Women and Sexual Dysfunction
Today the media abounds with products that claim to cure sexual dysfunction.
Well…for men anyway.
Let’s be honest. Women get the short end of the stick when it comes to solving sexual problems.
But women also suffer from issues that diminish their desire for sex, as well as their ability to fully enjoy sex.
This matters because sex is an important part of life…for men and women at any age. Apart from being enjoyable, a healthy sex life has many benefits, including the following:
- A healthy sex life enhances the emotional bond in a relationship.
- Sex (and orgasm in particular) makes your body release feel-good hormones called endorphins.
- According to one study, regular sex can make people look younger than average.
- Other studies have shown that regular sexual activity can increase longevity.
- Arousal and orgasm counteract the negative effects of the stress hormone cortisol.
But what if sex isn’t enjoyable? Research suggests that up to 43% of all women suffer from a sexual issue that affects their ability to enjoy sex.
There are three main causes of sexual dysfunction in women:
- Diminished sex drive or arousal
A woman’s body needs to prepare for sex. This includes increased vaginal blood flow and lubrication. Heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing also increase.
A persistent lack of interest in sex or an inability to become aroused can make it impossible for women to have enjoyable sex with their partners.
The reasons for this can be many: stress, body image issues, or relationship problems to name a few. Diminished libido or arousal can also be caused by imbalanced hormones, side effects from medications, or medical conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Pain during sex
A woman’s vagina is stretchy enough to pass a baby through it. But over time, and especially after menopause, vaginal tissue loses its elasticity, and may also lose its ability to lubricate during sex.
Up to half of women who have reached menopause report having pain during intercourse. What’s unfortunate is that very few women ever discuss this with a doctor.
- Difficulty reaching orgasm
Reaching orgasm is an important part of sex. It can be frustrating when everything feels good…but climax is elusive.
Anorgasmia (or difficulty reaching orgasm) becomes more common as women age. Insufficient arousal, vaginal dryness, and pain during sex can all make it harder for a woman to “get there.”
What Can You Do?
Hormonal changes leading up to and after menopause can have a significant effect on a woman’s ability to have enjoyable and fulfilling sex.
But does that mean your sex life is over? Far from it. In fact, many women find their sex lives improve with age.
The key is to address the age-driven changes that can make it harder to have an enjoyable sex life. Here are a few suggestions:
- Use lubrication as needed for vaginal dryness.
- Vaginally applied estrogen can help with vaginal dryness and atrophy. It can also stimulate blood flow to vaginal tissues.
- Take it slow and give your body and mind time to get ready.
- Get your hormone levels checked and treated. Balanced hormones…especially estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone…have a significant effect on a woman’s ability to have fulfilling sex.
- Keep having sex. Regular sex helps to prevent vaginal atrophy by encouraging vaginal blood flow. It’s also a great way to stay connected with your significant other.
Would you like fulfilling sex to be part of your New You? We can help with hormone replacement therapy and other solutions.
To schedule your free consultation, call us at 800-859-7511 or use our contact form.
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