Causes of Female Sexual Dysfunction

Now a days female sexual dysfunction is a common condition among women. It is most commonly evidenced by a decrease in the desire for sex, and difficulty in achieving arousal or orgasm, and pain or discomfort during the sexual act.

There are many reasons of female sexual dysfunction. Some of them are listed below in detail to give you an idea about female sexual dysfunction.

Physical Causes : 

When a woman is experiencing sexual dysfunction, physical causes can also be to blame. One of the most evident physical causes of female sexual dysfunction involves hormones. With many women, hormones constantly fluctuate. With this constant rise and fall in hormone levels, sexual dysfunction is bound to become noticeable at one point or another, as sexual desire and activity are, of course, largely the result of hormonal activity.

Body infection is another common cause of sexual dysfunction. Some of the most common infections which may result in ancillary complication when it comes to sexual relation are those that actually cause physical discomfort while having sex [including many sexually transmitted diseases]. Infections that can invade the urinary tract and the vaginal area can also result in female sexual dysfunction.

As a female ages, she may encounter a loss of libido.It is relatively common and while it almost always occurs as a result of hormone fluctuations,  many other physical changes in the body may be at play as well.This is particularly true of women who experience serious medical conditions in their older years, including breast cancer. Many women who grow ill must endure various types of treatments for their condition like chemotherapy, hysterectomy, and having to take certain prescription medications- any of them can lead to sexual dysfunction. In this type of condition, the woman should discuss the problem with her doctor.

Psychological Causes :

Most women experience depression, due to the taking of certain medications, fluctuations of hormone with in  the body, enduring a challenging medical condition, or often unknown origins. Regardless of the reason behind the depression, there  are many common symptoms that a women may suffer while experiencing depression. One of the most common developments is a lack of interest in sexual encounters.

Female sexual dysfunction may be the product of traumatic events in their childhood for some unfortunate individuals. These may include enduring a rap, sexual abuse, or any other type of abuse. Engaging in sexual relations in adult life may arouse of these experiences. Actually, this often imposes on the ability to enjoy or even desire sex.

Now a days women endure a lot of stress on a daily basis. Dealing with children, ensuring success in the are  of careers, maintaining the household, and upholding all other responsibilities can be an extreme burden. Most women are so exhausted and overwhelmed that they can't find it within themselves to enjoy any sexual experience. This can develop into female sexual dysfunction.   


Medical Causes :

Here are some more common medical causes of female sexual dysfunction:


Drugs

In addition to hormonal contraceptives, a surprising number of drugs can interfere with sexual functioning. These include:-

• Antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs], such as Prozac [fluoxetine] and Paxil [paroxetine], which can alter brain chemical that affect sexual desire and response. They also can cause fatigue and nausea.

•  Antibiotic, which can cause yeast infections, making intercourse uncomfortable.

• Antihistamines, which dry mucous membranes [including those of the vagina]

• Heart and hypertension medicines, which can cause sexual dysfunction in as many as 25% of women taking them. In one study, women with unimpaired sexual function who were given clonidine and prazosin[antihypertensive medicines] were less likely to desire sex than those given a placebo.

•  Tranquilizers, which can lower libido and delay and prevent orgasm.

•  Sleep aids, diet aids, and other over-the counter drugs, which can cause drowsiness, impair function, and reduce sexual.

Illness

Organic diseases like disorders of the adrenal, pituitary, and thyroid glands[the regulators of hormones], cab alter your attitude toward sex. Interestingly, oxytocin, which is secreted by the pituitary glands, has been linked in animals[not humans, yet] to the contractions of the uterus during orgasm. Oxytocin is better known as the substance given to pregnant women to induce contractions.

Infection

Infection like urinary tract, rectal, vaginal infections, and sexually transmitted diseases can cause pain during intercourse.

Chemotherapy

The side effects of chemotherapy, such as fatigue and nausea, can lower libido in cancer patients, who also may feel unattractive because of breast surgery, for instance. Surgery for cancers o the ovary, bladder, rectum, and uterus can induce menopause, as can chemotherapy for breast for breast cancer.

Hysterectomy



Hysterectomy can have completely opposite effects on sexual function: Half of 104 women in one study reported improvement after subtotal hysterectomy; 21% reported deterioration. Those who felt better were more likely to have had satisfying sex lives before the surgery.

Hysterectomy should not affect sexual desire or function if the ovaries[that produce hormones] are still intact, and hormone replacement therapy can make up for missing ovaries.

Spinal Cord Injury

This types of injury doesn't have to close the book on sexual activity. In a 1995 study half of 25 women with spinal cord injury reported the ability to achieve orgasm regardless of the pattern of degree of their neurological injury.


There are a variety of ways in which a women can resolve female sexual dysfunction issues. Of course, the remedy is only effective if it directly relates to the cause. Getting the right amount of exercise, including in a healthy diet, and ensuring that stress is reduced are three fairly general, but still excellent methods of resolving sexual issues.

Sexual Dysfunction In Men and Women

Sexual dysfunction can take many forms- it is not limited to erectile dysfunction or lack of interest in sex, often referred to as a low libido. Sexual dysfunction can involve pain during intercourse, an inability to maintain an erection, or difficult experiencing an orgasm.

Though there are many causes of diminished libido and sexual dysfunction in men  and women, there are also many ways to increase libido and rekindle the joy of the sex one you identify the problem.

Woman's Sexual Dysfunction :


Female sexual dysfunction is a term for any general disturbance or disorder that frequently or always prevents a woman from engaging in satisfactory sexual intercourse. It includes lack of libido[sex drive], problems with having sexual intercourse and lack of orgasms.

Specifically, sexual dysfunction in women may be due to:-

  Vaginal dryness : This can lead to low libido and problems with arousal and desire, as sex can be painful  when the vagina is not properly lubricated. Vaginal dryness can result from hormonal changes that occur during and after menopause or while  breastfeeding, for example. Psychological issues, like anxiety about sex , can  cause vaginal dryness. And anticipation  of painful intercourse due to vaginal  dryness may, in turn , decrease a women's desire for sex.    


  Low libido: Lack of sexual desire can be caused by lower levels of the hormone estrogen. For depression, fatigue or anxiety can also lead to low libido, as can certain medications, including some these problems.


  Pain during sex : Pain can be  sometimes from a known cause like vaginal dryness. But sometimes the cause of pain during sex is elusive. Known as vulvodynia or vulvar vestibulitis, expert do not  know what is behind this mysterious type of chronic, painful intercourse. A burning sensation may accompany pain during sex. 


Difficulty achieving orgasm : Orgasm disorders, such as delayed orgasms or inability to have one at all, can affect both men and women. Some antidepressant medications can also cause these problems.


Man's Sexual Dysfunction :

Man's sexual dysfunction can be caused either due to physical factors or psychological factors or even a  combination of both. Some of the physical causes of erectile dysfunction are diabetes, hyper tension, a hardening of the arteries [also known as atherosclerosis], liver or kidney failure, multiple sclerosis, stroke and even due to prostate surgeries.


The types of sexual dysfunction men may experience include: 

  Ejaculation problems : These include premature ejaculation [ejaculation that occurs too early during intercourse ] and the inability to ejaculate at all. Causes include medication, like some antidepressants, anxiety about sex, and strict religious beliefs.

  Erectile dysfunction : Erectile dysfunction can be caused by medical condition like diabetes, high blood pressure, or anxiety about having sex. Depression, fatigue, and stress can also contribute to the erectile dysfunction.

  Low libido : Psychological issues like stress and depression, and anxiety about sex also can lead to a decreased  or no sexual desire. Decreased hormone levels, physical illnesses, and medication side effects may also diminish libido in men. 

Now a days there are many treatment for sexual dysfunction. Women and men  should go to a doctor before starting any types of treatments.

Sexual Health Of Women

Good or better sexual health is not just about sexual intercourse. Women should know that sexual health encompasses many other aspects like understanding how your body works, what turns you on and what puts you of, accepting your sexual desires and sexual orientation, choosing a form of sexual expression that you are comfortable with, and knowing how to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases[STD s] and unwanted pregnancies.

Some women feel a lot of anxiety about being intimate and having sexual intercourse. This may result in decreased desire, sexual arousal disorder, or erectile dysfunction. It is often helpful to take a step approach to overcome anxiety. One of the best and mutually satisfying ways to improve your sex life is to focus on the pleasures of touching.


One option is to learn how to give and receive a sensual massage. This massage can help you and your partner:-

•  express needs and desires

•  explore new way to give pleasure

•   find out how each likes to touch and want to be touched

•  you have to improve the relationship between you and your partner

An illustrated manual or book can also be helpful. Here are some general tips:-

•  Determine who will be the first giver

•  have to choose a location you both will be comfortable

•  choose whether you or your partner will be clothed  or unclothed

•  play soft music it depends on you and your partner

•  use plenty of pillows or a comforter

• Tell the giver what feels good and what does not 

Begin with your face. Normally the giver sits and the receiver lies flat on his or her back with the head resting on the giver's thing. With the hands well  lubricated, the giver begins with the chin, then strokes the cheeks, forehead, and temples.

Explore the face as if you were a blind person meeting your partner for the first time. Then you have to explore the ear lobes, lips, and the nose before returning to massage the temples for relaxation. Rest, talk about the experience, and reverse roles. Massage the rest of the body tenderly  and pay attention to your partner's feelings. Then reverse  roles. 

As a woman and individual, you should never indulge in anything you are uncomfortable with, especially when it comes to sex. Putting up with sexual activities that hurt, embarrass or humiliate is just plain wrong. If you know what you want from sexual relationship, and you understand what excites you and gives you pleasure and what does not, it empowers you to control your sexuality and choose a form of sexual expression that you are comfortable with. Women should know about their sexual health, especially if they want to maintain a good sexual health.

  

Sexual Health of Men

Sex is the one of the greatest things we know and understand as men. For us, sex is one of our greatest gifts and pleasures in life. The sexual health of men is not as complicated as that of women. Show a man a certain type of image and if his brain and nervous are working properly to produce nitric oxide, then a response will usually occur.That is not to discount any mental, emotional and  spiritual components but this is the physical component that has the greatest impact on man's sexual health. Most men just understand how hormone levels could apply but few ever consider cardiovascular health.

Cardiovascular health : 

Your cardiovascular health is as important to your sexual health as it is to your overall health. The reason why the centers on the health of the endothelial cells that line the blood vessels of your body. The creation of nitric oxide occurs in these endothelial cells. If you do not produce right amount of the nitric oxide you may have penile dysfunction. Nitric oxide is not produce due to high blood pressure, excessive smoking or cholesterol. Endothelial cells and their ability to produce nitric oxide are critical to the sexual health of men.

Hormone levels : 

At its simplest level, sex is just a hormone driven function designed to  perpetuate the species. With that said, the sexual health of American men is in trouble. Testosterone levels have been decreasing over the last 20 years. Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone. It plays an very important role in maintaining bone and muscle mass. Low levels of testosterone have been linked to lowered libido and diabetes. This diabetes can affect the endothelial  cells of the blood vessels compounding the problem of lower testosterone levels.

Over the past two decades, the level of testosterone in American males has decreased by 16 percent. Researchers do not know why.  But there are some clues. The recent nurses' health  study revealed some important truths as they apply to woman. Some of those truths also apply to the sexual health of men because they can affect both hormonal levels and cardiovascular health.

You have control over the process !

Every day you replace approximately 1%of your cells. That means your body is new today, 1% is new tomorrow and 1% is new each and everyday of your life. You choose whether those new cell will be nourished  properly or poorly. You  have to choose whether you will have healthy and vibrant cells that act young or sickly and sedentary that act old.

The sexual health of your body will be affected by the choices that you take. I can call it "the 1% solution" and it can positively affect the cardiovascular and sexual health of your body.

Choices affecting sexual health !

The nurses' health study highlighted 5 critical lifestyle and diet behaviors. They are :-

•  Carbohydrates- slow verses fast !

•  Fat- natural verses artificial !

• Body weight- your BMI  !

•  Exercise- is it important?

If you look at this list , there are three critical components emerge: diet, exercise and weight. You might think that this only applies to women. It does not! Each of these factors will affect your cardiovascular health and hormonal health . Each of these factors also affects the health of your endothelial cells and their ability to produce nitric oxide. Nitric oxide production is the most important component to the sexual health of men. Now look at how all of these factors impacts your sexual health.

The diet component !

The sexual health of your body and and the cardiovascular health of your circulatory  system will be greatly determined by your food and drinking  choices what you eat and drink. These choices will also impact the potential for disease and you age.

Your first choice is the area of carbohydrates. Are you choosing foods and drinks that are high in fast carbohydrates [simple sugar]? If you are, then you need to understand that :    

• Fast carbs [complex carbohydrates]  create the potential for high blood sugar that can be cause of diabetes.

• Fast carbs disrupt  hormone levels. 

•  High blood sugar can damage  the endothelial cells of your blood vessels reducing the production of nitric oxide which is critical for good sexual health and cardiovascular health.

Learn how to consume foods that are high in slow carbs [complex carbohydrates]. Slow carbs help to keep your blood sugar levels normal and to keep balance of hormonal levels. Drink water instead  of sugar drinks and diet sodas. You need to know that drinking water hydrates your system, helps you balance your hormone levels , and aids in weight  management.

Your second choice is in the area of fats. Eliminate all trans fats from your diet and replace them with natural, heart-health fats. The nurses' health study clearly showed that how disruptive trans fats are to fertility in women. As little as four grams of trans fat [ the equivalent of two tablespoons of stick margarine, one medium order of French fries or one doughnut] began to disrupt their hormonal balance.

Now your third choice is in the area of protein. According to the Nurses' Health study, women who get their protein from the plant sources rather then from animals took a big step toward improved fertility. Animal protein can affect your sexual health. It also has direct influence on cancer.

If you do not want to give up your beef, pork or chicken, then invest the time, energy and extra cost to make sure that these sources of protein are hormone free.  Now a days much of the industry still relies on hormonal injections into their livestock to help to increase food production. Eating meat from these animals and their byproducts will affect your hormone levels. If you are not willing to switch to plant- based protein sources, then make sure  your meat and dairy sources are hormone free.

The weight component !

You have to like it or not weight impacts the sexual health of your body. Why? because fat interferes with your hormonal balance. Fat also stresses your cardiovascular system. This additional stress on your cardiovascular system will compromise the sexual health of your body. For the last 56 years American has been dieting. It has had no real impact on showing down overweight and obesity rates.

Please make food choices based on how it will improve your health and wellness, not on how it will impact your weight. Most people who do that, then you can see their weight stabilize or decrease.

The exercise component !

For both sexual health and cardiovascular health exercise is very important. Inactivity saps the body of its ability to respond to insulin and makes you less efficient in absorbing blood sugar.  People who exercise on regular basis, then they fell better about themselves and think that they are more sexual desirable.

It is very important to check with your physician or health care provider before you start an exercise program. Aerobic exercise such as walking, jogging, biking and swimming are important  and seem to increase circulation to the pelvis and the reproductive organs. But do not forget about strength training exercise .Strength training exercises will help to maintain bone health and density. Additionally training exercise will increase your spatial awareness. This is a very positive feeling that improve your overall well being.

The nitric oxide component !

We can not live without nitric oxide. Your cardiovascular system could not function properly  without nitric oxide. The sexual health of your body revolves around the production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide depends on the health of the endothelial cells of your blood vessels, and adequate supplies to the essential  amino acid L- arginine.

High blood pressure, high sugar levels, high cholesterol levels and smoking all affect affect your endothelial cells in a negative way. Damage to these endothelial  cells will reduce nitric oxide production. This can compromise the blood flow o the sexual organ resulting in reduced sensitivity or erectile dysfunction.



Conclusion :

If you continue a life of inactively, animal protein intake, food made from refined grains, sugary drinks, increased body fat, and inadequate nitric oxide production, then you will become part of the new reality of America. This reality includes epidemic increases in diabetes, continued high levels of cardiovascular disease and also stroke, continued high levels of cancer, and poor sexual health especially for those over the age  of 40.

If we take the necessary steps to improve your diet, exercise properly, manage your weight and produce nitric oxide properly, then you will get positive changes in the sexual health of your body.

Final thought

Although the hormonal balance between men and women are different, the process of change is the same. Many of the positive steps that improve the sexual health of men. These steps can also help sexual health of women. So men and women should take necessary steps  if they want  to improve their sexual health.