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Female Sexual Problems
The term ‘sexuality’ is not
limited to the act of sex alone.
In fact, sexuality, for both men
and women, is as much a
psychological experience as it
is a physical one; it realizes
one’s physical and emotional
need for intimacy, and defines
one’s relationship with
themselves as well as their
partner.
What is female sexual dysfunction?
Medically speaking, a sustained problem
with sexual desire, sexual response and
orgasm or pain is called female sexual
dysfunction. Approximately 50% of women
(that’s one in every two women!)
experience some form of sexual problem
or dysfunction at some stage of their
lives. The problem may arise out of
disturbances in physiology, emotions,
relationships or beliefs and/or a
combination of these factors.
Physical causes behind sexual
dysfunction are wide-ranging. Diabetes,
neurological, heart, liver and kidney
conditions, hormonal imbalances,
menopause are some of the illnesses
affecting sexual health. In addition,
drug abuse, alcoholism and side effects
of medications can interfere as well. On
the other hand, psychological basis for
dysfunction encompasses relationship
issues, stress, anxiety and depression.
Whatever the cause, both the partners in
a relationship are affected by sexual
dysfunction.
What symptoms should I pay attention to?
·
When you find yourself lacking in sexual
interest, unwilling to be sexually
active
·
When you are scared about, averse/phobic
to any sexual interaction
·
You have the desire for sex but finding
it difficult to be aroused
·
You have the desire, you also experience
arousal but unable to reach climax
(orgasm), or experiencing delay in
orgasm
·
Experiencing pain, burning sensation or
significant discomfort during sexual
activity
·
Or anything about your sexuality that is
disturbing to you
How is female sexual dysfunction
diagnosed?
·
A detailed personal history is the first
step for evaluation of sexual
dysfunction.
·
Physical exam may be performed for
general health, secondary sexual
development, pelvic and genital factors,
laboratory tests like blood picture,
hormone & biochemical assays, sonography
and other tests to rule out physical and
physiological factors.
·
Psycho-social factors are assessed that
may include necessary psychological and
sexology questionnaires. These tests
will help the practitioner understand
the influences of things like your
attitude towards sex, anxiety, social
and religious factors, relationship
matters etc.
How is female sexual dysfunction
treated?
·
Treatment or management becomes
necessary only if the sexual dysfunction
bothers you. Mere reassurance might
suffice for some people.
·
Since female sexual dysfunction has
multiple factors causing, perpetuating
or perpetrating it, treatment is to suit
each individual client separately. What
works for one may not do so for the
other.
·
Treatment usually incorporates one or
more of educating patient about the
problem, giving specific suggestions,
lifestyle changes, counseling, behavior-
relationship- or other psychotherapies,
sex therapy, drug/hormone treatment,
surgical interventions, alternative
modalities like herbal therapies.
When should I seek help?
While not all sexual problems need
medical intervention (and several
problems are temporary), one should
consult a doctor when problems persist
for more than a few weeks. Medical help
should also be sought if a sexual
problem is causing you anxiety or
affecting the relationship with your
partner. If a physical cause is ruled
out, psychologist would be able to help.
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