Overcoming Sexual Dysfunction: Treating the Physical and Hormonal Causes of FSD

While female sexuality is intrinsically tied to a woman's psychology, there is often a physical aspect to female sexual dysfunction. If you are experiencing a low libido, lack of interest in sex, or an inability to orgasm – and you have ruled out psychological and relationship issues as the cause – there could be a physical or hormonal reason why you are experiencing sexual problems. Have your physician perform a full physical exam and talk with him or her about your sexual difficulties. Certain diseases and conditions can directly affect libido. Some examples include:
  • arthritis
  • cystitis
  • diabetes
  • high blood pressure
  • hormonal imbalances
  • menopause
  • obesity
  • urinary incontinence
  • vaginal infections.
A low libido can also be the direct side effect of a medication that you are taking.

Your Hormones and Your Sexual Health

Women during menopause, or individuals who have had a complete hysterectomy, are likely to experience imbalances in estrogen and progesterone levels that can be indirectly related to sexual enjoyment. Pregnancy and breast-feeding also change hormone levels and may increase or decrease a woman’s libido.
 
Decreased estrogen levels can result in vaginal dryness and thinning (UGA)—one of the more common causes of FSD. In these cases, topical estrogen replacement in the form of creams or rings can be helpful when used in conjunction with oral estrogen replacement. In addition to these physical benefits of estrogen replacement therapy, women often report a positive effect on sexual pleasure and fantasy.
 
In addition to progesterone and estrogen, a woman's ovaries also produce a small amount of testosterone, which can have a direct effect on libido. Nearly half of women who have had hysterectomies report sexual dysfunction. Current studies are evaluating the effectiveness of testosterone therapy in the form of a "skin patch" for women with FSD. Viagra has also been explored for women, although a recent study suggested it merely helps women on anti-depressants achieve orgasm more easily, with no effect on drive or other issues. Reported side effects have kept Viagra from getting approved by the FDA for women.

Viagra for Women

Viagra (sildenafil) was originally developed to improve blood flow in heart disease patients. A side effect on the men participating in the study was increased blood flow to the sex organs, allowing those who had been suffering from sexual dysfunction to resume normal sexual relations. Many men and their partners have seen much improvement in their sex lives thanks to Viagra.
 
Experts believe that many cases of FSD are caused by a decreased blood flow to the genitals. This begs the question of whether Viagra for women should be available. Clinical studies of the effect of Viagra on FSD are currently under way, but it may be several years before the FDA approves the use of Viagra for women suffering from a sexual disorder.
 
In the meantime, a prescription-only hand-held device is available to women suffering from FSD as a result of decrease blood flow to the genitalia. The EROS-Clitoral Therapy Device™ encourages blood flow to the genitals and clitoris, and increases vaginal lubrication and sexual pleasure.

Overcoming Physical Causes of FSD

There are many diseases that have sexual side effects. Sometimes, it is not the disease itself that causes a low libido, but the side effects of medications used to treat the disease.
 
Many of these diseases are debilitating, and most women are therefore more concerned with treating the disease itself than the sexual side effects that can go along with the process. However, if the physical cause of your sexual dysfunction is disease or a medication, there are many steps you can take to try to regain your sexual health. Depending on your specific condition, here are some suggestions that may be of help:
  • Arthritis can make sex painful for your joints. If this is your issue, try to have sex in positions that don’t put pressure on your joints, or try applying heat to joints before sex.
  • If you are suffering from vaginal dryness as a result of diabetes or arthritis, try a vaginal lubricant.
  • If you have a kidney disease, you are more susceptible to vaginal infection than the general population, which can make sexual activity painful. Be on the lookout for infection and be sure to treat it immediately.
If you are experiencing medical problems that are affecting your sex life, don’t be shy about talking to your doctor. She can most likely help you with treatment of the disease as well as give you tips on how to improve your sex life in spite of your condition.
 
Resources
 
Berman, Jennifer, and Laura Berman (n.d.) Female sexual dysfunction: definitions, causes & potential treatments. Retrieved September 16, 2001, from the His and Her health Web site: http://www.hisandherhealth.com/articles/
Female_Sexual_Dysfunction_Definitions_Causes_Potential_Treatments.shtml.
 
Elist, D (n.d.) What causes low sex drive? Retrieved December 4, 2008, from Dr. Elist’s Doctor4Men Web site: http://drelist.com/WhatCausesLowSexDrive.htm.
 

MenopauseRX.com (n.d.) Female sexual dysfunction. Retrieved September 16, 2001, from the Menopause RX Web site: http://www.menopauserx.com/fsd.html.
 

Phillips, Nancy A. (2000). Female sexual dysfunction: evaluation and treatment. Retrieved September 16, 2001, from the American Family Physician Web site: http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000701/127.html.