Causes of Sexual Problems

Sexual problems are common and have many causes. In fact, 40 percent of women in the United States have a sexual problem at one time or another.

Age

A woman’s libido (desire for sex) sometimes decreases with age. This decrease is normal and usually is not a cause for concern. However, problems can arise if one partner desires sex more often than the other. Both partners should talk openly about these normal changes and discuss how each can please the other.

Hormonal Changes

The normal stages of womanhood can affect a woman’s interest in and response to sex. A woman’s libido can increase, decrease or fluctuate during pregnancy, menopause or even within a menstrual cycle. Research suggests that some of these changes are due to changing hormone levels. Androgens and estrogen are hormones believed to play a key role in female sexual response. When androgen levels decrease, desire and arousal are reduced. Decreased androgen levels may be caused by surgical removal of the ovaries, use of birth control pills, certain medications and some diseases. Decreased estrogen levels, which occur during perimenopause and menopause, may cause vaginal dryness and lead to pain during intercourse.

Other Causes

Sexual problems also can be caused by stress, illness, drugs, relationship problems, past negative experiences, depression and anxiety.