Sexual Health and Female Sexual Dysfunction

“Persistent, recurrent problems with sexual response,
desire, orgasm or pain — that distress you
or strain your relationship with your partner…”.1

Umbrella

What may the Sexual Health and Female Sexual Dysfunction Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD)
  • Frigidity
  • Sexual Dysfunction In Females/Women
  • Sexual Problems In Females/Women

Definition

What is female sexual dysfunction (FSD)?

DotS the definition of FSD may vary. In Female Sexual Dysfunction: Symptoms & Causes – Overview the (United States) Mayo Clinic’s definition is:

“Persistent, recurrent problems with sexual response, desire, orgasm or pain — that distress you or strain your relationship with your partner — are known medically as sexual dysfunction”.2

Types

What are some types of FSD?

In Female Sexual Dysfunction: Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms the Mayo Clinic explain:

“Symptoms vary depending on what type of sexual dysfunction you’re experiencing:

  • Low sexual desire. This most common of female sexual dysfunctions involves a lack of sexual interest and willingness to be sexual
  • Sexual arousal disorder. Your desire for sex might be intact, but you have difficulty with arousal or are unable to become aroused or maintain arousal during sexual activity
  • Orgasmic disorder. You have persistent or recurrent difficulty in achieving orgasm after sufficient sexual arousal and ongoing stimulation
  • Sexual pain disorder. You have pain associated with sexual stimulation or vaginal contact”.3

In Sexual Health: Sexual Dysfunction the Menopause Society (formerly The North American Menopause Society) elaborate on:

“There are four areas in which this may occur: sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and sexual pain. These problems frequently overlap—for example, someone who doesn’t experience sexual desire may also experience difficulty with arousal or having an orgasm.

  • Sexual Desire…
  • Hormone Changes…
  • Partner Sexual Problems…
  • Medical Problems”.4

In Sexual Health: Sexual Challenges the Menopause Society also explain:

“Beyond sexual desire, there are three other categories of sexual problems for women:

  • Difficulty with arousal…
  • Difficulty with orgasm…
  • Sexual pain”.5

Anorgasmia

What is anorgasmia?

DotS the definition of anorgasmia may vary. The Mayo Clinic’s definition is:

“Anorgasmia is delayed, infrequent or absent orgasms — or significantly less-intense orgasms — after sexual arousal and adequate sexual stimulation. Women who have problems with orgasms and who feel significant distress about those problems may be diagnosed with anorgasmia”.6

Is there an association between anorgasmia and aging?

In Anorgasmia In Women: Symptoms & Causes – Causes: Physical Causes the Mayo Clinic explain:

  • “Age-Related Changes To the Body. Changes to the body after menopause or later in life may contribute to various types of sexual dysfunction”.7

Is anorgasmia a concern?

In Anorgasmia In Women: Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms: When To See A Doctor the Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

“Talk to your healthcare professional if you have concerns about your sex life, especially if you’re concerned about your ability to have an orgasm”.8

FSD Common or Not

Sexual Health and Female Sexual DysfunctionHow common is FSD?

In Sexual Dysfunction, dated 29 May 2024, the (United States) Cleveland Clinic note in :

“Up to 43% of women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) and 31% of men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB) report some degree of sexual dysfunction”.9

FSD Cause

What causes FSD?

In Female Sexual Dysfunction: Symptoms & Causes – Overview: Causes the Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

“Sexual problems often develop when your hormones are in flux, such as after having a baby or during menopause. Major illness, such as cancer, diabetes, or heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease, can also contribute to sexual dysfunction.

MenopauseFactors — often interrelated — that contribute to sexual dissatisfaction or dysfunction include:

  • Physical…
  • Hormonal…
  • Psychological and social…”.10

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have FSD?

In Sexual Dysfunction: Living With – When Should I See My Healthcare Provider? Cleveland Clinic encourage us to:

“Contact your healthcare provider if you experience sexual dysfunction for three months or longer. If it begins interfering with your relationships or causing you and/or your partner(s) distress, it’s time to seek help. Your provider will ask for your medical history and a complete list of any medications and supplements you’re taking to get to the root cause”.11

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Sexual Health and Female Sexual Dysfunction?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Sexual Health and Female Sexual Dysfunction?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. Adverse Childhood Experiences and Sexual Dysfunction In Midlife Women: Is There A Link?
  2. Anorgasmia
  3. Anorgasmia In Women
  4. BMS Statement on Testosterone [26 July 2024]
  5. BMS TV: Testosterone Explained
  6. BMS TV: Urogenital Atrophy
  7. Balance Between Excitement, Inhibition Key To Treat Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
  8. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2022 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Discussing Sexual Health Concerns With Your Health Care Professional
  9. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Changes In Sexual Health After Cancer
  10. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  11. Dyspareunia (Painful Intercourse)
  12. Expert Tips To Boost Your Libido
  13. FAQ: Answers To Commonly Asked Questions About Vaginismus
  14. FAQs: When Sex Is Painful
  15. Female Genital Cutting
  16. Female Genital Mutilation
  17. Female Orgasm: No Climax With Vaginal Penetration?
  18. Female Reproductive System [Topics]
  19. Female Sexual Dysfunction: Diagnosis & Treatment
  20. Female Sexual Dysfunction: Symptoms & Causes
  21. Hormonal Health – Clues Made Clear
  22. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  23. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Vaginal Oestrogen
  24. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Vaginal Oestrogen – Common Questions About Vaginal Oestrogen
  25. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Vaginal Oestrogen – How and When To Use Vaginal Oestrogen
  26. Information for Partners
  27. International Society for Sexual Medicine
  28. International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases: Patient Handouts
  29. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health
  30. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health Clinical Practice Guideline for the Use of Systemic Testosterone for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder In Women
  31. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: Find A Provider
  32. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Sexual Wellbeing, Intimacy and Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Is the End of Your Sex Life] [Other Languages and Formats]
  33. Let’s Talk Low Libido
  34. Let’s Talk About Perimenopause
  35. Loss of Libido (Reduced Sex Drive)
  36. Low Sex Drive In Women
  37. Lubricant Alternatives: What To Use and What To Avoid
  38. Menopause
  39. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
  40. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Common Conditions Associated With Menopause and Midlife
  41. Menopause Ruining Your Sex Life?
  42. Menopause and Sexuality
  43. Menopause: Symptoms & Causes
  44. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  45. Mymenoplan.org [My Menoplan, United States]
  46. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  47. National Sexual Violence Resource Center
  48. National Sexual Violence Resource Center: Directory of Organizations
  49. Navigating Menopause Together: How Partners Can Help
  50. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  51. Orgasmic Dysfunction In Women
  52. Pain Down There? 9 Reasons Your Vagina Hurt
  53. Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia)
  54. Prosayla Supported By ISSWSH [International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health]
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  58. Sex and Sexual Health: What Can Affect Your Sex Life?
  59. Sex and Menopause: Treatment for Symptoms
  60. Sex and the Adult Female With Cancer
  61. Sexual Difficulties In the Menopause
  62. Sexual Dysfunction Hits Some Women Harder Than Others As They Age
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  68. Sexual Health: Expert Answers – Is There An Equivalent of Viagra for Women?
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  70. Sheplusfoundation.com [She+ Foundation [formerly The Patty Brisben Foundation of Women’s Sexual Health]]
  71. Study Explores Impact of Childhood Trauma on Sexual Function In Midlife Women
  72. Supporting A Loved One Through Menopause
  73. Symptoms: Common Vaginismus Symptoms
  74. Talking Testosterone & Menopause With Prof. Susan Davis [Video]
  75. Testosterone Sex & Libido With Sexual Health & BMS Accredited GP, Dr Angela Wright
  76. Testosterone Therapy In Women: Does It Boost Sex Drive?
  77. The Orgasm Gap and Why Women Climax Less Than Men
  78. The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
  79. Types of Sexual Dysfunction In Women
  80. Vagina: What’s Typical, What’s Not
  81. Vaginal Dryness
  82. Vaginal Dryness
  83. Vaginal Dryness
  84. Vaginal Dryness After Menopause: How To Treat It? I’m postmenopausal and often have vaginal dryness, which makes intercourse painful. Is there anything I can do about it?
  85. Vaginal Dryness Alternative Treatments
  86. Vaginal Dryness: What To Do About It
  87. Vaginal Pain
  88. Vaginal and Vulval Pain: Know the Different Causes and When To Seek Help
  89. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: Vulvar Diseases, Overview for Aging Women
  90. Vulva and Vagina
  91. Vulval and Vaginal Conditions
  92. Webinars: Previous – Pay Attention on Your Way In! The Vulva Is An Important Organ Too
  93. Webinars: Previous – Sexual Dysfunctions, Update on Gynae Cancers and Management
  94. What Happens If A Woman Takes Viagra?
  95. What Is Normal Sex?
  96. What Is Vulvodynia?
  97. When Sex Hurts – Podcast [Vaginismus and Vulvodynia]
  98. Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? Episode 3: Dr Annice Mukherjee: Your Essential Menopause Toolkit
  99. Women’s Sexual Health: Talking About Your Sexual Needs
  100. World GO Day [World Gynecologic Oncology Day, 20 September 2024]
    Sexual Health and Female Sexual Dysfunction Sexual Health and Female Sexual Dysfunction

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Female Sexual Dysfunction: Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 17 December 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/female-sexual-dysfunction/symptoms-causes/syc-20372549 Accessed: 03 October 2024
  2. Female Sexual Dysfunction: Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 17 December 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/female-sexual-dysfunction/symptoms-causes/syc-20372549 Accessed: 03 October 2024
  3. Female Sexual Dysfunction: Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 17 December 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/female-sexual-dysfunction/symptoms-causes/syc-20372549 Accessed: 03 October 2024
  4. Sexual Health: Sexual Dysfunction. Menopause Society https://menopause.org/patient-education/menopause-topics/sexual-health Accessed: 03 October 2024
  5. Sexual Health: Sexual Challenges. Menopause Society https://menopause.org/patient-education/menopause-topics/sexual-health Accessed: 03 October 2024
  6. Anorgasmia In Women: Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 29 February 2024. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anorgasmia/symptoms-causes/syc-20369422 Accessed: 03 October 2024
  7. Anorgasmia In Women: Symptoms & Causes: Causes – Physical Causes. 29 February 2024. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anorgasmia/symptoms-causes/syc-20369422 Accessed: 03 October 2024
  8. Anorgasmia In Women: Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms: When To See A Doctor. 29 February 2024. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anorgasmia/symptoms-causes/syc-20369422 Accessed: 03 October 2024
  9. Sexual Dysfunction. Last Reviewed: 29 May 2024. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9121-sexual-dysfunction Accessed: 03 October 2024
  10. Female Sexual Dysfunction: Symptoms & Causes – Overview: Causes. 17 December 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/female-sexual-dysfunction/symptoms-causes/syc-20372549 Accessed: 03 October 2024
  11. Sexual Dysfunction: Living With – When Should I See My Healthcare Provider? Last Reviewed: 29 May 2024. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9121-sexual-dysfunction Accessed: 03 October 2024
Topic Last Updated: 03 October 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 03 October 2024

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