Many women suffer from Female Sexual Dysfunction or FSD. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, more than 43% of American women (about 40 million) experience some form of sexual disorder. Any woman can experience Female Sexual Dysfunction at some point in her life. 

What Is Female Sexual Dysfunction? 

Physicians and other healthcare providers recognize Female Sexual Dysfunction as a medical condition. It includes a variety of disorders that are related to desire for sex, arousal during sexual activity, problems with orgasm or pain during sexual activity. If a woman's sexual concerns are recurring in nature and cause her personal distress, she may indeed have female sexual dysfunction. 

Specifically, Female Sexual Dysfunction is divided into categories related to desire, orgasm, arousal and pain. The medical definitions for the types of Female Sexual Dysfunction are found below. All of the disorders have a common component, namely, that the problem causes a woman personal distress. 

SEXUAL DESIRE DISORDERS 

HYPOACTIVE SEXUAL DESIRE DISORDER - The ongoing lack of sexual fantasies or thoughts. A woman with hypoactive sexual desire disorder does not have a desire for sex and is not interested in the sexual advances of her partner. This may also be called loss of libido. 

SEXUAL AVERSION DISORDER - An ongoing severe fear or phobia of any sexual activity with a partner. 
SEXUAL AROUSAL DISORDER - An ongoing problem staying sexually excited. A woman would like to have sex, but when she has sex it is not pleasurable. This may be due to decreased sensitivity in the genitals or lack of vaginal lubrication or wetness. Sexual arousal disorder may be caused by decreased blood flow to the vagina or clitoris.

ORGASMIC DISORDER - An ongoing problem related to having an orgasm. It may be difficult to have an orgasm or, if she does have an orgasm, it may take a long time. Some women may not be able to reach orgasm at all. This problem occurs even though she has been sexually stimulated and aroused.

SEXUAL PAIN DISORDERS

DYSPAREUNIA - Ongoing pain associated with sexual intercourse. 
VAGINISUMUS - Ongoing spasm or tightening of the muscles of the vagina that makes the vagina difficult to enter or penetrate. 
NON-COITAL SEXUAL PAIN - Ongoing pain in the genital area caused by sexual stimulation other than vaginal penetration. 

What Causes Female Sexual Dysfunction? 

Many women may think that Female Sexual Dysfunction is a normal consequence of childbirth, aging or menopause. This is not true. Women may have been told that the problem is "just in your head" which is also incorrect. Many times the primary cause of Female Sexual Dysfunction is physical in nature and is not psychological. However, due to the very personal nature of Female Sexual Dysfunction, psychological factors may become involved as well. For example, if a woman has decreased vaginal lubrication or wetness this may lead to painful intercourse. This in turn may become very distressing to both the woman and her partner and result in problems in their personal life. 

Some of the physical causes of Female Sexual Dysfunction are listed below.

• Pelvic surgery or trauma including hysterectomy, pelvic fractures, difficult childbirth or straddle injuries (such as falling on a bicycle or balance beam).
• Menopause
• Arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries
• Smoking
• Loss of the hormones including both estrogen and testosterone
• Diabetes 
• Spinal cord injuries 
• Blood pressure medications
• Some antidepressants
• Birth control pills
• Some seizure medications
• Certain sedatives or tranquilizers

Psychological causes of Female Sexual Dysfunction include:

• Depression 
• Stress
• Sexual, emotion or physical abuse 
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Problems with self-esteem or body image
• Problems in your relationship with your partner
• Female Sexual Dysfunction is Treatable!

Several options are available to treat Female Sexual Dysfunction. The medical professionals at Tower Urology Institute can determine what treatment is best for you.

Eros™ Therapy - The Eros Therapy is a small medical device that naturally restores your ability to enjoy sex. It is appropriate for women who have sexual disorders related to arousal and orgasm. The Eros Therapy is available with a physician's prescription and should not be confused with drugs or vibrators. The Eros Therapy improves sexual satisfaction by increasing blood flow to the clitoris and genital areas. A soft CAREss™ Cup is placed over the clitoris and a gentle vacuum is created increasing blood flow. Clinical studies show that the Eros Therapy results in increased clitoral sensitivity, improved vaginal lubrication, enhanced ability to achieve orgasm and greater overall sexual satisfaction. 

Hormone Replacement Therapy - Hormone Replacement Therapy or HRT is often prescribed to treat symptoms associated with menopause. Before menopause a woman's ovaries produce estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. After menopause, the ovaries no longer produce these hormones. The lack of these hormones often results in decreased vaginal lubrication and thinning of vaginal tissues and may result in complaints of sexual dysfunction. Physicians may prescribe HRT to ease these symptoms. 

Vaginal Lubrication Products - Vaginal lubrication products are used to increase lubrication due to vaginal dryness. Women who experience pain during intercourse due to lack of lubrication may find vaginal lubricants helpful. 

Contact Us For Help 

Contact The Tower Urology Institute if you feel you may have Female Sexual Dysfunction. Tower Urology provides a caring, comfortable environment, offering a complete range of diagnostic and treatment options. Contact us if you would like a free information pamphlet or would like to schedule an appointment. 

Toll-Free Telephone Number: 1-888-248-6937