Causes of Female Sexual Dysfunction

It is estimated that approximately 40% of women suffer from sexual dysfunction.
Neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis can cause an inability to have an orgasm because the nerve supply to the genitals is interrupted. Endocrine disorders, such as diabetes, lupus, thyroid dysfunction, as well as testosterone deficiency (caused by the removal of ovaries and adrenals in some breast cancers) can also cause orgasm dysfunction. In addition, severe high blood pressure, liver disorders, excess anxiety, menopause and depression are also conditions that may be associated with a diminished ability to achieve orgasms. Medications can be blamed such as blood pressure medications, birth control pills, contraceptive devices, sedatives and many anti-depressants. Infections and irritations in the vaginal area are other possible causes. Pregnancy, childbirth and breast feeding, due to hormonal and physical changes, may also cause decreased sexual drive.

According to a practicing clinical psychologist Dr Josi Salem, the most frequent conditions that are associated with female sexual dysfunction that she sees in her practice are anxiety and unhappiness in a relationship, followed by depression and medications.

Cure in a pill:
Identifying the cause is an extremely crucial step! If menopause is the reason, hormonal replacement therapy may be recommended only on a case by case basis; for postmenopausal women who suffer from vaginal dryness, estrogen creams may be beneficial. For breastfeeding, pregnant and post-partum mamas, knowing that this is a normal reaction and communication with your spouse may ease concerns.

However, is there a magic pill for females comparable to Viagra for men? The answer is not yet! Medications like Viagra arouse by increasing blood flow to the genitalia, which help millions of men achieve an erection. According to the Erectile Dysfunction Institute, 90 per cent of erectile dysfunction cases are due to physical causes. On the other hand, the most common sexual complaint for women is the lack of desire, which may be difficult to treat and may involve a more psychological component. According to Womens-Health.co.uk, 20 per cent of sexual disorders in females are due to lubrication problems; Viagra like-drugs may prove helpful to this cohort of women since these drugs increase blood flow to the genitals. However, these medications may not help those women who are uninterested in sex.

Since, sexual dysfunction in women is a complex problem, with many different causes; a multi-faceted approach must be used in treating female sexual problems which means what works for one woman may not work for another.