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What is Female Sexual Dysfuntion?

© Alyssa Skye

In the United States, it is estimated that approximately forty percent of women have some form of sexual dysfunction. As the taboo surrounding this issue slowly lifts, it is possible that this estimate will rise dramatically as more and more women discuss their sexual problems.

Just a few years ago, sexual dysfunction was viewed as a purely psychological problem. Recently, however, scientists have determined that it involves both the mind and body. Furthermore, experts state that sexual dissatisfaction only rises to a dysfunction level when the problem is persistent and causes personal anxiety.

Four main types of female dysfunction have been identified and are briefly described here:

A lack of desire or libido is indicated by a woman who is passive about sex. She doesn't actively seek out sexual intercourse. She may, however, still become aroused and lubricated and even experience orgasm. The causes of this type of dysfunction are varied and can include stress, depression, and certain medications.

Female Sexual Arousal Disorder is a second type identified by scientists. Women experiencing this form rarely feel any sexual excitement or have vaginal lubrication. Often people will label a woman with this sexual problem as "frigid."

A lack of orgasm is more common than formerly believed. This type of sexual dissatisfaction is only considered a dysfunction when a woman doesn't experience an orgasm at any time including during masturbation or sexual intercourse.

The fourth type is pain during sex and constitutes either dyspareunia (pelvic or vaginal pain with intercourse) or vaginismus (recurrent involuntary spasms of the perineal muscles which prevents all vaginal penetration.) Pain with sex occurs at any age, though it tends to increase after menopause as vaginal lubrication decreases.

Underlying causes of sexual dysfunction can be physical such as diabetes, obesity, smoking, nerve damage, or declining hormone levels. Emotional problems including stress, depression, past sexual abuse, poor body image, or an unhappy relationship also factor in. Doctors find that, more often than not, a combination of the two play a role in a woman's sexual problems. Further causes are certain medications like anti-depressants, or social factors (lack of a partner as a woman ages).

For more information on the symptoms and causes of female sexual dysfunction, please visit the Wellness Web at http://www.wellnessweb.com/Female_Sexual... .

The next article in my series on women's sexual dysfunction will take a look at treatment options and their effectiveness. What works...and what doesn't.

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