Female Sexual Dysfunction: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

female sexual dysfunction couple talking
Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) is a disorder that is characterized by a low libido, loss of interest in sex, and/or painful discomfort during intercourse. Women with FSD are also generally unable to reach orgasm. While the symptoms of sexual dysfunction manifest themselves physically, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) characterizes FSD as a mental disorder, since psychological issues are often the cause of the disease and almost always play a factor.
 
If you or your partner suffer from FSD, you’re not alone. As many as four in 10 women experience the symptoms of FSD at some point in their lives. Fortunately, FDS is highly treatable. Understanding the causes of FSD can help you and your partner overcome the disorder and regain a healthy sex life.

Causes of FSD

Female sexual dysfunction is a complex disease, since both physical and mental causes play a factor in its development. There are many possible causes of FSD. These include:
  • physical issues (including side effects of certain medications, as well as hormonal issues such as menopause)
  • psychological issues, such as anxiety or depression (this also includes issues of self-confidence)
  • relationship or partner issues (sexual or otherwise).
Oftentimes, several causes contribute to the onset of female sexual dysfunction. Identifying the causes of FSD is important, since treatment options are varied and are highly dependent on each individual woman’s needs.

Talking About FSD

Some women feel uncomfortable talking about FSD with their doctors or their partners. Although sexual dysfunction is a private, potentially embarrassing matter, talking about your symptoms and your feelings is essential to eventually overcoming FSD.
 
If you are anxious about talking to your doctor about your sex life, it may help to write down your questions or concerns before an appointment. It’s also important to find a gynecologist or primary care physician that you trust.
 
If you want to talk to your partner about FSD, it may also help to consider the conversation beforehand. Explain your feelings in a relaxed setting that is comfortable for both of you, and discuss ways that you can work together towards a healthy sex life. While it may be a difficult conversation to initiate, it can ultimately bring you closer together and improve your relationship.

Overcoming FSD

Since the causes of female sexual dysfunction are so varied, treatments for FSD differ greatly from woman to woman. Depending on the cause, treatments for FSD may include:
  • couple’s therapy
  • hormone therapy
  • identifying and treating psychological issues (such as depression or chronic anxiety)
  • increasing communication with your partner
  • lifestyle changes (such as limiting alcohol intake, avoiding stress, or exercising more).
Oftentimes, it is important to combine several forms of treatment for FSD to reach an effective solution. Many women find that communicating more frequently with their partner about their sexual needs helps them regain their interest in sexual activity.
 
Doctors and researchers also widely agree that most women’s sexual satisfaction is intrinsically linked to her self-confidence, both in terms of sexual performance and her own body image. If you are self-conscious or shy about your body, you may want to consider:
  • beginning a new exercise or diet program to help boost confidence and make you feel healthier
  • dressing in clothing that makes you feel sexy and confident every day
  • exploring your personal "turn-ons" and fantasies
  • keeping a journal of positive feelings
  • purchasing and wearing lingerie that makes you feel comfortable and confident.
While it may be difficult to come to terms with FSD, talking about the problem is the first major step in overcoming it. There are many treatment options available to women with FSD. Once you have identified the problem, talked to your partner, and explored treatment options, you are on your way to regaining the active, healthy sex life you deserve. Reading through the other FSD articles on this site can be your first step toward a healthy sex life.
 
Resources
 
DISA (n.d.) Sex therapy: Female sexual dysfunction. Retrieved November 24, 2008, from the DISA Safer Sex Web site: http://www.safersex.co.za/fsd.htm.
 
Hutcherson, Hilda (n.d.) Steps to becoming a sexually confident woman. Retrieved November 24, 2008, from the AOL Love and Sex Web site: http://coaches.aol.com/love-and-sex/feature/_a/steps-to-becoming-a-sexually-confident/20060619173309990001.
 
The Mayo Clinic (2008). Female sexual dysfunction. Retrieved November 24, 2008, from the Mayo Clinic Web site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/female-sexual-dysfunction/DS00701.