Mylene Manalo

BSTM 1.1

Female Sexual Problems

Sexual problems in women correspond to the stages of the sexual response cycle. Inability to
achieve any of the stages can interfere with sexual satisfaction and thus create a problem. Any of
these can be very distressing for a woman, because everyone deserves a satisfying sex life. They can
be distressing for her partner, too, and can lead to problems in the relationship. The sexual problems
reported by women commonly consist of three types:

 Lack of sexual desire: Lack of interest in sex, or desire for sex, is a common problem in both
men and women, but especially in women. Lack of desire stops the sexual response cycle
before it starts. Lack of desire is temporary in some people and an ongoing problem in
others.
 Difficulties becoming sexually aroused or achieving orgasm: Inability to become sexually
aroused is sometimes related to lack of desire. In other cases, the woman feels sexual desire
but cannot become aroused. Orgasm may be delayed or not occur at all (anorgasmia). This
can be very distressing for a woman who feels desire and becomes aroused. It can create a
vicious cycle in which the woman loses interest in sex because she does not have an orgasm.
It has been estimated that 7% to 10% of women suffer from some sort of orgasmic disorder.
 Pain during intercourse: Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia) is not uncommon. Like other
sexual problems, it can cause a woman to lose interest in sex.

The causes of sexual problems are as varied and complex as the human race. Some
problems stem from a simple, reversible physical problem. Others can stem from more
serious medical conditions, difficult life situations, or emotional problems. Still others
have a combination of causes.
Any of the following can contribute to sexual problems:

 Relationship problems
 Emotional problems
 Insufficient stimulation
 Gynecologic problems
 Physical conditions
 Medications
 History of abuse
 Other medical treatments
 Attitudes toward sex
 Sexual problems of the partners
Solutions / Treatment
Your health care provider may try to treat any underlying condition that might be
interfering with your sexual functioning. For example, vaginal dryness after menopause may
be treated with local estrogen creams or an oral estrogen, infections with antibiotics, and
some conditions (organ prolapse into the vagina, anatomic defects, or abnormal healing
after repair after childbirth) may require surgery. Better control of diabetes, thyroid
conditions, kidney disorders, and high blood pressure may alleviate problems with sexual
functioning. Low sex drive after menopause may be treated with combinations of oral
estrogen and testosterone.

Sources
https://www.emedicinehealth.com/female_sexual_problems/article_em.htm#female_se
xual_problems_treatment

https://www.webmd.com/women/understanding-female-sexual-problems-treatment