Female Sexual Dysfunction

A sexual problem, or sexual dysfunction, refers to a problem during any phase of the sexual response cycle that prevents the individual or couple from experiencing satisfaction from the sexual activity.

The sexual response cycle has four phases:

1. Excitement,
2. Plateau,
3. Orgasm, and
4. Resolution.

 

Causes of Female Sexual Dysfunction

Sexual dysfunction can be a result of a physical or psychological problem.

 

Physical causes.

• Many physical and/or medical conditions can cause problems with sexual function. These conditions include diabetes, heart disease, neurological diseases, hormonal imbalances, menopause plus such chronic diseases as kidney disease or liver failure, andalcoholism or drug abuse. In addition, the side effects of certain medications, including some antidepressant drugs, can affect sexual desire and function.

 

Psychological causes.

• These include work-related stress and anxiety, concern about sexual performance, marital or relationship problems, depression, feelings of guilt, or the effects of a past sexual trauma.

 

Effects of Female Sexual Dysfunction

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.

• For women, the inability to become physically aroused during sexual activity often involves insufficient vaginal lubrication. This inability also may be related to anxiety or inadequate stimulation. In addition, researchers are investigating how blood flow problems affecting the vagina and clitoris may contribute to arousal problems.

 

Lack of orgasm (anorgasmia).

• This is the absence of sexual climax (orgasm). It can be caused by a woman’s sexual inhibition, inexperience, lack of knowledge, and psychological factors such as guilt, anxiety, or a past sexual trauma or abuse. Other factors contributing to anorgasmia include insufficient stimulation, certain medications, and chronic diseases.

 

Painful intercourse.

• Pain during intercourse can be caused by a number of problems, including endometriosis, a pelvic mass, ovarian cysts, vaginitis, poor lubrication, the presence of scar tissue from surgery, or a sexually transmitted disease. A condition called vaginismus is a painful, involuntary spasm of the muscles that surround the vaginal entrance. It may occur in women who fear that penetration will be painful and also may stem from a sexual phobia or from a previous traumatic or painful experience.

 

Causes of Female Sexual Dysfunction

Female sexual dysfunction may be related to physical factors, psychological factors, or a mixture of both. It can also be a matter of problems with technique: Some women never fully experience sexual arousal and orgasm because they or their partners lack sexual knowledge. They may not understand how female sex organs respond or are stimulated, or don’t use appropriate arousal techniques.

 

At the same time, sexual dysfunction has a strong interpersonal component. A person’s view of their own sexuality is largely influenced by culture, society, and personal experience. It may be intimately connected to their own or society’s ideas about the appropriate or inappropriate expression of sexual behaviour. These feelings may cause anxiety because of a personal or cultural association of sexual experience and pleasure with immorality and bad behaviour. Anxiety is then expressed physically by the body in a way that prevents normal sexual function. Anxiety can do this, for example, by stopping or slowing the state of sexual excitement that allows for the lubrication or moistening of the female genitalia – an important step towards fulfilling forms of sexual activity.

 

Personal character, disposition, and life experience play a role in sexual dysfunction. Fear of intimacy can be a factor in arousal problems. Experiences of abuse, either in childhood or in past or current relationships, can establish a cycle of associating sex with psychological or physical pain. Attempting sexual activity in these circumstances causes more psychological or physical pain. For example, if anxiety prevents lubrication, sexual intercourse can be painful.

 

Conflict, tension, and incompatibility with a sexual partner can cause sexual dysfunction. Depression may be a cause, and stress a contributing factor. Medications, including oral contraceptives, antihypertensives, antidepressants, and tranquilizers are very common causes of sexual dysfunction. Also, the use of oral contraceptives can decrease a woman’s interest in sex. If you’re taking any of these medications, talk to your doctor about its possible contribution to sexual problems.

 

Physical causes include disorders of the genitalia and the urinary system, such as endometriosis, cystitis, vaginal dryness, or vaginitis. Other conditions such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or muscular dystrophy can have an impact on sexual desire and ability. Surgical removal of the uterus or of a breast may contribute psychologically to sexual dysfunction if a woman feels her self-image has been damaged.

 

Symptoms and Complications of Female Sexual Dysfunction

Women who do not enjoy satisfying sexual experiences with their partners often report the following:

• Lack of sexual desire (low libido)
• Inability to attain an orgasm
• Pain or other distress during penile penetration
• An inability to fantasize about sexual situations
• Indifference to, or repulsion by, having sex
• Feelings of fear or anger towards their partners

 

Most often, any of these responses have psychological complications. Whether the symptoms are due to physical factors, such as menopause, or have their origins in more deep-seated psychological triggers, many women are likely to feel inadequate or dysfunctional. They blame themselves for not being sexually responsive, have trouble explaining to their partners about how they feel, and experience low self-esteem as a result.

 

Female Sexual Dysfunction Treatment

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.

• Education about human anatomy, sexual function, and the normal changes associated with aging, as well as sexual behaviours and appropriate responses, may help a woman overcome her anxieties about sexual function and performance.

 

Enhancing stimulation.

• This may include the use of erotic materials (videos or books), masturbation, and changes in sexual routines.

 

Providing distraction techniques.

• Erotic or non-erotic fantasies; exercises with intercourse; music, videos, or television can be used to increase relaxation and eliminate anxiety.

 

Encouraging non-coital behaviours.

• Non-coital behaviours (physically stimulating activity that does not include intercourse), such as sensual massage, can be used to promote comfort and increase communication between partners.

 

Minimizing pain.

• Using sexual positions that allow the woman to control the depth of penetration may help relieve some pain. Vaginal lubricants can help reduce pain caused by friction, and a warm bath before intercourse can help increase relaxation.

 

Homeopathy Treatment

Symptomatic homeopathic medicines along with Psychological counselling and psychotherapy helps for female sexual dysfunctions.

 

Whom to contact for  Counseling & Treatment

Dr. Senthil Kumar is well experienced Homeopath & Psychologist who treats many cases of such problems  with successful outcomes. Many of the clients get relief after Taking treatment & attending psychological counseling with him. Dr. Senthil Kumar visits Vivekanantha Homeopathy Clinic & Psychological Counseling Center, Velachery, Chennai. To fix an appointment, please call or mail us:

 

 

Vivekanantha Homeopathy Clinic & Psychological Counseling Center, at

Chennai:- 9786901830

Panruti:- 9443054168

Pondicherry:- 9865212055 (Camp)

Mail : consult.ur.dr@gmail.com, homoeokumar@gmail.com

For appointment please Call us or Mail Us

 

 

 

 

 

==–==