Female sexual dysfunction is the inability to experience sexual pleasure (arousal dysfunction), and the inability to achieve orgasm (orgasmic dysfunction).
Causes of Sexual Dysfunction, Female
The causes of sexual dysfunction in women are varied. They include inadequate or ineffective foreplay. Psychological problems, including depression, poor self-esteem, sexual abuse or incest, or feelings of shame or guilt about sex, can all limit sexual arousal and orgasm. The fear of pregnancy may significantly affect sexual function. Stress. fatigue, acute illness or chronic illness, especially of the central nervous system or endocrine system, as with multiple sclerosis or hypothyroidism, all may lead to sexual dysfunction that is based on physiological abnormalities. Inexperience or inadequate information about sexuality on the part of either partner can lead to inadequate stimulation, arousal and orgasm. Repressed anger toward the sexual partner that may result from feelings of being used as a sexual object, physical or emotional abuse, jealousy or fears of disloyalty, or lack of true intimacy all produce problems with sexuality and sexual fulfillment. Drug or alcohol abuse can lead to physiological problems with sex. Gynecological problems, such as infection, endometriosis or surgery on the reproductive organs, can all lead to sexual dysfunction. Last, but not least, having children will produce hormonal changes which may produce loss of interest in sex. These may be compounded by the responsibilities of a new or impending child.
Signs and Symptoms of Sexual Dysfunction, Female
Symptoms of sexual dysfunction in women include the lack of sexual desire and the inability to enjoy sex. These symptoms can be aggravated or precipitated by the lack of vaginal lubrication. Failure to achieve orgasm, even when sexually aroused, usually is not an anatomical problem. Most commonly it has to do with the time or technique employed to achieve orgasm. Also, if there are psychological or emotional problems they can often interfere with sexual desire and orgasm.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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