiety
7. Age
Sexual issues could become more prevalent as people grow older.
8. Menopause
- Premature or early menopause between the ages of 40 and 45
- When you are in your mid-40s and early 50s, menopause begins
- hormone levels very suddenly dropping due to surgical menopause
Other chronic medical conditions include cancer, pelvic, neurological, or vascular diseases.
Medications or treatments
Vaginal atrophy and superficial dyspareunia can be brought on by drugs that suppress the production of hormones, such as tamoxifen, GnRH agonists, and aromatase inhibitors.
Pelvic chemotherapy can result in vaginal mucositis, bowel and bladder discomfort, and (inflammatory changes)
- Several antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants
- Various drugs to lower blood pressure (in particular those from the beta-blocker class)
- Reduced nipple sensitivity after breast surgery
Low self-esteem, tension, worry, and a negative body image.
11. Sexual Experiences
Issues with sexual function, prior sexual abuse, or sexual assault.
12. Partner
A decline in the relationship's harmony or quality.
13. Lifestyle
Excessive drinking, inactivity, substance misuse, and a poor work-life balance.
Managing and Treating Sexual Issues
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