Sexual Dysfunction - Gynecological Institute Dra. Gómez Roig

La female sexual dysfunction It is a disorder that occurs when there is a change in the usual sexual behavior of women.

In these changes there may be a decrease, or even a cessation of the desire to have sexual intercourse. On the other hand, it may be that there is also an inability to enjoy them.

These behavioral changes sometimes affect the woman's quality of life and her personal relationships.

In general, the four areas in which women have difficulties within the sexual dysfunction They are: desire, arousal, orgasm and pain associated with intercourse.

On Institute of Gynecology in Barcelona, by Dr. Gómez Roig, our sexologist within the department of psychology and sexology you can help.

Also, within our medical services that we offer, she will offer you the necessary tools to improve your sexual comfort.

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If you need more information or treatment of the female sexual dysfunction Do not hesitate to contact our team of professionals.

What is a sexual dysfunction or problem?

sexual dysfunctions they are common in both women and men, and can occur at any age.

We have statistics in the United States. Approximately 40% of women have sexual concerns and 12% report distressing sexual problems.

Sexual dysfunction is a term used to describe difficulties in libido, sexual desire, excitement, orgasm or pain that appears with relationships.

The sexual problems in women They can appear again, at a specific stage of life, or they can arise from the beginning of relationships.

One of the theories that explain the appearance of this type of problem is related to:

Hormonal changes
Vascular changes that nourish the genital area.
Changes in substances – hormones that regulate the brain and vaginal area.

Furthermore, the difficulties in the relationship, and physical or psychological illnesses contribute to most sexual problems in women.

What are the risk factors for this problem?

To find out what the risk factors for this problem are, you have to take into account a series of factors that may imply sexual problems in women.

A risk factor is not necessarily the cause of a problem, but something that makes it more likely.

These factors are classified as:

Personal welfare

The personal state is important for the interest and the sexual activity. A woman who is not feeling well physically or emotionally may experience a decrease in sexual interest or response.

relationship problems

An emotionally healthy relationship with current and past partners is a determining factor in sexual satisfaction.

Male Sexual Affectation

La male sexual dysfunction in the couple can affect the woman's response. Male problems become more frequent with advancing age.

Childbirth

After childbirth, physical recovery and breastfeeding, as well as the fatigue and demands of parenting, can decrease sexual desire.

The low hormone levels, like estrogens, after childbirth do not favor libido.

La local lesion in the genital area from childbirth, or a cesarean section scar, can cause pain or discomfort with sexual activity.

In most cases, these problems get better with time.

menopause

After menopause, estrogen levels drop completely. The lack of this type of hormones implies changes in the libido of the woman.

Hot flashes, night sweats, increased insomnia, and exhaustion can also contribute to dysfunction.

La vaginal dryness, and decreased vaginal lubrication They do not favor relationships.

History of Hysterectomy

This operation, in which the uterus is removed, does not cause sexual dysfunction. On the contrary, if the uterus gave problems with bleeding, pain, or myomas with discomfort in women, this intervention can improve sexuality.

La removal of the cervix at the time of hysterectomy also has no negative effect.

Another different thing is the removal of the ovaries, since it reduces the levels of estrogen and hormones, which can affect the sexual function of some women.

Vaginal or Pelvic Pain

women who have vaginal or pelvic pain they often have difficulties with sexual activity.

The pain can be aggravated in intercourse, inadvertently causing a stiffness or contraction of the vaginal muscles, causing more pain. This consequence is called vaginismus.

Bladder and Pelvic Floor Problems

Changes in the bladder, or loss of muscle tone in the pelvic floor, can lead to genital prolapse. In addition to urinary incontinence or a feeling of vaginal discomfort. These symptoms can interfere with sexual desire or activity.

Medical Diseases

Any serious or chronic medical condition can affect this topic. Heart problems and arthritis can affect a woman's physical ability to have sex.

Women with cancer may experience discomfort and fatigue from the treatments.

Changes in body image, especially if they affect intimate areas, can favor the problem.

Other diseases such as Parkinson's, diabetes, or alcohol intake disorders, pain medications, or other drugs can affect arousal and the ability to feel pleasure.

Psychiatric or Emotional Problems

Depression is one of the most common causes of low libido and other sexual disorders in women.

Taking Medications

Both medicineBoth prescription and non-prescription drugs can alter sexual desire, arousal, and feelings of pleasure. This may include:

Lots of antidepressants.
Some antipsychotic medications.
Insomnia treatments.
Beta-blockers used to treat high blood pressure.
It is not clear if hormonal medications, such as birth control pills and menopausal hormone therapy, affect sexuality.

Are there treatments for sexual dysfunction?

There are treatments for sexual problems. In many cases, a combination of them is the most effective.

Among the therapeutic alternatives we have:

Correct management of stress.
Adequate help to solve couple problems.
Look for novel situations or environments.
Treatment of vaginal dryness.
Work with a specialist dyspareunia or painful sex.
Correct management of sexual side effects of medications.

Some of the treatments proposed have been the androgen use as medicine.

Despite this, no androgen product is approved for the female sexual dysfunction.

Its efficacy is limited, and the lack of data on long-term safety does not advise its use.

Other treatments have also appeared on the market to solve this problem.

Although they can help increase sexual desire in some women. It can also cause potentially serious or bothersome side effects, such as low blood pressure, fainting, nausea, dizziness, or headache.

Medications used by men with erection problems, have generally not been shown to improve sexual function in women more than would placebos, pills without medication. For this reason they are not recommended.

Treatments without proven usefulness

Currently there are a number of Treatments in which it has not been possible to verify its real efficiency. This group of integrative complementary they are offered as treatment, but their actual usefulness in sexual dysfunction is unclear.

Unproven alternatives include:

Medicinal plants: Some herbal and plant-based supplements can improve sexual function, but no more than a placebo. The production of these natural medicines is not regulated. Therefore, it is not always possible to know that the product contains the type and amount of ingredient indicated on the label, or that it is free of potentially dangerous additives. People who wish to use herbal therapies are advised to do so with caution.
Surgery: This alternative is rarely necessary for the vagina to improve. Exceptions are women born with abnormalities of the vagina, and those who have traumatic injuries after childbirth. In these cases, if some women may benefit from careful surgical treatment.

On Gynecology Institute of Dr. Gómez Roig, in Barcelona, we offer you specialized care in psychology and sexology to troubleshoot female sexual dysfunction.

Let yourself be accompanied by our professionals. Everything will be easier.

Adaptation of UptoDate 2019

Female Sexual Dysfunction