Aug 22 2009

Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD)

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According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, more than 43% of American women (about 40 million) experience some form of sexual disorder. Any woman can experience Female Sexual Dysfunction at some point in her life. The feminine movement

A number of things can go wrong with female sexuality:

  • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD) – An ongoing problem staying sexually excited. A woman would like to have sex, but when she has sex it is not pleasurable. This may be due to decreased sensitivity in the genitals or lack of vaginal lubrication or wetness. Sexual arousal disorder may be caused by decreased blood flow to the vagina or clitoris.
  • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) – The ongoing lack of sexual fantasies or thoughts. A woman with hypoactive sexual desire disorder does not have a desire for sex and is not interested in the sexual advances of her partner. This may also be called loss of libido. 33% of women between 18 and 59 years old suffer from HSDD. After menopause, this can go as high as 44%.
  • Orgasm Disorder – An ongoing problem related to having an orgasm. It may be difficult to have an orgasm or, if she does have an orgasm, it may take a long time. Some women describe their orgasms as muffled or not as intense as they once were. Other women may not be able to reach orgasm at all. This problem occurs even though she has been sexually stimulated and aroused.
  • Dyspareunia – Ongoing pain associated with sexual intercourse.
  • Vaginismus – Ongoing spasm or tightening of the muscles of the vagina that makes the vagina difficult to enter or penetrate
  • Non-coital sexual pain – Ongoing pain in the genital area caused by sexual stimulation other than vaginal penetration

Some of the physical causes of Female Sexual Dysfunction are listed below.

  • Pelvic surgery or trauma including hysterectomy, pelvic fractures, difficult childbirth or straddle injuries (such as falling on a bicycle or balance beam).
  • Menopause
  • Arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries
  • Smoking
  • Loss of the hormones including both estrogen and testosterone
  • Diabetes
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Blood pressure medications
  • Some antidepressants
  • Birth control pills
  • Some seizure medications
  • Certain sedatives or tranquilizers
  • Anemia – which is very common in women, due to lack of iron loss during their periods (and of course in childbirth).
  • Alcoholism
  • Drug abuse
  • Post-baby coolness (PBC): this is the term for loss of libido that occurs after childbirth.
  • Prescription drugs, particularly tranquillizers and anti-depressant drugs are a common cause for many women.
  • Hyperprolactinaemia – A rare disorder in which the pituitary gland is simply overactive.

Psychological causes of Female Sexual Dysfunction include:

  • Depression
  • Stress
  • Sexual, emotional or physical abuse
  • Drug or alcohol abuse
  • Problems with self-esteem or body image
  • Problems in your relationship with your partner
  • Anxiety
  • Problems from childhood
  • Lesbianism

 

 

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