Sexual difficulties may begin early or later in a woman’s life and can develop suddenly or gradually. The causes may be physical and/or psychological. Fortunately, many sexual health issues are treatable.Female sexual dysfunction occurs when a woman feels, for any number of reasons, that her sex life isn’t as satisfying as it could be.
In the treatment of female sexual health, we employ a step-wise approach that starts with addressing causes of sexual concerns then implementing evidence based treatment strategies to restore sexual health.
Maneuvers to modify reversible causes of female sexual dysfunction include hormone manipulation, sex therapy, lifestyle modifications including exercise and diet, alteration of prescription medications, management of partner sexual dysfunction, and other behavior modifications.
We offer management of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder, Estrogen Deficiency and Female Sexual Arousal Disorder/FSAD with the following therapies:
Studies continue to provide an understanding of the blood vessels and nerves in the pelvis, and the ways in which surgeries, childbirth, illnesses, medications, hormonal changes and aging may affect a woman’s sexual experience. Research into this area has become more of a focus in recent years and we are learning more about it every day.
Female sexual dysfunction is associated with negative effects including poor self-image, mood instability, depression, and strained relationships with partners.
Your physician will begin with general questions about sexual activity then becoming more specific. Using a written scale or questionnaire, patients are asked to rate their sexual satisfaction on a scale of 1-10.
There are several types of female sexual dysfunction, all of which are classified as persistent or recurrent and cause marked distress or interpersonal difficulty.
Female sexual dysfunction is classified as the following:
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: This is the deficiency or absence of sexual fantasies and desire for sexual activity.
Sexual Aversion Disorder: Aversion to and active avoidance of all or almost all genital sexual contact with sexual partner.
Sexual Arousal Disorder: Persistent or recurrent inability to attain, or to maintain until completion of the sexual activity, an adequate lubrication swelling response of sexual excitement.
Orgasmic Disorders: Persistent or recurrent delay in, or absence of, orgasm following a normal sexual excitement phase.
Sexual Pain Disorders:
Most women who suffer from FSD benefit from a treatment approach that includes addressing both medical and emotional issues. Sometimes a medical solution can be the answer. Your doctor may try vaginal estrogen therapy, or if you are taking antidepressants, changing from one medication to another.
Behavioral treatments, such as stress management or couples therapy can help in the treatment of female sexual dysfunction. Most often, a combination of both works the best.
Non-medical treatment for female sexual dysfunction:
Medical treatment for female sexual dysfunction:
Certain medications can have sexual side effects, particularly medications for anxiety and depression. Changing or adjusting these could make a difference. Also, hormonal imbalances or other medical conditions can affect your arousal and orgasm. Be sure to talk with your doctor about pelvic pain or other genital pain you may be experiencing.
The best therapy for female sexual dysfunction is to resolve both physical and emotional factors. Female sexual dysfunction is so complex, that no medicines or hormones will help until you address both of these first.
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