Female sexual dysfunction is usually characterized by lack of interest in or lack of enjoyment from sexual encounters. While there are a variety of potential causes for this problem, urologists are interested in treating physiological conditions that could be causing the condition.
Why It Occurs
Female libido is highly complex, and the causes of female sexual dysfunction are quite varied. Many women fail to enjoy sex because they cannot achieve arousal. Others have psychological problems that keep them from enjoying intercourse. Physical conditions that cause a lack of blood flow to the sexual organs or a lack of sensation in those areas can also lead to female sexual dysfunction. Hormonal changes that occur during menopause can also cause a drop in libido.
Incidence
Because so many women do not seek treatment for female sexual dysfunction, determining the incidence of the condition is difficult. Sexual dysfunction could affect as many as 40% of the women in the United States. While it can occur in women of all ages, many women experience sexual dysfunction after menopause.
Symptoms
Symptoms of female sexual dysfunction include an inability to achieve an orgasm, a lack of interest in sex, pain during intercourse, dissatisfaction from sex, and anxiety about sexual encounters.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis for female sexual dysfunction will start with a physical exam and laboratory tests to determine if there is a physical cause. Treatment for physical causes of the condition include vascular treatments, education about female arousal, and hormone replacement therapy. If there is not a physical cause for the problem, the patient will be referred to a psychologist for a psychological evaluation.
