• Exploring Common Types of Female Sexual Dysfunction

    Sexual dysfunction can refer to any sort of problem with any stage of sexual activity—from desire to orgasm. Just like in men, sexual health issues in women may be caused by physical health problems or psychological issues, or by a combination of these. Consider talking to a urologist about your sexual health concerns. Getting the treatment you need may improve your quality of life and restore your intimate relationship. You might even discover that you have an underlying medical condition that needs treatment, such as diabetes or heart disease.

    Arousal Disorders

    The sexual stimulation that precedes intercourse may be physical, mental, or emotional. Sexual stimulation results in physical changes like vaginal secretions and emotional changes like heightened sexual interest. Women with arousal disorders fail to experience these changes. It’s still possible for physical changes to occur, but without the woman experiencing a heightened awareness of them. Sexual arousal disorders can have psychological causes, such as depression, anxiety, and stress, and they can have physical causes, such as hormonal imbalances and atrophic vaginitis.

    Desire Disorders

    Female hypoactive sexual desire disorder is generally defined as a lack of desire for sexual activity that causes psychological distress or strained intimate relationships. Like arousal disorders, desire disorders can be caused by both physical and psychological problems. These include depression, low self-esteem, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

    Orgasmic Disorders

    Women with orgasmic disorders might not experience problems with desire or arousal, but they do have difficulty achieving orgasm. Sexual health experts suggest that orgasmic disorders may affect as many as one in every three women . This sexual health problem may stem from older age, prior gynecological surgery, history of sexual abuse, or medical conditions like diabetes.

    Sexual Pain Disorders

    Some women suffer from pain during or after sex. In menopausal women, atrophic vaginitis is a common cause. Younger women may experience sexual pain disorders because of interstitial cystitis, the involuntary contraction of the vaginal muscles, endometriosis, or a history of sexual abuse.

    Women’s Institute for Sexual Health (WISH) at Urology Associates, P.C. provides the compassionate, confidential care that women deserve. Our sexual dysfunction treatments available in Nashville reflect the latest scientific advances in the field. Call us today at (615)250-9265 to request an appointment with a WISH provider.

  • Answering Common Questions About Female Sexual Dysfunction

    Sexual dysfunction in men, such as erectile dysfunction, get a lot of attention, but women can suffer from sexual health issues as well. As with men, sexual dysfunction does not have to ruin relationships and destroy self-esteem in women. If you are a woman who is experiencing sexual dysfunction, have a frank conversation with your doctor to learn what your treatment options are. Here is a look at some of the questions women and their partners often have about sexual dysfunction.

    What is sexual dysfunction in women?

    A number of different symptoms are associated with sexual dysfunction in women. Lack of libido is a common problem for women, as is vaginal dryness and painful intercourse. In some cases, the cause of the sexual dysfunction is purely hormonal. In other cases, other factors can be at play. For instance, recurrent yeast infections that lead to painful intercourse can inadvertently lead to low libido as women become hesitant to be sexually active because of past discomfort. Stress, poor health, and unhealthy relationships can all also impact libido.

    At what age do women experience sexual dysfunction?

    Many people associate problems with sexual health in women with menopause. Although the risks of low libido and vaginal dryness are higher during menopause because of the significant hormone fluctuations, women of all ages are prone to problems with sexual health. No woman is too old or too young to experience sexual health problems and get help for them.

    What treatments are available?

    Sometimes, treating an underlying problem that is causing sexual health problems, like persistent yeast infections, can resolve symptoms. Likewise, hormone therapy can also be helpful. Other treatments, like the MonaLisa Touch laser, can reduce vaginal dryness that causes painful intercourse without medications.

    Urology Associates, P.C. and our Women’s Institute for Sexual Health (WISH) helps women reverse sexual health problems regardless of age. When you need a urologist in Tennessee for UTI treatment, incontinence, sexual health problems, and more, please call (855) 901-1338.