Causes of Female Sexual Dysfunction: Relationship/Partner Issues

Nearly every woman agrees that emotional intimacy and love are necessary factors for a healthy, enjoyable sex life. Communication with her partner, mutual respect and feelings of acceptance are necessary for many women to become aroused, truly enjoy intercourse and achieve orgasm.
 
No matter what the cause, a suddenly diminished sex drive can be disruptive to a relationship. Feelings of confusion, resentment, frustration or anger are bound to surface when a once-satisfying sex life is diminished due to influences neither partner can explain. Sexual dysfunction can have impact on both partners in the relationship, and exploring solutions is best done with open communication and mutual support.

Sexual Health and the Female Orgasm

Men, as well as women, consider the female orgasm a good indicator of a healthy sex life. The sudden absence of orgasm (or sex drive) can lead to both partners second-guessing themselves. A woman might ask, "Am I still attracted to him?" or she may blame him for her lack of orgasm. He, on the other hand, might wonder why he no longer arouses his partner and why a once healthy sex drive has almost vanished. Things can get tense.
 
Perhaps even more distressing than the lack of female orgasm is a sudden and complete disinterest in sex in any form. Some forms of sexual dysfunction are so extreme that even kissing and cuddling become too much for the sufferer. Sexual incompatibility with regard to the sex drive and timing can become frustrating.
 
Any diagnosis of sexual dysfunction affects both parties. A healthy level of communication, and assurances, will be necessary from both partners to regain sexual heath. FSD cannot be overcome in isolation—partners have to work together towards the solution.

Relationship Problems and Sexual Health

While research has shown that the male sex drive is not intrinsically linked to emotional closeness and intimacy, females often have trouble becoming aroused if they are experiencing relationship issues. The following common relationship issues may diminish the female sex drive:
  • arguments (both about sex and otherwise)
  • a lack of communication about sexual needs
  • a lack of romance in her relationship
  • feelings of boredom or a "stale" sex life
  • feelings of distance or indifference from her partner
  • tension in her relationship.
Women often have difficulty "switching off" their emotional concerns in order to enjoy sex and achieve orgasm. This can be frustrating for both partners. Fortunately, many of the above issues can be treated and even solved with open communication.
 
Other much more serious relationship issues can also affect female sex drive. These include abuse (emotional, physical or sexual) and control issues. These problems are much more complicated and the effects can be much more devastating than a dysfunctional sex life.

Overcoming Female Sexual Dysfunction

If your physician rules out physical reasons for a drop in sex drive or an inability to achieve female orgasm, the next level of questions will likely involve the health of your relationship. Be prepared to talk about the history of your sexual health with your partner, as well as general questions about the state of the relationship.
 
You may have difficulty talking about your low sex drive with your partner. However, such a conversation is most likely to be helpful for both of you. Discussing your sexual needs can bring you closer together so that intimacy is restored and you both regain a healthy sex life.
 
Resources
 
Berman, J., and Berman, L. (2001). Getting your groove back: Overcoming sexual obstacles. Retrieved September 15, 2001, from the ABC News web site: http://www.abcnews.go.com/sections/community/DailyNews/chat_bermans011601.html.
 
Castleman, M. (2000). Wonderful Wellbutrin. Retrieved September 15, 2001, from the Salon.com Web site: http://www.salon.com/sex/feature/2000/09/26/wellbutrin/index.html.

Kaufman, R. (2001). Gender differences: Not just a myth. Retrieved September 15, 2001, from the Texas Tech Health Web Site: http://www.amarillonet.com/stories/070901/hea_gender.shtml.
 
Murray, C. (2008). Female sexual dysfunction. Retrieved November 30, 2008, from the Channel 2 News Web site: http://www.counton2.com/cbd/news/science/article/female_sexual_dysfunction/14663/.
 
Saks, B. (2008). Common issues in female sexual dysfunction. Retrieved November 30, 2008, from the Psychiatric Times Web site: http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/display/article/10168/1153918.
 
Steidle, C. (2000). Diagnosing female sexual disorders. Retrieved September 15, 2001, from the Wellness Web Female Sexual Dysfunction Center Web site: http://www.wellnessweb.com/Female_Sexual_Dysfunction/types_of_
female_sexual_dysfunction.htm.