Sexual dysfunction can interfere with women’s quality of life.
Understanding Female Sexual Dysfunction
Female sexual dysfunction refers to a persistent issue with desire, arousal, or pain during sex that causes personal distress. It is very common, affecting nearly half of all women at some point in their lifetime. While sexual dysfunction can impact women at any stage of life, it is most prevalent in women age 40 or older.
Causes and Symptoms
Symptoms of female sexual dysfunction often correspond with changes in hormone levels. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause is a condition that occurs when declining estrogen levels during perimenopause cause the tissues in the vagina to become thinner and less elastic, leading to issues such as sexual dysfunction. Hormone shifts after childbirth can also affect sexual function, causing dryness and a decreased sexual drive. Additional causes can include pelvic floor muscle dysfunction and/or injury, certain medications, and psychological factors.
A low or absent sex drive is the most common form of female sexual dysfunction. Experiencing pain with sex, referred to as dyspareunia, is another symptom, often caused by vaginal dryness and vaginismus, which occurs when the vaginal muscles tense or spasm uncontrollably.
Treatment and Outlook
If sexual dysfunction is negatively impacting your quality of life or intimacy with your partner, it’s important to be open with your provider about your symptoms. They can listen, check for any physical changes, and recommend treatment options based on the cause.
Treatment options may include:
- Hormonal therapy to restore estrogen levels and treat symptoms linked to menopause
- Pelvic floor therapy to strengthen or relax muscles
- Products such as lubricants and moisturizers
- Counseling, if emotional or relational factors are contributing
- Lifestyle changes to boost overall health
- Surgical intervention, in rare cases
An Expert Weighs In
Meet the Author
Rachel Studebaker, BA, English, Summa Cum Laude
Rachel Studebaker is a graduate of Lee University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in advertising with the distinction of summa cum laude and served as editor-in-chief of the university’s biannual magazine, The Vindagua. After graduation, Rachel joined CMC Media & Marketing Group as an editor. Today, she serves as managing editor and is responsible for leading the editorial team in the development and completion of content for 17 publications involving health & wellness, business, sports, and lifestyle published in print and online for HealthScope® and CityScope® magazines as well as Choose Chattanooga® and Choose Huntsville® – premier publications serving Southeast Tennessee, North Georgia, and North Alabama. In addition to writing, editing, and coordinating copy, Rachel oversees networking and reputation management for the company’s publications. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, attending concerts, trying new restaurants, and traveling with her husband.
