Female Sexual Dysfunction

Many women experience problems in the bedroom at one time or another. Female sexual dysfunction is not uncommon and although some women and healthcare providers have difficulty discussing it, it has been recognized by the medical community for decades. In fact, for the last 20 years, it has been listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a manual published by the American Psychiatric Association, used to classify and diagnose psychological disorders.

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) can develop at any age, but many women report sexual problems at times of hormonal fluctuation; for example: post-pregnancy or during menopause. FSD encompasses several conditions that can have an effect on a woman's health and cause concern and suffering. These symptoms include:

- The desire to have sex is low or absent.

- An inability to maintain arousal during sexual activity, or become aroused despite a desire to have sex.

- An inability to experience an orgasm.

- Pain during sexual contact.

Unfortunately, HSDD in women is not as well recognized as erectile dysfunction in men. There are many medications available for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, but currently, there are no US FDA approved medications for women with HSDD. "The problem is further compounded by a lack of attention and interest in women's sexual satisfaction in many cultures," says Kingsberg. And as a result, "some women may feel that it is not appropriate to seek help for a sexual problem."

There are options available. An important step in getting help for female sexual dysfunction is realizing that there is a problem. Too many women ignore their symptoms or are unable to recognize that they have a treatable issue. Kingsberg suggests that: "Women should speak to their partners about the problem and (they may consider) seeing a professional for guidance; this professional may be a counselor, a sex therapist, a physician or nurse practitioner, or some other trusted person."

Psychotherapy or sex therapy can be very effective in uncovering the different components that may contribute to the problem. There are a few medical treatments which include hormonal therapies that may help some women. "A number of other very exciting new approaches to the treatment of low sexual desire in women are under development," say Kingsberg, "and may be available soon."