Sexual Health and Female Sexual Dysfunction

“The question of being troubled is key when it comes to
any potential sexual disorder, since the issue is not
the sexual “problem or condition itself but whether…”.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. The (Australasian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health’s (JH) definition is:

“Sexual problems (often called sexual dysfunction) are usually defined to mean you are not able to experience sex as you would wish and this causes you distress”.2

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”.3

FSD or Not

If a woman is not troubled by her sex life, does she have FSD?

In Sexual Health & Menopause Online: Sexual Problems At Midlife – Does the Problem Bother You or Your Partner? the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) explain:

“The question of being troubled is key when it comes to any potential sexual disorder, since the issue is not the sexual “problem” or condition itself but whether it is bothersome or troubling to the person or partners involved. For instance, if both partners in a couple are content to live without an active sex life, then a condition such as vaginal dryness or erectile difficulty does not really represent sexual dysfunction. Similarly, a woman who notices some decline in sexual desire over time may not be troubled by it if she is not in a relationship. However, if she meets a partner with high libido, she may start to see her low sex drive as a problem”.4

Types

What are some types of FSD?

In Sexual Dysfunction In Females: What are the Types of Sexual Dysfunction In Women? the (United States) Cleveland Clinic elaborate on:

“Sexual dysfunction in women is a disorder that can take many forms and have many causes. It can occur before, during or even after sex. The most common problems related to sexual dysfunction include:

  • Anorgasmia: Orgasmic disorder, or inability to have an orgasm
  • Dyspareunia: Pain during sex
  • Hypoactive sexual desire disorder: Low libido, or lack of sexual desire
  • Sexual arousal disorder: Difficulty becoming aroused”.5

In Sex & Sexual Health: Sexual Problems the JH explain:

“Problems often relate to:

Arousal
The physical response to sexual thoughts or activity such as lubrication and swelling of the genitals

Libido
The desire to take part in sexual activities either with a partner or yourself

Orgasm
The climax of sexual excitement, characterised by pleasure centred in the genitals

Frequency
How often you take part in sexual activities

Pain

  • Low abdominal or pelvic pain
  • Pain on the vulva or entrance to the vagina. This may be pain that occurs with intercourse or inserting a tampon, or it may occur on its own”.6

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”.7

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”.8

Is anorgasmia a concern?

In Anorgasmia In Women: Symptoms & Causes – Overview the Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

“Talk to your health care provider if you have concerns about your sex life, especially if you’re concerned about your ability to have an orgasm”.9

FSD Common or Not

Sexual Health and Female Sexual DysfunctionHow common is FSD?

In Australia the JH note:

Sexual Health and Female Sexual Dysfunction

“About three out of five of women in Australia report one or more sexual problems”.10

In Sexual Dysfunction In Females: How Common Is Sexual Dysfunction In Women? the Cleveland Clinic note:

“Sexual dysfunction affects about 30% to 40% of women. A lack of desire is the most common complaint”.11

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.

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

  • Physical…
  • Hormonal…
  • Psychological and social…”.12

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have FSD?

If you think you have FSD and this troubles you, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In Sexual Health & Menopause Online: Talking To Your Healthcare Provider About Your Problem the NAMS reassure:

“If your provider asks about your sex life or sexual function, don’t miss the opportunity to be frank and look for help. More important, if your provider doesn’t ask specifically about your sexual function, don’t be afraid to bring up a distressing sexual problem yourself when you’re asked, “How are you feeling?” Most providers today are comfortable addressing such a problem; if your provider is not, consider looking for another.

There is absolutely no need to suffer (or let your relationship suffer) in silence”.13

The Mayo Clinic also encourage us to talk about sex explaining:

“Your health has a big impact on your sex life and vice versa. Don’t be embarrassed about discussing sex with your doctor. Your doctor can be a reliable source of information on sexual health. He or she can help you manage chronic conditions and medications that affect your sex life. Your doctor can help you understand how sexual activity may change throughout your life”.14

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics 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. Anorgasmia In Women
  2. BMS Statement on Testosterone
  3. BMS TV: Testosterone Explained
  4. Dyspareunia (Painful Intercourse)
  5. FAQS [Vaginismus]
  6. Female Genital Cutting
  7. Female Genital Mutilation
  8. Female Orgasm: No Climax With Vaginal Penetration?
  9. Female Reproductive System [Topics]
  10. Female Sexual Dysfunction: Diagnosis & Treatment
  11. Female Sexual Dysfunction: Symptoms & Causes
  12. Hormonal Health – Clues Made Clear
  13. How Do I Deal With Vaginal Atrophy? — Ask Dr Jean
  14. How To Find Relief for Hot Flashes At Night
  15. How To Get Help With Your Sexual Health
  16. Information for Partners
  17. Intercourse Was Becoming Painful – Ask Dr Jean
  18. International Society for Sexual Medicine
  19. International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases: Patient Handouts
  20. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health
  21. 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
  22. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: Find A Provider
  23. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Sexual Wellbeing and Intimacy During and After Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Is the End of Your Sex Life]
  24. Let’s Talk About Perimenopause
  25. Libido: The Highs and Lows of Midlife
  26. Loss of Libido (Reduced Sex Drive)
  27. Low Sex Drive In Women
  28. Menopause
  29. Menopause
  30. Menopause Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  31. Menopause FAQs: Your Health After Menopause – Q. Ever since my periods stopped, my desire for sex has decreased. Is this normal?
  32. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
  33. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Common Conditions Associated With Menopause and Midlife
  34. Menopause Ruining Your Sex Life?
  35. Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
  36. Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
  37. Menopause and Sexuality
  38. Menopause: Symptoms & Causes
  39. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 4 Things To Know About Menopausal Symptoms and Complementary Health Practices
  40. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  41. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth
  42. National Sexual Violence Resource Center
  43. National Sexual Violence Resource Center: Directory of Organizations
  44. Navigating Menopause Together: How Partners Can Help
  45. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  46. Orgasmic Dysfunction In Women
  47. Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia)
  48. Painful Sex (Dyspareunia)
  49. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health
  50. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health: Guide To Sexual Health Providers
  51. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health: New! Sexual Anatomy 101
  52. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health: New! Vulvovaginal Pain Log
  53. Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
  54. Relationships
  55. Sex & Relationships
  56. Sex and Menopause: Treatment for Symptoms
  57. Sex and the Adult Female With Cancer
  58. Sexual Difficulties In the Menopause
  59. Sexual Dysfunction Hits Some Women Harder Than Others As They Age
  60. Sexual Dysfunction In Females
  61. Sexual Health
  62. Sexual Health Issues
  63. Sexual Health: Expert Answers – Is There An Equivalent of Viagra for Women?
  64. Sexual Health: Female Sexual Problems
  65. Sexual Health: Sexual Health for Lesbian and Bisexual Women
  66. Sexual Problems In Women
  67. Sexuality
  68. Sexuality and Intimacy In Older Adults
  69. Supporting A Loved One Through Menopause
  70. Symptoms [Vaginismus]
  71. Talking With Your Doctor: Tips on Discussing Sensitive Topics With Your Doctor
  72. Testosterone Therapy In Women: Does It Boost Sex Drive?
  73. The Vulva: Irritation, Diagnosis & Treatment – Booklet
  74. Types of Sexual Dysfunction In Women
  75. Urogenital Atrophy Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  76. Urogenital Problems
  77. Vagina: What’s Typical, What’s Not
  78. Vaginal Dryness
  79. Vaginal Dryness
  80. Vaginal Dryness
  81. 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?
  82. Vaginal Dryness Alternative Treatments
  83. Video Series-2022: Discussing Sexual Health Concerns With Your Health Care Professional
  84. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: Is Testosterone the Answer To Low Libido?
  85. Vulva and Vaginal Health: Getting the Right Advice
  86. “We’re Just Tired”: Influences on Sexual Activity Among Male-Partnered Women In Midlife; A Mixed Method Study
  87. What Can Cause Orgasm Problems In Women?
  88. What Happens If A Woman Takes Viagra?
  89. What Is Normal Sex?
  90. What Is Vulvodynia?
  91. When Sex Hurts – Podcast [Vaginismus and Vulvodynia]
  92. When Sex Is Painful
  93. Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? Episode 3: Dr Annice Mukherjee: Your Essential Menopause Toolkit
  94. Women’s Sexual Health: Talking About Your Sexual Needs

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Sexual Health & Menopause Online: Sexual Problems At Midlife – Does the Problem Bother You or Your Partner? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online/sexual-problems-at-midlife Accessed: 04 April 2023
  2. Sex & Sexual Health: Sexual Problems. Updated May 2020:1. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/contents/documents/Resources/Fact_sheets/Sexual_health.pdf Accessed: 04 April 2023
  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: 04 April 2023
  4. Sexual Health & Menopause Online: Sexual Problems At Midlife – Does the Problem Bother You or Your Partner? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online/sexual-problems-at-midlife Accessed: 04 April 2023
  5. Sexual Dysfunction In Females: What Are the Types of Sexual Dysfunction In Women? Last Reviewed: 02 February 2021. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9123-sexual-dysfunction-in-females Accessed: 04 April 2023
  6. Sex & Sexual Health: Sexual Problems. Updated May 2020:1. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/contents/documents/Resources/Fact_sheets/Sexual_health.pdf Accessed: 04 April 2023
  7. Anorgasmia In Women: Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 30 April 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anorgasmia/symptoms-causes/syc-20369422 Accessed: 04 April 2023
  8. Anorgasmia In Women: Symptoms & Causes: Causes – Physical Causes. 30 April 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anorgasmia/symptoms-causes/syc-20369422 Accessed: 04 April 2023
  9. Anorgasmia In Women: Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 30 April 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anorgasmia/symptoms-causes/syc-20369422 Accessed: 04 April 2023
  10. Sex & Sexual Health: Sexual Problems. Updated May 2020:1. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/contents/documents/Resources/Fact_sheets/Sexual_health.pdf Accessed: 04 April 2023
  11. Sexual Dysfunction In Females: How Common Is Sexual Dysfunction In Women? Last Reviewed: 02 February 2021. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9123-sexual-dysfunction-in-females Accessed: 04 April 2023
  12. 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: 04 April 2023
  13. Sexual Health & Menopause Online: Talking To Your Health Care Provider About Your Problem. North America Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online/effective-treatments-for-sexual-problems/talking-to-your-healthcare-provider-about-your-problem Accessed: 04 April 2023
  14. Have Questions About Sex? Ask Your Doctor. 01 October 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/in-depth/art-20048805 Accessed: 04 April 2023
Topic Last Updated: 04 April 2023 – Topic Last Reviewed: 04 April 2023

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
/by