Women suffering from female sexual dysfunction may find hope in Stimula for Women.
Women commonly report problems with sexual function. Until recently, treatments on the market for women were limited. This article discusses female sexual dysfunction and potential treatments, including the lubricant “Stimula for Women.”
What We Know about Sexual Dysfunction in Women
A national sample of American women found that 39 percent of women reported experiencing a problem with sexual function. The term “female sexual dysfunction” encompasses a variety of persistent problems with sexual response, desire, orgasm, or pain in women. A medical provider diagnoses these problems when they are recurrent and cause distress in women or within partnerships.
Female sexual dysfunction is a common problem that can occur at any stage in a woman’s life. Women suffering from sexual dysfunction may be interested in sex, but unable to achieve arousal or to climax. Some women are able to achieve arousal, but experience significant pain during sexual activity or intercourse.
Symptoms of sexual dysfunction include:
- Limited sexual desire. A persistent lack of interest in sex or desire for sex is also known as low sexual desire.
- Problems with arousal. Women who experience sexual desire, but are unable to become physically aroused or to maintain arousal may suffer from sexual arousal disorder.
- Inability to orgasm. Women who are able to achieve arousal, but are unable to maintain arousal and ongoing stimulation sufficient to reach climax may suffer from an orgasmic disorder.
- Sexual pain disorder. Persistent pain during any form of sexual stimulation or vaginal contact is also called dyspareunia. Pain during intercourse is often mistaken as a “normal” part of sex. Women experiencing pain during sexual stimulation should speak with their doctor.
The most commonly reported form of sexual dysfunction in women is decreased sexual desire, following by orgasmic disorder. Any persistent discomfort or disturbance that causes distress warrants discussion with a medical provider.
What Causes Female Sexual Dysfunction?
Female sexual arousal and response is a complex process that involves emotional state, physical response, hormonal balance, lifestyle factors, and relationship dynamics. Each of these elements is at play in achieving arousal and response, meaning a problem with any component can result in decreased desire or insufficient sexual response. Underlying health conditions may also complicate the arousal and response process.
Potential causes of female sexual dysfunction include:
- Underlying health conditions. Chronic conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, or bladder problems can cause problems with sexual function.
- Medication use. Certain medications for chronic conditions, anxiety, depression, or chemotherapy can cause a diminished sexual desire or inhibit the body’s ability to respond to sexual stimulation.
- Hormonal imbalance. A decrease in estrogen, due to menopause or other hormonal conditions, can result in decreased blood flow to the pelvis, which makes it more difficult to respond to sexual stimulation and to reach climax.
- Psychological or social problems. Anxiety, depression, and other psychological problems can cause sexual dysfunction. Stress, relationship conflict, major life changes, or strong cultural beliefs can reduce sexual responsiveness and make it difficult to orgasm.
How is Female Sexual Dysfunction Treated?
Providers often recommend a combination of patient education, lifestyle changes, and medical treatment to adequately treat female sexual dysfunction. This combined approach is more likely to address multiple underlying factors contributing to issues with sexual arousal or response. Clinical research on successful medical treatments is limited, but does provide some hope for women in search of treatment.
Existing treatments for female sexual dysfunction include:
- Patient education. Providers may educate patients on anatomy and physiology to alleviate stress about “normal” sexual functioning and explain potential causes of dysfunction.
- Lifestyle modifications. Lifestyle changes, such as stress management, exercise, and limiting substance use (e.g. alcohol) can improve sexual function.
- Counseling and sex therapy. Speaking with a counselor or sex therapist can help women to address underlying emotional or psychological causes to sexual dysfunction. Some sex therapists may recommend couples therapy to address relationship conflict contributing to sexual dysfunction.
- Lubricant. Lubricant can alleviate vaginal dryness, improving stimulation and reducing pain during sex.
- Medical treatments. Prescription medications for female sexual dysfunction have recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and released to the market. Clinical evidence is currently limited, but some medical treatments (e.g. hormonal therapy) may help to improve sexual function in women.
Stimula for Women
Women who experience difficulty in achieving or maintaining sexual arousal often suffer from vaginal dryness. Reduced or limited lubrication can cause persistent pain during intercourse. Sex therapists and medical providers often recommend personal lubricants as a first course of action in treating this form of sexual dysfunction. Lubricants, such as Stimula for Women, may reduce pain and improve sensation during sex.
Treatment for female sexual dysfunction and erectile dysfunction are now available at the click of a button! Visit eDrugstore.com to learn more about your treatment options.
Shelby is a public health professional with research and field experience in sexual and reproductive health. She holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) and is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES).