Female Sexual Dysfunction

The clinical definition of the female sexual dysfunction consists of four stages of arousal, marked by physiological and psychological changes. The first stage is excitement, which can be triggered by psychological or physical stimulation, and is marked by emotional changes, and increased heart rate, respiration, and vaginal swelling and lubrication due to increased blood flow. Sustained excitement is called the plateau, the second stage. Vaginal swelling, heart rate, and muscle tension may increase as long as stimulation continues. The breasts enlarge, the nipples become erect, and the uterus dips. The third stage is orgasm, which involves synchronized vaginal, anal, and abdominal muscle contractions, the loss of involuntary muscle control, and intense pleasure. The final phase, resolution, involves a rush of blood away from the vagina, shrinking breasts and nipples, and a reduction in heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure. Female Sexual Dysfunction can effect any or all of these stages of the female sexual response cycle.

Women with female sexual dysfunction concerns benefit from a combined treatment approach that addresses medical as well as emotional issues. Occasionally, there's a specific medical solution — using vaginal estrogen cream, for example, or switching from one antidepressant medication to another. More often, behavioral treatments — such as couple's therapy and stress management — are needed to address the roots of female sexual dysfunction. And sometimes, a combination approach works best.

Most female sexual dysfunction in cancer survivors follows cancer treatment. You may have decided that you want to wait a while after your treatment until you have sex. That is understandable. But if you want to begin having sex again and are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, you might have a sexual problem that can be helped. Sometimes female sexual dysfunction caused by radiation to the pelvis may take longer to develop. You may not notice any dysfunction until months or years after you finish treatment. If you notice any changes in your ability to have or enjoy sex during your survivorship, you can discuss your concerns with your health care team.

female sexual dysfunction can be subdivided into desire, arousal, orgasmic and sexual pain disorders. Sexual pain disorders include dyspareunia and vaginismus. Estimates of the number of women who have sexual dysfunction range from 19 to 50 percent in "normal" outpatient populations 3-6 and increase to 68 to 75 percent when sexual dissatisfaction or problems (not dysfunctional in nature) are included.5,7 Yet, one review of physicians' chart notes revealed a recorded sexual problem in only 2 percent. In another review, physician inquiry of patients in a gynecologic office setting about sexual problems increased reported complaints about female sexual dysfunction sixfold. This discrepancy demonstrates a need for physician education in this area.

female sexual dysfunction can result from an underlying medical condition, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. It can also be caused by irritations, infections and growths in the vaginal area, or reactions to contraceptive devices. Medications used to treat high blood pressure, peptic ulcers, depression or anxiety and cancer may also cause problems. Another factor is the physical, hormonal and emotional changes that occur during or after pregnancy or while breast feeding. However, Female sexual dysfunction is usually linked to psychological causes.

During sexual arousal of a woman and during sexual activity, vaginal lubrication is naturally produced.female sexual dysfunction refers to a condition of decreased, insufficient, or absent vaginal lubrication in a woman during sexual arousal or activity. The condition should be distinguished from other sexual dysfunctions, such as the orgasmic disorder (anorgasmia), which may be separate issues at the same time. Loss of interest in sexual activity occurs most commonly in women as they age and approach menopause.