Female Sexual Dysfunction

A woman’s sexual response involves the complex interplay of physiology, emotions, experiences, beliefs, lifestyle, and relationships. A disruption in just one area can lead to female sexual dysfunction, a challenge that requires the unique expertise of Cynthia Moorman, MD, and the team at Urology Consultants of Maryland. Nearly all women face sexual challenges at some point in their life, but for many, it’s a constant problem that interferes with their relationships and affects their quality of life. Call the office in Frederick, Maryland, or use online booking to schedule a consultation and start treatment for female sexual dysfunction.

What does it mean to have female sexual dysfunction?

Female sexual dysfunction means that you deal with the following four problems and that they’re persistent and frequent enough to affect your ability to have a healthy, satisfying sex life:

• Loss of desire (a low sex drive)
• Lack of a physical response (you can’t become aroused)
• Inability to have an orgasm
• Sexual pain disorders

Pain disorders include pain during intercourse (dyspareunia) and painful vaginal muscle contractions that prevent penetration (vaginismus).

What causes female sexual dysfunction?

Many physical, emotional, and psychological issues can contribute to sexual dysfunction, including:

Physical problems

Many medical conditions can cause pain, diminish your sex drive, and affect sexual desire and the ability to have an orgasm. A few examples include:

• Urinary tract conditions
• Gynecological conditions
• Chronic pain
• Nerve damage
• Menopause
• Hormonal imbalances
• Heart disease
• Cancer

Certain medications may also contribute to sexual dysfunction.

Hormone imbalances

Many women find that low estrogen levels after menopause cause painful intercourse and loss of sex drive. Without estrogen, the vaginal lining becomes thinner and less elastic, and lubrication diminishes — changes that make sex painful. Hormone shifts after having a baby can also affect your sex drive.

Psychological, social, and emotional challenges

Relationship problems, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and a past history of sexual trauma or abuse are just a few examples of psychological and emotional challenges that affect your sexual health. Cultural and religious issues can also play a role.

Can treatment help me overcome female sexual dysfunction?

Your caring provider at Urology Consultants of Maryland creates a personalized treatment plan based on the reason for your sexual dysfunction. Whenever possible, they begin with nonmedical strategies, such as:

• Modifying your lifestyle habits
• Talking with your partner
• Seeking counseling
• Using vaginal lubricants
• Trying sexual devices

There’s also a wide range of medical treatments that will help, depending on the underlying condition causing your sexual problem. For example, your provider may prescribe medications to reduce pain during sex, improve your sex drive, or restore hormonal balance. There are also topical medications and pain-free radiofrequency procedures to improve the health of vaginal tissues.

Your provider at Urology Consultants of Maryland specializes in identifying the cause and treating female sexual dysfunction. Call the office today or use the online booking feature to request an appointment and get the help you need to reclaim an enjoyable sex life.