Female sexual dysfunction is a broad term for women’s sexual problems
Although many women don’t talk about it, about 40% of females endure sexual problems at one time or another. Some women have chronic issues, while others only have issues at certain times of their lives. Female sexual dysfunction isn’t just a physical or medical problem. It may involve everything from mental issues and religious beliefs to relationship problems and lifestyle choices. Fortunately, patients don’t have to navigate these sexual issues alone. Our San Antonio OBGYNs provide a compassionate, confidential listening ear, along with treatment options.
What is the most common female sexual disorder?
Low sexual desire is the most common problem for women. This feeling happens to everyone occasionally, but if a woman doesn’t want to participate in sexual activity, or doesn’t think about sex, have sexual fantasies or find any pleasure in her sexual experiences for six months or more, she should talk to our physicians.
There are four other types of female sexual dysfunction.
- Arousal disorders – not experiencing the physical and/or emotional excitement that normally occurs during sexual stimulation
- Problems with orgasms
- Pain during sex
Certain medications and substances can also cause sexual problems.
What causes problems with sex?
Physical issues can cause female sexual dysfunction.
- Perimenopause and menopause come with decreasing estrogen levels, which cause the vagina to get dryer and its skin to thin, making sex painful
- Hormonal changes that occur during and in the weeks after pregnancy
- Cancer, arthritis, bladder or bowel-related diseases and other illnesses
- Certain medications, including those prescribed for chemotherapy, depression or blood pressure, may contribute to orgasmic issues or low sex drive
Problems related to mental health can also cause issues.
- Depression
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Past sexual abuse
- Relationship issues
- Body image problems
- Issues related to religious beliefs
Diagnosis and treatment
Our caring physicians and staff make patients feel comfortable during their office visit. At the first visit, we usually discuss your symptoms, your relationship, medical or mental health issues, and more. Often, our San Antonio OBGYNs perform a pelvic examination to determine if there are any physical problems. Treatments include the following options.
- Lifestyle changes
- Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants
- Vaginal dilators to stretch the vagina and help reduce pain
- Hormonal medications to help with vaginal pain and dryness
- Medications that are approved to treat low sexual desire
- Change in current medications that may be causing female sexual issues, if possible
- Pelvic floor physical therapy to help decrease pain by treating pelvic floor disorders and strengthening the pelvic floor muscles
- Referrals to a psychologist, psychiatrist or counselor to help with mental health or relationship issues
Talking to our San Antonio OBGYNs about female sexual dysfunction
Women who are unhappy with their sex lives or have relationship problems due to sexual problems should talk to our physicians. Our San Antonio OBGYNs help patients delve into the complex issues that can cause female sexual dysfunction. Contact us for an appointment.
