How to achieve sexual wellness if you experience female sexual arousal disorder
While sexual disorders are typically associated with male erectile dysfunction, women struggle with sexual wellness just as often. Studies suggest that over 40% of premenopausal women have some form of sexual arousal disorder that interferes with their ability to enjoy or experience sex. Female sexual arousal disorder can decrease a woman’s quality of life, creating issues with self-confidence, shame, and a healthy sex life. This guide will define what female sexual arousal disorder is, its symptoms and causes, and effective treatments to help women overcome it.
Female sexual arousal disorder symptoms and causes
Female sexual arousal disorder refers to difficulties or pain with sexual response, desire, or orgasm. It can occur at any stage of life and is typically identified through any of the following symptoms:
Lack of sexual desire: Disinterest or unwillingness to participate in sexual activity.
Sexual arousal difficulties: Inability to become aroused or maintain arousal during sex.
Pain during intercourse: Sexual stimulation or vaginal contact causes you pain.
Inability to orgasm: Difficulty achieving orgasm after sufficient sexual stimulation.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may have female sexual arousal disorder. It’s important to speak with a professional to discuss the possibility of this condition and treatment options for sexual wellness.
Female sexual arousal disorders can definitely affect a woman’s life. There are many different reasons women may experience this condition. The causes can include:
Age: As women get older, stimulation and blood circulation throughout the body decrease, increasing the likelihood of developing female sexual disorder.
Hormones: Hormonal changes in women can occur for a number of reasons, including menopause, birth control pills, and pregnancy.
Underlying medical conditions: Medical conditions, such as thyroid problems, cancer, kidney failure, heart disease, bladder problems, and multiple sclerosis can cause female sexual arousal disorders. Certain treatments for these conditions can also contribute to this issue, such as chemotherapy, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants. Talk with your doctor if you are taking a new medication and have been experiencing difficulties with sexual arousal.
Psychological: Many different psychological issues can contribute to sexual disorders, including depression, anxiety, trauma, guilt, stress, low self-esteem, and relationship issues. Speaking with a therapist can help you work through these psychological issues and promote sexual healing.
Understanding all of the causes and symptoms of female sexual disorder is important for women to identify the issue and find a solution to enjoy their lives and feel confident in their bodies.
Sexual wellness treatments
Treatment for sexual disorders varies depending on the cause and conditions of the disorder. It may be a quick fix or need to be an ongoing process for true healing. Here are a few recommended practices for treating sexual arousal disorders:
Talk with your partner: Difficulties with sexual arousal can stem from problems within the relationship. Talk with your partner about what you’re experiencing – your thoughts and feelings about it. Listen and speak openly with them to discuss potential barriers and solutions. This will improve your intimacy and could potentially fix your sexual arousal difficulties.
Change lifestyle habits: Poor dietary habits can cause sexual difficulties by inhibiting the body’s healthy processes. Making lifestyle changes, such as limiting alcohol and increasing physical activity, can improve your mood, stamina, blood flow, reduce stress, and increase sexual arousal.
Use lubricants or devices: Adding in a little extra help during sexual intimacy can be highly beneficial for sexual arousal. Investing in a vibrator or other sexual device can increase stimulation and using a vaginal lubricant can help reduce pain or vaginal dryness during sex.
Seek sex therapy: Sometimes, sexual disorders are caused by an emotional or psychological issue. Speaking with a sex therapist about the difficulties you are experiencing can help you get to the root of the problem and work through any underlying issues.
Women who are experiencing female sexual disorder symptoms may benefit from any one of these treatments. Seeking the advice of a professional can help narrow down the search to find the best treatment for their sexual wellness and healing.
How can sex therapy help?
A sex therapist can help you delve deep into what is truly causing your sexual disorder issues. Sex therapists know how to ask all the right questions, listen, and guide you through understanding your symptoms and any barriers that are preventing arousal. The goal of sex therapy is to get to the root of the problem, whether that’s physical, emotional, or another contributing factor. Sex therapists aim to provide an open, comfortable environment so that women can express themselves and discuss their symptoms freely to find a solution that works.
As experts on sexual disorders and arousal difficulties, our sex therapists use therapeutic techniques to focus on different aspects of sexuality, from identifying arousal triggers to talking through relationship issues to working through past trauma. Sexual wellness programs and healing sessions allow a safe, constructive space for women to vocalize their sexual experiences and issues without judgment. We can help women take control of their health and explore all potentially contributing factors, including relationships, cultural and societal factors, past experiences, and psychological issues connected to sexual intimacy.
Book an appointment to learn more
To learn more about female sexual arousal disorder symptoms and how sex therapy can help guide you to sexual wellness, book an appointment with us today. A therapist will work with you one-on-one to discover the personal reasons you’re experiencing arousal difficulties and what the best solutions are.