Not tonight or tomorrow night either. Help for women with sexual dysfunction

“I’m not in the mood” may be a joke on a sitcom, but it’s not very funny in real life. Women who are unable to enjoy a healthy and fulfilling sex life may be experiencing sexual dysfunction or sexual problems. Sexual health is an important part of life. Patients should always feel free to discuss intimate issues with our ObGyns.

Sexual dysfunction isn’t just one problem

The type of dysfunction most people think of is a lack of desire, but there are other types of disorders. Women may have one or more of these issues.

• Desire disorders involve a lack of interest in sex, including fantasizing or masturbating.
• Arousal disorders encompass anything that makes women not feel the mental or physical changes that usually happen during sexual activity and stimulation.
• Orgasmic disorders affect a woman’s ability to have an orgasm and include other issues related to orgasms.
• Sexual pain disorders cause pain during intercourse. Often, women avoid sex due to their fear of the pain and burning they experience during it.

Ignoring sexual issues leads to anxiety, physical pain and relationship problems for many women. However, treatment can help.

Physical and psychological issues cause some women’s sex disorders

Chronic health conditions, such as heart disease and bladder problems, can contribute to sexual dysfunction. Medications such as antihistamines and antidepressants can also lead to desire and orgasmic disorders.

Several psychological issues also cause sexual problems. For example, conflict with a partner, stress or a history of sexual abuse can create dysfunction for many women.

Hormonal issues are another major cause of problems with sex

Hormonal problems affect women after menopause due to decreases in estrogen. When estrogen levels get lower, the vaginal lining thins and becomes less elastic. There is also a decreased level of blood flowing to the pelvic region. This hormonal decrease is responsible for pain during intercourse, a decrease in sexual desire and less sensation in the genitals and the vagina.

After women give birth, their hormones also change and fluctuate, causing vaginal dryness and a lack of sexual desire.

Whatever the cause of sexual dysfunction, women shouldn’t suffer in silence. Contact us to talk to one of our compassionate physicians about sexual problems.