Female sexuality and sexual dysfunction Flashcards
What is the definition of sexual dysfunction?
A persistent problem with sexual desire, response, orgasm or pain which distress a woman or strain the relationship with her partner. The problem must have lasted for more than 6 months.
What is the most common form of sexual dysfunction in women?
Low sexual desire is the most common of female sexual dysfunctions and involves a lack of sexual interest and willingness to be sexual.
True or false: Sexual problems occur more commonly in younger than older women.
False. Sexual problems occur in adults of all ages. Older adults are however more commonly affected - more health problems by aging.
What is used to diagnose female sexual dysfunction?
History.
Pelvic examination.
Blood tests, to check for condition that might be part of the cause, e.g. diabetes and renal disease.
What are common causes of lack of sexual desire in women?
Hormonal changes, medical conditions and
treatments (e.g., cancer and chemotherapy), depression, pregnancy, stress, and fatigue. Boredom with regular sexual routines, lack of enthusiasm for sex.
How can lack of sexual desire in women be treated?
Treatments include individual and/or couples psychotherapy/sex therapy, or local or systemic hormone therapy (HRT).
How can lack of sexual arousal be treated in women?
Treatment can be sexual sensations using masturbation training, while working to improve communication with their partners.
Estrogen therapy, systemic or local, is often an effective treatment that is acquired after menopause and can improve vaginal blood flow and lubrication.
How can orgasmic disorders be treated in women?
Treatment include to help her to be comfortable with her body and sexuality by altering negative attitudes, decrease anxiety, directed masturbation, sensation focus exercises. Debunking myths that masturbation is bad is also a common theme in treatment.
What is dyspareunia?
A form of sexual pain disorder. Pain during intercourse can be due to many problems, e.g. endometriosis, a pelvic mass, poor lubrication, sexually transmitted disease, vulvodynia.
What is vaginismus?
A painful, involuntary spasm of muscles that surround the vaginal entrance. It may occur in women who fear that penetration will be painful and may stem from a previous traumatic or painful experience.
