Types of Sexual Problems
If you have persistent, recurring problems with sexual response or desire — and if these problems are causing you distress or straining your relationship with your partner — you’re experiencing what is medically known as female sexual dysfunction. This can be a lifelong problem or it can happen later in life, but it isn’t uncommon. Sexual problems fall into four groups — desire problems, arousal problems, orgasm problems and sexual pain disorder.
Desire Problems
Lack of desire is the most common sexual concern reported by women. Many women do not feel a desire to have sex until they begin to engage in sexual activity and subsequently become aroused. Lack of desire is considered a disorder when a woman:
- Does not want to engage in any type of sexual activity, including masturbation
- Does not have (or has very few) sexual thoughts or fantasies
- Is worried or concerned about these issues
Arousal Problems
Arousal is the term for the physical and emotional changes that occur in the body as a result of sexual stimulation. During arousal, women experience the following changes:
- Blood pressure increases
- Heart rate, breathing and temperature increase
- The nipples, labia and clitoris fill with blood and become more sensitive
- The vagina lubricates and expands
Arousal can be affected by many things, including medications, alcohol, smoking, illegal drugs, illness, stress, relationship problems, past negative experiences, depression and anxiety. There are different kinds of arousal disorders — some women may not feel mental or physical excitement from sex; others may feel only mental or physical excitement, but not both. Arousal disorders often overlap with desire disorders.
Orgasm Problems
Many women have a hard time reaching orgasm. Some women are satisfied by the physical and emotional aspects of sex — sharing love and closeness — even if they do not have an orgasm. For other women, however, not reaching orgasm is a major concern that must be solved.
Some women with orgasm disorders have never had an orgasm from sex; others had them at one time, but no longer experience them, despite healthy arousal. The intensity of orgasms can decrease with age. Often women can orgasm during masturbation, but not during sex. Although this is not considered a disorder, women who experience this should talk with their partners about activities that help her achieve orgasm.
Orgasm disorder may be caused by poor body image, fear of losing control or when a woman does not trust her partner. It is common for women who do not have orgasms to have arousal problems.
Sexual Pain Disorder
Painful sex can be a lifelong or short-term condition. Pain that occurs during sexual activities other than intercourse is called noncoital sexual pain disorder. Pain during intercourse — during partial or complete entry into the vagina, thrusting or urination after sex — is called dyspareunia. Most sexually active women have experienced pain during sex at some point in their lives. If it occurs often or is severe, a woman should see her health care provider.
