Medication Menopause Mental health Sexology Women's Health

What causes sexual dysfunction in women?

February 14, 2023

Sexual dysfunction in women – also called Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder – FSIAD (sexual interest and arousal disorder) – can have a significant impact on their overall quality of life and on their relationships with their partner(s). FSIAD is a sexual disorder characterised by a lack of interest in sexual activity or difficulty getting aroused during sexual activity.

Understanding the main causes, problems and symptoms of sexual dysfunction in women is essential for developing an effective treatment plan. In this article, we therefore describe the relevant information on sexual dysfunction in women and about a clinical trial to help cure sexual disfunction.

Symptoms of sexual dysfunction

The primary symptom is a persistent or recurrent lack of interest in sexual activity. Women with FSIAD may also experience as complaints and symptoms of sexual dysfunction:

  • Lack of sexual fantasies or thoughts.
  • Lack of desire or libido: a woman may have a decreased desire for sexual activity, making it difficult to become aroused or achieve orgasm.
  • Painful intercourse: dyspareunia, or pain during intercourse, is a common symptom of sexual dysfunction in women. Pain during intercourse can be caused by several factors, including vaginal dryness, infections or pelvic floor disorders.
  • Difficulty getting aroused: a woman may have difficulty getting physically aroused, despite a desire for sexual activity.
  • Inability to reach orgasm: anorgasmia, or the inability to reach orgasm, is another common symptom of sexual dysfunction in women.
  • Relationship problems: Sexual dysfunction can lead to relationship problems and a lack of intimacy with a partner, leading to further distress.
Causes of sexual dysfunction

The causes of sexual dysfunction in women can be complex and include a combination of physical, psychological and social factors. The main causes of sexual dysfunction in women are:

  • Hormonal imbalances: fluctuations in oestrogen and progesterone levels can lead to sexual dysfunction, especially during menopause or after childbirth.
  • Hormonal contraception: taking the contraceptive pill or using a hormonal coil can contribute to sexual dysfunction.
  • Psychological factors: anxiety, depression, stress and a history of sexual trauma or abuse can contribute to sexual dysfunction.
  • Medical conditions: certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders, can affect sexual function in women. Chronic pain and fatigue can also affect sexual desire and arousal.
  • Vaginismus: in this, the vaginal muscles contract involuntarily, making intercourse or even inserting a tampon difficult or impossible.
  • Skin complaints: skin conditions such as an STI (venereal disease) or lichen sclerosus that can cause pain and discomfort can result in sexual dysfunction.
  • Medications: some medications, such as antidepressants, blood pressure medication and antihistamines, can cause sexual dysfunction.
  • Lifestyle factors: smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and a sedentary lifestyle can all contribute to sexual dysfunction in women.
Treatment of sexual dysfunction

Effective treatments for sexual dysfunction in women may include:

  • Hormonal therapy: hormone replacement therapy or topical oestrogen creams can help balance hormone levels and relieve symptoms of sexual dysfunction.
  • Psychological therapy: therapy can help women address underlying psychological issues that may contribute to sexual dysfunction.
  • Changing medication: changing or adjusting medications that contribute to sexual dysfunction can help relieve symptoms.
  • Vaginal lubricants and moisturisers: these products (preferably silicone-based) can help relieve vaginal dryness and make sexual activity more comfortable.
  • Pelvic floor therapy: exercises and therapies that target the muscles of the pelvic floor can help relieve symptoms of sexual dysfunction.
  • Medication: there are several types of viagra for women on the market, but most of these drugs have side effects, are not always effective and are usually not practical to use.
  • Lifestyle changes: quitting smoking, consuming less or no alcohol and exercising more can help improve sexual function in some women.
  • Relationship therapy: therapy with a partner can help address relationship problems that may contribute to sexual dysfunction.
Clinical trial for sexual disfunction

Are you suffering from sexual disfunction (FSIAD) and would you like to take part in a clinical trial that you and many other women around the globe can benefit from? One of our pharmaceutical partners is developing a new medicine to help cure sexual disfunction in women. If you think you qualify for FSIAD, you can sign up HERE!