How do you treat sexual dysfunction in women?

Sexual dysfunction is recurrent or persistent problems with sexual response, desire, orgasm or pain that can potentially create a strain in relationships. Sexual dysfunction can occur in men and women. Female sexual dysfunction may include problems with sexual desire, arousal, attaining an orgasm, painful spasms of the vaginal muscles causing contraction of the vagina and painful intercourse. Sexual dysfunction in women is fairly common. Around 43% of women experience sexual dysfunction at some point in their lives. Some may have difficulties throughout their lives. Sexual dysfunction can occur at any stage of life. It may either occur in only some specific sexual situations or in all sexual situations.
Female sexual dysfunction may be due to multiple reasons. Treatment of sexual dysfunction involves addressing the underlying cause, which may be due to a medical, psychological or hormonal condition. Treatment of sexual dysfunction involves more than one approach and is a team effort of multiple healthcare professionals.
What is normal female sexual function?
Normal sexual function and responses involve the mind and body. A woman can have problems at any stage of sexual function
- Motivation or desire: Motivation or desire is required to engage in a sexual activity or continue it. Sexual desire could be triggered by thoughts, words, sights or touch and varies with each woman.
- Arousal: Arousal is the sexual excitement that is felt and it has a physical element. The blood flow increases to the genital area, the vaginal wall starts to swell and vaginal secretions increase.
- Orgasm: Orgasm is the peak of sexual excitement. There is increased muscle tension throughout the body and the muscles around the vagina start contracting rhythmically.
- Resolution: This occurs following an orgasm or sexual activity. There is widespread muscular relaxation throughout the body and a feeling of well-being.
What causes female sexual dysfunction?
Sexual dysfunction can occur due to various physical, hormonal and psychological causes or a combination of multiple factors. Factors contributing to sexual dysfunction include
- Physical: Several medical conditions and major illnesses such as cancer, chronic pain, severe arthritis, physical injuries, diabetes, heart disease, kidney failure, multiple sclerosis and bladder problems can lead to sexual dysfunction. Certain medications such as antidepressants, blood pressure medications, antihistamines and chemotherapy drugs can affect sexual function.
- Hormonal: Decline in estrogen levels after menopause can lead to changes in the genital tissues such as dryness, decreased elasticity and decreased sensation that can cause pain during intercourse. Sexual desire may also decrease after menopause. Decrease in estrogen leads to decreased blood flow to the genitals. Women also have hormonal imbalance after childbirth and while breastfeeding that can cause sexual dysfunction.
- Psychological and/or social: Untreated psychological conditions such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), history of sexual abuse, stress, insecurity, body image issues and depression can cause sexual dysfunction. Having problems with other aspects of the relationship and cultural and religious beliefs may also contribute to sexual dysfunction.
Can female sexual dysfunction be treated?
Sexual dysfunction requires treatment only if one is bothered by it. If not, it doesn’t require treatment because it doesn’t affect health.
Treatment varies depending on the symptoms and cause of sexual dysfunction. Most women require a combined treatment approach that treats medical, psychological and relationship problems that contribute to sexual dysfunction.
Non-medical treatment options
- Communication: Communicating openly with the partner about sexual preferences or resolving conflicts can solve most relationship problems that may be contributing to sexual dysfunction.
- Counseling: Consulting with a licensed therapist or psychiatrist can help treat psychological and emotional problems or relationship problems contributing to sexual dysfunction.
- Lifestyle modifications: Lifestyle modifications include
- Vaginal lubricants: A vaginal lubricant can reduce dryness, pain and discomfort during intercourse.
- Using a device: Arousal may be stimulated by using a vibrator over the clitoris to stimulate it.
Medical treatment for female sexual dysfunction
Certain medications can cause sexual dysfunction. The doctor may prescribe an alternate or adjust the dose of such medications. Sexual dysfunction caused due to hormones and other medical illnesses may require medical treatment, which includes
- Hormone therapy: Localized estrogen therapy is administered in the form of creams, vaginal rings or tablets. This improves vaginal dryness, tone, and elasticity and increases blood flow locally. Additionally, there are medications that modulate estrogen receptors, reducing pain during sex. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help reduce the symptoms of menopause throughout the body, including the genitals.
- Addyi (flibanserin) and Vyleesi (bremelanotide): These are the two Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications for hypoactive sexual drive in women. These may be taken after discussion with the physician. They cause chemical changes in the brain and thus lead to arousal.
- Androgen therapy: Testosterone is an androgen that affects sexual function in women as well, but the use of testosterone to treat female dysfunction is still controversial.
- Treatment of psychological conditions: Medical treatment to manage stress, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and other psychological conditions may be prescribed by the doctor.

QUESTION
Condoms are the best protection from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). See AnswerHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
NHS
Cardiovascular & Hematological Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
Top How Do You Treat Sexual Dysfunction in Women Related Articles
30 Reasons Why People Have Sex
Since ancient times, the reasons people have sex have been assumed to be few and simple. However, several proposed theories suggest reasons to perform the carnal act may be larger in number and psychologically complex.Female Sexual Problems
Female sexual dysfunction symptoms can limit a woman’s sex life. Female sexual dysfunction treatment aims to address any psychological and physical causes of the problem. Sometimes doctors prescribe drugs to treat female sexual dysfunction symptoms.How Does a Polyamorous Relationship Work?
The traditional belief is that every person should seek a single soulmate and they should commit to that person completely. There are people who don’t believe that a single individual can fulfil all their needs in a relationship, so they prefer having many partners. Polyamorous relationships definitely benefit from regular counselling sessions to cope with feelings of jealousy and anxiety, which may surface in the long run.How Is Polyamory Different From Polygamy?
Polygamy is the practice of marrying more than one person, whereas polyamory means having multiple relations while being married (or not married) to one person. Polyamory means having multiple lovers and polygamy means having multiple spouses.Is It Normal to Have Sex Every Day?
Sex is known to be a proven stressbuster that elevates your mood instantly, and yes, it is completely normal to have sex every day. There are phases in life when you have sex more frequently.Sex and Menopause (What to Expect)
Menopause is often associated with a change in sexual functioning. Loss of estrogen, bladder control issues, anxiety, stress, health concerns, medications, and sleep disturbances often result in a decrease in libido. Though there are currently no good drugs for treating sexual problems in women, there are ways to increase intimacy with a partner and treat vaginal dryness.Rape
There are many forms of sexual assault, including rape, attempted rape, child molestation, sexual intercourse that you say no to, inappropriate touching, and vaginal, anal, or oral penetration. Sexual assault can also be anything that forces someone to join in unwanted sexual contact or attention, such as voyeurism, exhibitionism, incest, and sexual harassment.
Senior Health: Guide to Sex After 60
Sex after 60 can be better than ever before, but aging does bring some changes. Learn how to work with and around them to keep your sex life aglow.Seniors Sex Problems
It's never too late to improve your sex life. Learn how to overcome common health conditions affecting those over 50 such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis in order to have a healthy sex life.Sex & Love Quiz
Relationships, sex, and love! Could it be that what motivates physical attraction in us may be all in our minds? Take the Sex & Love Quiz to challenge yourself on healthy human sexuality!Sexual Problems (Sex) in Women
Sexual dysfunction refers to a problem that arises during any phase of the sexual response cycle, preventing an individual or couple from experiencing sexual satisfaction. Physical, medical, and psychological conditions may affect sexual functioning, resulting in inhibited sexual desire, inability to become aroused, lack of orgasm, and painful intercourse. Treating the underlying physical and psychological problems usually resolves most female sexual problems.Benefits of Sex
How would you like a stronger immune system or better sleep? Action between the sheets can help you get all of this and more. Read on to discover the surprising health benefits of sex.Sexual Response Cycle (Phases of Sexual Response)
There are four phases to the sexual response for men and women. Couple do not usually reach each phase at the same time, and they are dependant from individual to individual. The four phases of the sexual response cycle include phase 1, excitement; phase 2, plateau; phase 3 orgasm; and phase 4 resolution.What Are the 4 Genders?
There are four different types of genders that apply to living and nonliving objects. The four genders are the masculine gender, feminine gender, neuter gender and common gender.What Happens to Our Bodies During Sex?
While engaging in sex or during masturbation, your body undergoes physical and emotional changes known as the sexual response cycle. You need to know the body’s response toward each phase of the cycle to enhance the relationship or identify the cause of sexual dysfunction.