OverviewA woman of any age can become less interested in sex or have a decreased sex drive. This condition is called sexual dysfunction.
What is going on in the body?In 1999, a national survey of people between the ages of 18 and 59 showed that sexual dysfunction was common among 43% of women and 31% of men. Women and men with poor physical and mental health are more likely to have a decreased sex drive. Someone who has had problems in sexual relationships is also more likely to have this condition.
Moreover, sexual dysfunction is closely linked with overall well-being because the female sexual response is more complicated than the male response. It is influenced to a greater degree by psychological and cultural factors. A woman's sex drive is guided by a complex system of signals between the brain, the ovaries, and other reproductive sexual organs. A healthy brain, more than a healthy body, dictates a woman's desire for sex. Any disruption in this complex interaction may cause a woman to be less interested in sex.
What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?There are many different types of sexual dysfunction, including:
• a lack of interest in sex, known as decreased libido or LSI (lack of sexual interest)
• the inability to attain or maintain adequate vaginal lubrication and swelling response. This is called female sexual arousal disorder.
• painful intercourse, known as dyspareunia
• painful, involuntary contractions of the vaginal muscles, known as vaginismus
• a delay or absence of orgasm
A woman with a decreased libido may:
• enjoy sex less than she used to
• avoid having sex
• have fewer erotic dreams
• have fewer sexual fantasie
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
Sexual dysfunction in women rarely has a single cause. The factors that may cause this condition include both physical and psychological causes.
What can be done to prevent the condition?
Since sexual dysfunction in women is often linked to depression or underlying diseases, it may help to see a healthcare professional before it becomes a serious problem. Many of the underlying causes of sexual dysfunction are not preventable, but early treatment may minimize the woman's problems.
How is the condition diagnosed?
A healthcare professional will ask the woman about her medical and social history. Depending on the medical history, the following may be performed: physical exampelvic exam screening tests for depression complete blood count (CBC) urinalysis a blood test to measure follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) a blood test to measure luteinizing hormone (LH) serum estradiol testserum testosterone levelscultures of the vaginal discharge
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HEALTH CENTERS
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