Female Sexual Arousal Disorder

Female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) refers to a woman's persistent inability to maintain the arousal required to enjoy sexual intercourse. Arising from both physiological and psychological factors, female sexual arousal disorder can range from a minor problem to a major hindrance in intimate relationships.
 
FSAD is classified with other sexual disorders under the umbrella term Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD), which includes:
  • sexual arousal disorders
  • sexual desire disorders
  • sexual pain disorders
  • orgasmic disorders.

Currently, most medical and clinical research focuses around sexual arousal disorder, which includes a persistent or routine inability to attain or maintain genital lubrication or engorgement in response to sexual stimulation.

Female Arousal

Female arousal is as much psychological as it is physical. During female arousal, whether through sexual fantasy, masturbation, or foreplay, blood rushes to the sex organs swelling the clitoris and moistening the walls of the vagina.
 
When a woman has a loss of libido, she does not get to the point of arousal, and may not even desire sex. Some physicians try to pinpoint a physiological reason for loss of libido, while others take a more holistic view of female sexuality.

Causes of Female Sexual Arousal Disorder

For a woman, sexual arousal is a complicated matter that encompasses not only physical wellness (her body), but emotional aspects (her mind) and her general attitude toward her partner and the relationship (her partner). The context of a woman's sexuality is as important to the female sex drive as is the physiological outcome of sex.

Body

Certain medications and diseases, hormone levels and even alcohol and illicit drug use can adversely affect libido. Menopausal and postmenopausal women, and women who have had complete hysterectomies, often suffer from female sexual arousal disorder due to hormonal imbalances.
 
Painful intercourse due to surgery, abnormalities, pain following childbirth or infections can also inhibit sexual arousal and pleasure.

Mind

With modern life encompassing work, family and a host of other demands, it's no wonder that nearly 70% of couples have sexual problems at some point in their relationship. Stress, exhaustion and depression can all contribute to low libido. For women, the brain is the most sensitive "sex organ." Stress, exhaustion, and depression can all inhibit sexual arousal.

Partner

Sex is inevitably a couple's issue. Many women are hesitant to tell their partner what feels good and unfortunately, their partners are not mind readers. Great sex comes from communicating with and guiding our partners.
 
Furthermore, the daily interplay between a woman and her partner can act as a turn-on or turnoff. Relationship issues that can affect women's sexual health and result in loss of libido include:
  • abuse
  • control or dominance issues
  • lack of communication, both sexually and otherwise
  • routine lovemaking
  • strained relations.

FSD and Related Conditions

Physical problems can have unexpected consequences related to sexual function. Certain diseases and conditions can affect libido. Some examples include:
  • arthritis
  • cystitis
  • diabetes
  • high blood pressure
  • imbalances in estrogen, testosterone or progesterone levels
  • menopause
  • obesity
  • pelvic disease
  • urinary incontinence
  • vaginal infections.
Female Sexual Arousal Disorder Treatment The first step in the treatment of female sexual arousal disorder is to examine possible physical problems. A visit to your general physician or gynecologist can help pinpoint or exclude any physiological causes. After the initial exam, other possible causes, and their attendant treatments, can be explored.

Female Sexual Arousal Disorder Hypnosis

Because mind and body are so closely connected, hypnosis may offer another avenue of treatment for female sexual arousal disorder. Using techniques of deep relaxation as well as self-hypnosis, this treatment option can help resolve any unconscious conflict that may act as a block to healthy sexual function.

Hormonal Treatment

Hormones are key elements in a woman's sexual drive and sexual function. Women in menopause or individuals who have had a complete hysterectomy are likely to experience imbalances in estrogen and progesterone levels that can be related to sexual enjoyment.
 
Decreased estrogen levels can result in vaginal dryness and thinning. This is 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.

Viagra for Women

Experts believe that many cases of FSD are caused by decreased blood flow to the genitals. 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 vacuum device is available to women suffering from female sexual arousal disorder 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.

Sex Therapy

Because self-help is difficult when it comes to sexual dysfunction, sex therapists help men and women, as individuals and as couples, with sexual expression. Even couples who are not dealing with sexual dysfunction often seek the services of a sex therapist to help enhance their sexual relationship.
 
Resources
 
Health A to Z. (2008). Female sexual arousal disorder. Retrieved April 27, 2008 from the HealthAtoZ Web site: http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/common/standard/transform.jsp?requestURI=/healthatoz/Atoz/ency/female_sexual_arousal_disorder_.jsp.
 
PsychNet-UK. (2008). Female sexual arousal disorder. Retrieved April 27, 2008, from the Pyschnet-UK.com Web site: http://www.psychnet-uk.com/dsm_iv/female_sexual_arousal_disorder.htm.