Female Sexual Dysfunction

Studies have revealed that women's sexual interest and response to sexual stimulation vary according to individual age and hormonal levels; preferences, personal experiences and mostly influenced by overall health and well-being of the woman concerned. Any discrepancy in female sexual health or a sexual problem, relates to issues concerning a woman's fulfillment with a sexual activity. Such a condition in women as it happens; it is often concluded to by medical practitioners as female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Considered a difficult medical condition with limited diagnostic features, FSD is always a tougher challenge to diagnose and treat basically because of the convolution of the female sexual response.

Causes
There are several issues that may contribute to female sexual dysfunction. The factors may vary from person to person. While there are instances that FSD is caused by a single factor, in another case it might be a resultant of a combination of several factors. However, the causes leading to female sexual dysfunction tend to be interrelated.

  ¤ Lack of sexual desire
Lack of sexual interest or desire is a common problem found in both men and women. However, it is increasingly becoming prominent in women to tend to lose their sexual desire either due to stress, postpartum pregnancy-related and menopausal effect.  While lack of sexual desire maybe doted as a fleeting condition, in some cases it takes a prolonged stand; thereby putting an end to the sexual response cycle before it starts.

  ¤ Difficulties in sexual arousal or orgasmic pleasure
Though difficulty in sexual arousal can be linked to lack of desire; however, there are independent cases when a woman becomes unable to be sexually aroused in spite of having sexual desires. It occurs mainly due to orgasmic dysfunction (either delayed or absence of orgasm) causing emotional distress leading to gradual loss of interest due to prolonged sexual failure.

  ¤ Pain during intercourse
Dyspareunia or pain during intercourse is a common problem affecting the sexual health of women. This physical discomfort, like any other sexual problems, may lead to loss in sexual interest.

  ¤ Relationship tribulations and Emotional problems
Any discord in family ties and relationship can be a good enough reason for female sexual dysfunction. Also, issues pertaining to postpartum psychological distress or any physical and sexual abuse; disturbing sexual harmony between two partners can lead to the medical condition of FSD. Moreover, stress, anxiety, guilt and depression are conclusive factors affecting a woman's sexual function.

  ¤ Gynecological problems
A number of pelvic disorders can cause pain in intercourse thus reducing sexual pleasure. Some of the most common gynecological problems encountered are mentioned below:

• Vaginal dryness – Insufficient sexual stimulation observed as the root cause for vaginal dryness in younger women; in menopausal women decrease in estrogen levels is the prominent cause of vaginal dryness. Women affected by this condition experience lack of arousal and uncomfortable sexual intercourse.
• Vaginismus - This is an excruciating contraction of the muscles surrounding the vaginal opening that causes the vaginal opening to tighten thus preventing penetration or making penetration very painful. The condition of Vaginismus can be spurred by infection, childbirth, by injuries or scars from surgery, sexual abuse and fear factors, or by irritation from douches, spermicides, or condoms.
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) – Women are prone to a number of Sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea, genital herpes, genital warts, chlamydia, and syphilis. These infectious diseases spread by sexual contact cause changes in the genitals thereby making sex largely painful and uncomfortable.
• Vaginitis: This is a condition causing inflammation and irritation of vaginal tissues due to infection or other causes, leading to uncomfortable or painful intercourse.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease - This is an infection caused in the vagina that gradually moves up into the cervix, uterus, and ovaries. It can be very painful on its own and make intercourse extremely painful.

1. Fatigue
2. Chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease
3. Alcohol or drug abuse
4. Pregnancy
5. Hormonal imbalances
6. Menopause
7. Cancer
8. Neurological disorders
9. Vascular (blood flow) disorders

  ¤Treatments and Medications
Certain medications and treatment procedures have been found to reduce sexual desire or hinder sexual arousal. One such category of drugs that have this effect is the selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) group of antidepressants, which include drugs such as Prozac and Zoloft. Some others included are certain chemotherapy drugs, drugs for high blood pressure, and antipsychotic medications. Even radiation therapy used for cancer treatment has been found to be disrupting sexual health in women by affecting vaginal lubrication process, necessary for sexual intercourse.

Symptoms
Female sexual dysfunction presents itself in a range of ways. Since the concept of sexual dysfunction in women is not widely discussed and studied, there have been instances where many women have been found to make generalizations about their sexual problems, describing the problem as a decrease in libido or overall discontent. Therefore it is important to testify explicit signs and symptoms in adjudging the exact cause behind the condition. While some women may be more specific and relate pain with sexual stimulation or intercourse, anorgasmia, delayed orgasm, and decreased arousal; postmenopausal women with estrogen deficiency and vaginal atrophy may attribute it to a decrease in vaginal lubrication.

Treatment
Treatment for female sexual dysfunction varies depending on the nature of problem. It has been found that in some cases no treatment is required. Moreover, research and studies are on for a viable drug for the medical condition. Although till now, no drugs have been approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA).