A woman’s ability to enjoy sex can be affected by various types of problems that have both physical and psychological roots.
Such issues usually include:
- Lack of sexual desire, meaning low interest in sexual activity and sex.
- Problems with sexual arousal, which imply an insufficient sexual response during sexual intercourse, as well as issues with becoming sexually aroused.
- Orgasmic disorder. Continual difficulty or inability to achieve orgasm.
- Pain during sexual intercourse that is called dyspareunia. This pain can occur during the intercourse itself or with vaginal stimulation.
Women may experience some of these issues occasionally, starting with the problem of achieving orgasm and finishing with just failing to get into the right mood. However, there are cases when these troubles persist and even become regular. Experiencing sexual difficulties frequently can affect a woman’s overall well-being and her relationships with a partner.
The good news for such women is that there are ways to treat these problems. Unfortunately, there is no magic pill like “female Viagra” that can provide a quick and easy remedy. Nevertheless, there are different ways to address sexual difficulties in women. One of the first steps is to consider the possible causes.
Causes
The potential causes can be divided into a number of groups.
- Physical or biological causes
There are various physical conditions that can influence a woman’s sexual response and decrease pleasure and satisfaction. For instance, such conditions as diabetes and thyroid disease can lead to a lack of vaginal lubrication. It can cause discomfort during sex and reduce satisfaction. Hormonal problems, including low estrogen levels, can also cause reduced lubrication and make the vaginal lining thinner. Moreover, low testosterone levels can reduce the sex drive.
There are certain medications that can also lead to lowered sexual desire. These medications include antidepressants and blood pressure control pills. They can make it hard for a woman to achieve orgasm.
Such conditions as vaginitis, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, vaginal infections, bowel difficulties, or pelvic surgery can cause discomfort during sex and even make it painful.
- Psychological or emotional causes
The sexual response of a woman is determined not only by the body but also by the mind. That’s why emotional factors play a crucial role in experiencing sexual satisfaction. Depression, anxiety, everyday stress and problems in relationships can contribute to sexual difficulties. Furthermore, a woman’s sexual life can be greatly influenced by her body image, along with religious, cultural, and social factors.
Some issues that cause sexual problems do not require medical attention. Such conditions as stress or drug use are temporary and can be resolved easily. However, when these difficulties become regular and cause distress, they become real problems. In these cases, a woman may need to seek medical help.
Searching for Help
Your medical advisor can help you find the true cause of the issues you are experiencing and work out the ways to solve the problem. Your healthcare specialist will probably ask you the following things:
- Which medications or supplements you take
- Your medical history
- Your sexual history
- Your current and past relationships
Considering your symptoms and concerns, your health advisor may also do a pelvic exam to check for any signs of infection or irritation. A pelvic ultrasound may also be scheduled in order to reveal any anatomical issues. If the basic cause of the problem is deemed a psychological issue, your healthcare provider may offer a referral to a respective specialist.
If your problem originates from a hormonal disorder like thyroid deficiency or low estrogen, your healthcare provider may suggest an option of medical treatment. You may also be advised to adjust or change your current treatment if its side effects are likely to cause your symptoms.
Other than those described, there are also non-medical options to help you remedy your issues.
Communication
You can discuss your concerns, problems, and needs with your partner. If he truly cares for you, he will be eager to work out the proper solutions together with you.
Experimenting
Using your imagination and trying something new can be very efficient. For instance, if your issue is pain, you can try new positions and discover the most comfortable and enjoyable ones. If you experience a lack of arousal or can’t reach orgasm, you should try spending more time on foreplay, exploring various types of sensual massage, and experiment with sex toys to find the most pleasurable things for you. There are lots of sexual health products, and by using them, you can get exciting results.
Lubrication
Vaginal dryness is a problem that can make sex not only uncomfortable but also painful. It can be a result of various health issues and medications, but it is also often experienced by post-menopausal women. The easy and quick remedy is using a lubricant. It will make sex much more comfortable and enjoyable. Local hormonal therapies like estrogen creams are also available, and can be recommended by your medical advisor.
Consulting a professional
You may look for professional help from a particular counselor or therapist specializing in sexuality and sexual problems. Such specialists can work with you and your partner together, help you better understand your sexual difficulties, and offer optimal strategies to improve intimacy.