Frigidity: A Growing Sexual Health Concern Among Women

Summary:

This article summarizes basic information on a sexual health condition in

women called Female Sexual Arousal Disorder. This condition only affects women

and is caused by several factors including medications, underlying medical conditions, or

psychological factors.

Keywords:

woman's sexual health

Article Body:

Having female sexual dysfunction can be bothersome, a terrible condition similar to erectile

dysfunction in men. Inadequate sexual function in women can be a complex problem that can have

many different causes. An estimated 40% of women suffer from sexual dysfunction, and might be

caused by any physical illness, or may be linked to psychological factors. This condition mainly

affects a woman's sexual health, and has symptoms including lack of sexual desire, inability to

enjoy sex, insufficient vaginal lubrication, and even failure to have an orgasm.

Also known as Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD), this condition still makes women

psychologically desire for sex, but their genital area fails to respond normally, making it

painful or impossible to have sex. When men and women normally get aroused, their genitals become

engorged with blood. For women, this results in the enlargement of the clitoris and surrounding

tissues (comparable to a male erection), secretion of vaginal lubrication, and relaxation and

widening of the vaginal opening for intercourse.

A woman's sexual health is affected by a number of other health conditions. In this case, FSAD

can result from an underlying medical condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes. This can

also be caused by certain irritations, infections, and growth in the vaginal area. It can also be

a negative physiological reaction to certain birth control methods. This condition may also be

caused by medications used to treat high blood pressure, peptic ulcers, depression, anxiety, or

cancer. Another reason may be due to a combination of physical, hormonal, or emotional changes

that occur during or after pregnancy, or while breast feeding. In addition, FSAD can also be

linked to several psychological causes including depression, poor self-esteem, sexual abuse, fear

of pregnancy, inadequate or ineffective foreplay, feelings of shame or guilt about sex, or stress

and fatigue.

For treatment of FSAD, on going research has suggested that the use of Viagra for treating sexual

disorders in women helps increase blood flow, thereby increasing physical stimulation in the

genital area. However, researchers are still waiting for evidence that Viagra could actually work

on women. For now, physicians concentrate on eliminating medications that might have a negative

impact on a woman's sexual health. Doctors also review the effects of certain contraceptive

methods that can be a possible factor for FSAD.

For women who suffer from vaginal dryness, it is recommended for them to use lubricants before

having sexual intercourse in order to prevent pain. On the other hand, some physicians recommend

women to practice Kegel Exercises, a form of exercise that helps in developing the muscles around

the outer part of the vagina. These muscles are involved in the production of pleasurable

sensations. Adding to this, psychological counseling can also play an integral role in treating

women with sexual problems, including FSAD. Coaching in sexual foreplay as well as stimulation

techniques can also contribute to the wellness of a woman who suffers from FSAD.

Upon knowing all these, women can now become more aware of this sexual health condition that

might be experienced by many, but is often misunderstood. Consulting one's physician may be the

best way to know more about FSAD. Constant check-up sessions with the physician or gynecologist

will also help women prevent or address such a frustrating sexual condition.