Causes of Female Sexual Problems

Sexual dysfunction can occur due to physical, psychological and social factors.

Gynecological Factors

• Childbirth: Physical recovery, breastfeeding, fatigue and motherhood could have adverse effects on sexual desire. Reduced estrogen levels and local injury to the genital areas during childbirth can result in pain during sexual activity.
• Menopause: During menopause, estrogen levels fall, which can lead to reduced libido. Night sweats, sleep disruption, fatigue and hot flashes can disrupt sexual pleasure. Generally, women experience sexual discomfort after menopause due to loss of normal secretions and lubrication, narrowing of the vagina and vaginal dryness.
• Vaginal or Pelvic Pain: Pain while having sex can affect lubrication and cause tightening of pelvic muscles. The pelvic pain can be due to vaginal or pelvic surgery, infection, scar tissue or endometriosis.
• Medical Conditions: Issues such as obesity, thyroid disease, multiple sclerosis, genital herpes, heart disease and arthritis can interfere with sexual feelings. Diabetes, Parkinson's disease, consumption of alcohol, drugs, etc., can impair libido. Changes in the body after surgeries of the vagina, pelvis or breast can alter the confidence of people. Radiation treatment in the vaginal opening or other parts can hamper sexual desire. People with cancer experience fatigue, discomfort and mood changes that can affect sexual function.

Medications such as antidepressants, cancer drugs, epilepsy drugs, high blood pressure drugs, antipsychotic medications, steroids, and urinary tract infection medications can cause vaginal discomfort and make sex less pleasurable.

Emotional Factors

• Fatigue and Stress: Fatigue and stress can reduce sexual pleasure. Fatigue can result from less sleep, medical issues or demands from work, family and other responsibilities.
• Relationship Issues: Conflict with the partner, stress and reduced communication with the partner can affect the sexual feelings. Abuse and trauma can have lasting effects on a relationship that can reduce sexual desire. Over time, healthy relationships may lose spark.
• Partner's Sexual Problems: When males have issues such as erectile dysfunction, abnormal ejaculation or diminished libido, it can affect the sexual feelings of the partner. Females can also experience problems such as vaginal dryness and reduced lubrication that can become a roadblock to sexual pleasure.
• Sociocultural Factors: Lack of religious, cultural, privacy and personal beliefs can lead to sexual problems.
• Personal Well-Being: Diet and exercise can affect emotional wellness, which, if not taken care of, can cause reduced sexual desire.

Sexual Pain

Many medical conditions can lead to sexual pain:

• Infections: Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and yeast infections can cause painful sex.
• Endometriosis: When the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, it can damage the pelvic floor and cause pain during sex.
• Low Estrogen: Low estrogen due to menopause or childbirth can lead to reduced lubrication and thinning of vaginal tissue making sex painful.
• Vaginismus: The muscles of the vagina and pelvic floor involuntary contract before penetration, which can cause painful sex.
• Skin Conditions: Psoriasis and contact dermatitis can affect the tissue of the vagina, vulva and surrounding issues that can lead to painful sex.
• Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Injured or tight muscles due to injury, pregnancy and after childbirth can cause painful sex.
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Weakness in the pelvic floor causes the bladder and uterus to drop down the vagina, which causes pain during sex.

Treatment for Sexual Dysfunction

To treat sexual dysfunction, the gynecologist may ask for symptoms and conduct blood tests to diagnose it. The doctor may ask questions regarding when the issue has begun, frequency of sex, etc.

Diagnostic tests include:

• Medical imaging
• STI testing
• Pelvic exam
• Hormone testing
• Mental health screening

Medical treatments include:

• Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic muscles that help in achieving better orgasm
• Anti-inflammatory drugs that can reduce back pain during sex
• Drugs to increase libido
• For those with low estrogen levels, topical estrogen or oral hormone replacement therapy can help improve sexual desire.
• Surgery can be required to repair structural problems around the interiors of the vagina and vulva.

Other steps that can increase intimate experience include:

• Making time for sex
• Open communication between you and your partner
• Reducing alcohol intake
• Exercising
• Consuming a balanced diet
• Therapy to help manage stress or anxiety
• Vaginal lubricants to reduce pain during sex
• Vibrators and other tools to enhance arousal

Lack of sexual desire can put things off the track. Recognize your symptoms and consult the best doctor at Matrix Hospital.