Female Sexual Dysfunction: Key Q&A

What is female sexual dysfunction?

Female sexual dysfunction is any problem that routinely interferes with a woman's ability to achieve sexual gratification. To be considered a dysfunction, the symptoms must be persistent, pervasive and cause the woman distress. This broad definition can include difficulties with desire, arousal, orgasm and resolution.

How common is sexual dysfunction?

According to the American Medical Association, approximately 43 percent of U.S. women have experienced some form of sexual dysfunction at some time. About 31 percent of men have experienced sexual dysfunction. This makes sexual dysfunction more common in women than in men. However, it's important to note that there is still a great deal of controversy regarding how many people suffer from sexual dysfunction.

What kind of sexual activity may be affected by sexual dysfunction?

Sexual dysfunction can affect any sort of sexual activity, including fondling, masturbation, oral sex, vaginal or anal penetration and intercourse.

Is menopause linked to female sexual dysfunction?

Yes. Women entering midlife may experience sexual dysfunction caused by menopausal changes in the body. During this period, sexual response and a general interest in sex may diminish. Changes in vaginal tissue may include thinning, dryness, itchiness or burning, and in some cases, sex may become painful.

Can sexual dysfunction result from breast cancer?

Yes. As many as half of all breast cancer patients experience some form of long-term sexual difficulties, according to the National Cancer Institute. For many women, breasts are part of their female self-image. The loss of a breast in a mastectomy or changes in a breast’s size or shape after a lumpectomy can sometimes cause long-term psychological and sexual problems. Conversely, treatments for breast cancer can also cause sexual dysfunction.

What can cause a lack of orgasm in women?

Common reasons for women to fail to achieve orgasm include severe stress or anxiety, depression or various medical conditions (e.g., incontinence). Certain medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics or antihypertensive drugs, can also cause a lack of orgasm.

What can cause psychologically-influenced sexual dysfunction?

Psychological reasons for sexual dysfunction may be expressed as anxieties or fears that cause a woman difficulty with one or more of the aspects of sexual intimacy. Some of the more common triggers include anxiety and stress from work or home life, worries about sexual performance, depression, past sexual trauma and an unresolved sexual orientation.

How can medical conditions cause psychological sexual dysfunction?

Psychological factors also have a tremendous impact on the sexual function of patients who have experienced gynecologic cancers. Fears of recurrence, an altered self-image and the after-effects of treatment can affect daily activities, careers and relationships.

Following a diagnosis of cancer or chronic disease, it is normal for a woman to experience anxieties regarding survival, family, finances, career and changes in body image and activity levels. All of these factors can lead to the strain a woman feels in expressing her sexuality and concerns about sexual desirability.

What hormonal changes can lead to pain during intercourse?

Painful intercourse is a common problem often resulting from hormonal changes related to pregnancy, menopause or female cancers. These hormonal changes can lead to vaginal dryness or vaginal atrophy, in which the shape and flexibility of the vagina gradually decline.

What signs and symptoms may accompany sexual dysfunction?

Some of the symptoms most commonly associated with female sexual dysfunction are prevention of penetration due to poor relaxation of the vaginal muscles, a lack of lubrication in the vagina before and during intercourse, the inability to achieve orgasm, and/or pain on the vulva or in the vagina during penetration or contact.

Who can diagnose and treat female sexual dysfunction?

Primary care physicians, obstetrician-gynecologists (ObGyns) and certain mental health professionals are often trained in the diagnosis and treatment of female sexual dysfunction An ObGyn is a physician who specializes in the female reproductive organs, pregnancy, labor and child birth.

Have any medical devices been approved by the FDA to treat female sexual dysfunction?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a medical device for the treatment of female sexual arousal disorder in 2000. It is a clitoral engorgement device, called Eros-CTD, used to stimulate the clitoris and increase blood flow to the area. It is the only FDA-approved device for female sexual dysfunction.