Female Sexual Disorder and Its Causes

A sexual problem, or sexual dysfunction, refers to a problem during any phase of the sexual response cycle that prevents the individual or couple from experiencing satisfaction from the sexual activity. These problems may have physical or psychological causes. Physical causes may include conditions like diabetes, heart disease, nerve disorders or hormone problems. Some drugs can also affect desire and function. Psychological causes may include work-related stress and anxiety. They may also include depression or concerns about marriage or relationship problems. There are many problems that can keep a woman from enjoying sex.

Lack of sexual desire or decrease libido:

Lack of interest in sex, or desire for sex, is a common problem in both men and women, but especially in women. Lack of desire stops the sexual response cycle before it starts. Many factors can contribute to a lack of desire, including hormonal changes, medical conditions and treatments, depression, pregnancy, stress, and fatigue. Boredom with regular sexual routines also may contribute to a lack of enthusiasm for sex, as can lifestyle factors, such as careers and the care of children.  

Inability to become aroused: 

Inability to become sexually aroused is sometimes related to lack of desire. In other cases, the woman feels sexual desire but cannot become aroused. Orgasm may be delayed or not occur at all (anorgasmia). This can be very distressing for a woman who feels desire and becomes aroused. It can create a vicious cycle in which the woman loses interest in sex because she does not have an orgasm. The inability to become aroused also may be related to anxiety or inadequate stimulation. In addition, researchers are investigating how blood flow problems affecting the vagina and clitoris may contribute to arousal problems.

Lack of orgasm, or sexual climax: 

This is the absence of sexual climax (orgasm). It can be caused by a woman's sexual inhibition, inexperience, lack of knowledge, and psychological factors such as guilt, anxiety, or a past sexual trauma or abuse. Other factors contributing to anorgasmia include insufficient stimulation, certain medications, and chronic diseases.

Pain during intercourse:

Pain during intercourse can be caused by a number of problems, including endometriosis, a pelvic mass, ovarian cysts, vaginitis, poor lubrication, the presence of scar tissue from surgery, or a sexually transmitted disease. A condition called vaginismus is a painful, involuntary spasm of the muscles that surround the vaginal entrance. It may occur in women who fear that penetration will be painful and also may stem from a sexual phobia or from a previous traumatic or painful experience. 

Causes of female Sexual problems: 

The causes of sexual problems are as varied and complex as the human race. Any of the following can contribute to sexual problems:

Insufficient stimulation:
A woman’s lack of knowledge about sexual stimulation and response may prevent a woman from achieving a satisfactory experience. Poor communication between partners can also be a culprit here.


Gynecologic problems:
A number of pelvic disorders can cause pain in intercourse and thus decrease satisfaction.

Vaginal dryness:
The most common reason for this in younger women is insufficient stimulation. In older women, the decrease in estrogen that occurs in menopause is the cause of vaginal dryness. Poor lubrication can also be linked to hormone imbalances and other illnesses and to certain medications. It can inhibit arousal or make intercourse uncomfortable.


Vaginismus:
This is a painful spasm of the muscles surrounding the vaginal opening that causes the vaginal opening to “tighten.” It can prevent penetration or make penetration extremely painful. Vaginismus can be caused by injuries or scars from surgery, abuse, or childbirth, by infection, or by irritation from douches, spermicides, or condoms. It can also be caused by fear.


Sexually transmitted diseases:
Gonorrhea, herpes, genital warts, chlamydia, and syphilis are infectious diseases spread by sexual contact. They can cause changes in the genitals that make sex uncomfortable or even painful.


Vaginitis:
Inflammation and irritation of vaginal tissues due to infection or other causes can make intercourse uncomfortable or painful.


Nerve damage after surgery:
Unavoidable cutting of small nerves during pelvic surgery (such as hysterectomy) may decrease sensation and response.


Physical conditions:
Many physical or medical conditions can decrease a woman’s satisfaction with her sex life.

ü      Tiredness (fatigue)

ü      Chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease

ü      Cancer

ü      Neurologic disorders

ü      Vascular (blood flow) disorders

ü      Hormonal imbalances

ü      Menopause

ü      Pregnancy

ü      Alcohol or drug abuse