Table of Contents
- Overview
- Treatment
- Prevention
- Images
Sexual dysfunction in women may involve a reduction in sex drive, a strong dislike of sexual activity, difficulty becoming aroused, inability to achieve orgasm, or pain with sexual activity or intercourse.
Alternative Names
Frigidity; Sexual dysfunction - female
Considerations
Traditionally, sexual dysfunction in women was thought to be largely due to psychological problems. Recent research is beginning to uncover many physical causes for sexual problems in women. While many sexual problems have an underlying psychological component, possible physical causes must be ruled out in the initial examination.
Common Causes
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Anxiety ordepression - Changes related to menopause
- Communication problems with partner
- Damage to nerves due to surgery or trauma
- Fear of pain, infection, or being pregnant
- Feelings of guilt and shame about sex
- History of sexual abuse
- Infection or gynecological disease
- Lack of appropriate stimulation
- Lack of lubrication
- Medication
- Stress or fatigue
Images
Review Date: 09/11/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of
Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of
Medicine; Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound,
Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of
Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director,
A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
