Let’s Talk About Sex - Understanding Female Sexual Dysfunction

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a widespread problem that has been estimated to affect up to 50% of women.

Unfortunately, only a small percentage of women seek medical attention but it has far-reaching effects on a woman’s life, which may include impaired body image and self-worth, and not surprisingly, relationship discord. 

Female sexual function – what’s really going on?

Female sexual function is a complex process involving neurovascular signaling that is regulated by hormones and psychological factors. There are multiple neurotransmitters in the brain that can increase or decrease sexual desire and function. Hormones, particularly estrogen, are important modulators in this process. Other hormones that are involved include prolactin, testosterone, and cortisol.

Decreased estrogen levels lead to physiologic changes in the vagina such as:

  • Thinning of the tissues
  • Decreased elasticity
  • Reduced blood flow to the area
  • Less lubrication

Psychological factors also play a pivotal role. Depression, anxiety, sexual or emotional abuse, and stress often trigger sexual dysfunction.


Defining FSD

Dysfunction can be categorized into 3 types of disorders:

  • Lack of sexual desire/arousal
  • Pain with penetration
  • Difficulty achieving orgasm

Women may have more than 1 disorder and more than 50% of women with sexual pain will also have a lack of desire or avoidance secondary to the fear of pain.

The fear of pain manifests as less lubrication (from decreased arousal) and tension of the pelvic muscles, which in turn could lead to more pain with sex.

Pain with sex may have been initiated from:

  • Infection
  • Scar tissue from wound healing after childbirth or a surgery
  • Pelvic floor muscle spasms
  • Abnormalities of the bladder, bowel, or female organs

 

Let’s talk about treatment options...

Treatment for FSD depends on the underlying cause of the disorder and may include:

  • Sex therapy counseling
  • Home exercise programs with devices
  • Physical therapy
  • Medications
    • At Remedy, the most common compounded medications are estrogen creams, oxytocin nasal spray (the love hormone), and vaginal DHEA suppositories. These require a prescription from a doctor.
  • Nerve blocks

Increasing sexual desire and arousal is a complex issue, but like all health concerns, we believe in an integrative approach for optimal results! We have partnered with Naturopathic at Doctor Natasha Monterey at Mosaic Integrative to support you in finding the best treatment plan for your sexual health goals. Schedule a 30-minute libido consultation with Dr. Natasha and get 15% off your custom compounded prescription at Remedy. Offer valid through Feb 28. Click here to book or call Mosaic to schedule your appointment 619-356-0498.