Female Sexual Dysfunction: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

What Causes Dysfunction In Females?

There are varied reasons responsible for causing sexual dysfunction in females. Some of the possible reasons.

• Certain Medications

  A few medicines may affect sexual desires and the reproductive system. The impact could be mild or severe.

  Antidepressant medication pills are related to loss of libido. According to a study^[4], 72% of women reported problems with sexual desires after using antidepressants.

  Also, 83% of females faced problems with arousal. One such class of antidepressants is SSRI( Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor). 

  Likewise, chemotherapy and radiation treatment for cancer. It affects ovaries, and vaginal tissues and causes a lack of lube. 

  As well as, high blood pressure^[5] medicinal pills like beta blockers and diuretics cause loss of libido and decreased vaginal sensation.

  Anabolic steroids widely popular to build muscle and bone mass are also related to sexual dysfunction.

• Lack Of Blood Flow To The Vagina

  Several medical conditions result in decreased blood flow to the genital area. Low estrogen levels are the primary reason for less blood flow to the vagina.

  Other reasons may be bad blood circulation and medicines. The lack of blood results in thinning of vaginal tissues.

  Hence, sensation with stimulation decreases. Moreover, pain is likely to be experienced. 

• Hormonal Imbalance

  Females experience hormonal fluctuations more frequently. The female body goes through several changes from monthly menstrual cycles to childbirth. 

  Estrogen is among the most important female sex hormones. Low levels of estrogen may affect almost everything related to females. It decreases sex drive, lubrication, and sexual pleasure. 

  The study^[6] explains that pregnancy may also affect sexual activity.  During menopause, estrogen and testosterone levels drop, causing a declining interest in sexual activity. 

  Vaginal atrophy is one such issue. Menopause and postmenopause period results in thinning of vaginal tissues and dryness.

  Such a situation leads to rough sex-inducing pain. Vaginal atrophy also includes frequent urinary tract infections.

• UTI

  Frequent urinary tract infections could also lead to sexual dysfunction. This reason could be really obvious.

  Hence, you might want to maintain clean hygiene and make sure that you can clean your private parts when you are taking a bath.

  This will make sure that there are any fungi or bacteria residing in any of your private parts that might lead to a UTI kind of infection.

  One could also try home remedies for UTI treatments to ensure you can be old as quickly as possible.

• Prolonged Chronic Illness

  Medical conditions that stretch over a long time affect sex life. Some medical conditions include type 2 diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, cancer, and heart problems. 

  Obesity affects sexual intercourse by controlling stamina, performance, and arousal. Cancer is very challenging for a person already.

  Along with pain, the patient experiences weakness and frequent breakdowns. Heart problems or their treatments like bypass surgery do not leave any space for making love.

  Just like any physical illness, mental health also affects performance. Cognitive impairment is also responsible for disrupted sex life. 

  Any illness like this may have a short-term or long-term impact on your performance and arousal.

• Depression And Stress

  Both depression and stress are serious concerns for a healthy life. People suffering from such problems have a difficult time finding pleasure in sexual stimulation^[7] and arousal. 

  Stress is related to a hormone called cortisol. According to research, cortisol suppresses sexual desires. Antidepressants, as mentioned above, affect libido to a great extent.

• Poor Self Confidence

  Humans often try to fit into societal norms. A body looking different from beauty standards instigate a sense of guilt and alienation^[8]. 

   In the case of low estrogen, the breast does not develop fully and periods are irregular.

  In the case of high estrogen, bloating and increased symptoms of PMS may be observed. Such troubles are mentally exhausting.

  Due to insecurities, many females withdraw themselves from indulging in sexual activity. Even if they try to, it affects their performance and they experience no pleasure in it.

• Sexual Trauma

  Unhealthy relationships also create a huge impact on one’s mind.

  Toxic, abusive relationships cause uneasiness between the couple and one might even refuse^[9] to participate in sexual activity. 

  Several females report negative experiences with their partners as a reason for fear and trouble finding pleasure.

• Injuries

  Several accidents result in injuries to reproductive organs. Even if a female sustains injury on other body parts that damages nerves, it impacts the blood flow to the genital area.

  In both cases, sex becomes painful. Another common cause of injury is childbirth.

  A lot of women go through more than labor pain to bloom a life. Such injuries may cause sexual dysfunction.

• Sleep Deprivation

  A sound sleep of 6-8 hours is a must for rejuvenating energy^[10]. Lack of proper rest messes up the hormonal balance.

  Loss of libido is females’ most commonly reported issue due to lack of sleep. Insomnia worsens this even more. 

• Unhealthy Lifestyle

  Eating oily, unhealthy, and processed food increase the chances of obesity. It may, in turn, increase sexual dysfunction.

  Moreover, consumption of alcohol and smoking are linked to decreased sex drive.
  

• Lack Of Communication With Partners

  In the long run, some women have trouble seeking pleasure from their partners. This might be due to a lack of time devoted to communication.

  Also, trying something^[11] new might drive away the feeling of boredom.