Female sexual health is an essential yet often overlooked aspect of overall well-being. Many women face challenges related to their sexual health, such as vaginismus and loss of sexual desire, which can significantly impact their quality of life and relationships. This blog delves into these two common types of female sexual health concerns, exploring their causes, symptoms, and potential treatment options. By enhancing our understanding of these conditions, we can better address them and promote healthier, more fulfilling sexual experiences.
Female Sexual Disorder- Vaginismus
Vaginismus is a condition wherein sexual penetration is very painful and sometimes impossible. The pelvic floor muscles experience involuntary spasms during intercourse, insertion of a tampon, or gynaecological exam. Physical and emotional stressors can cause vaginismus. In many cases, it can become anticipatory; it occurs because the person expects it to happen.
Some of its emotional triggers are- fear of pain, performance anxiety, traumatic life events, and childbirth experiences.
Some of its physical triggers are- urinary tract infection, yeast infection, pelvic surgery, menopause, insufficient vaginal lubrication, etc.
Causes of Vaginismus
Vaginismus can be triggered by both physical and emotional factors, making it a complex condition to treat.
- Physical Causes:
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Recurrent UTIs can lead to anxiety around penetration due to the associated pain.
- Yeast Infections: Infections can cause inflammation and sensitivity, making penetration uncomfortable.
- Pelvic Surgery: Surgical interventions in the pelvic region can lead to physical changes and discomfort during intercourse.
- Menopause: Hormonal changes during menopause can result in vaginal dryness and thinning of tissues, contributing to pain during penetration.
- Insufficient Lubrication: A lack of adequate lubrication can create friction and discomfort during sexual activity.
- Emotional Causes:
- Fear of Pain: Previous experiences of pain during intercourse can lead to a conditioned response where the anticipation of pain causes muscle tightening.
- Performance Anxiety: Worries about sexual performance can heighten tension in the pelvic floor muscles.
- Traumatic Life Events: Past trauma, whether sexual or non-sexual, can manifest as vaginismus, leading to a protective response in the body.
- Childbirth Experiences: Some women may experience vaginismus after traumatic childbirth experiences, fearing that penetration may lead to similar pain or trauma.
Symptoms of Vaginismus
The symptoms of vaginismus can vary widely among women, but common indicators include:
- Pain during attempted intercourse or tampon insertion.
- Involuntary tightening of the pelvic floor muscles upon anticipation of penetration.
- Discomfort during gynaecological exams.
- Anxiety or fear related to sexual activity.
Treatment Options for Vaginismus
Addressing vaginismus often requires a multi-faceted approach that considers both the physical and emotional aspects of the condition.
- Pelvic Floor Therapy: A trained pelvic floor physical therapist can help women learn to relax their pelvic muscles and regain control over involuntary spasms. This may include techniques such as biofeedback, pelvic floor exercises, and education on anatomy.
- Counselling and Sex Therapy: Engaging in therapy with a qualified sex therapist can help address underlying emotional triggers. Couples may work on communication skills, intimacy issues, and exploring fears and anxieties related to sexual activity.
- Gradual Desensitization: This approach involves gradually exposing the body to penetration in a controlled and comfortable manner. It often starts with the use of dilators, which can help women become accustomed to sensations without the pressure of intercourse.
- Lubricants and Moisturizers: Using high-quality lubricants can help alleviate discomfort during penetration, especially for women experiencing vaginal dryness.
- Medication: In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend topical anesthetics or hormonal treatments to help manage symptoms.
Female Sexual Disorder- Loss Of Sexual Desires
Loss of sexual desire is a more typical female sexual disorder. We have estimated that 18% of married women are suffering from it.
Loss of sexual desire could be due to 2 main reasons
- Hormonal and Physical Factors:
- Hormonal fluctuations related to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and menopause can all impact sexual desire.
- Medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and chronic illnesses can also contribute to changes in libido.
- Certain medications, particularly antidepressants and hormonal contraceptives, may result in decreased sexual desire as a side effect.
- Psychological Factors:
- Psychological factors are often at the forefront of sexual desire issues. Women experiencing stress, anxiety, or depression may find that their interest in sexual activity diminishes.
- Relationship dynamics can play a significant role; dissatisfaction with a partner or unresolved conflicts may lead to a decrease in sexual desire.
Symptoms of Loss of Sexual Desire
Women experiencing a loss of sexual desire may exhibit symptoms such as:
- A lack of interest in sexual activity or fantasies.
- Avoidance of sexual intimacy with a partner.
- Feelings of frustration or sadness regarding decreased sexual desire.
- Physical discomfort during sex due to a lack of arousal or excitement.
Treatment Options for Loss of Sexual Desire
Restoring sexual desire often requires addressing both psychological and physiological components.
- Open Communication: Couples should engage in honest and open discussions about their feelings, desires, and concerns. Lack of intimate conversations can exacerbate feelings of disconnect, leading to further loss of desire.
- Counselling and Therapy: Sex therapy or couples counselling can help address emotional barriers and improve communication. Therapists can provide tools for enhancing intimacy and rebuilding desire through effective techniques.
- Medical Evaluation: A healthcare professional should evaluate any underlying medical conditions or medications that may be contributing to loss of sexual desire. Adjusting medications or exploring alternative treatments may be necessary.
- Hormonal Treatments: For women experiencing hormonal fluctuations, hormone therapy may be an option. This could involve the use of estrogen or testosterone, depending on individual needs and medical advice.
- Lifestyle Changes: Engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy diet, and managing stress through mindfulness practices can positively impact overall well-being, including sexual desire.
- Enhancing Foreplay: Improving foreplay techniques can enhance arousal and enjoyment. Couples can explore new forms of intimacy that foster connection and excitement.
Psychological desire loss is the most common female sexual disorder, as observed by Dr. Gupta’s Clinic. Women suffering from losing sexual desire make several excuses to avoid sex. Most of them describe sex as scary, dull, or even painful. Usually, sex is a pleasurable activity. If it becomes work, then it becomes creepy and boring.
During history-taking sessions by Dr. Gupta’s Clinic, many said that they are disgusted with the sexual habits of their husbands. Some pointed out that their husbands suffer from premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunctions. Many husbands’ ejaculations occur on or before penetration, leading to a severe feeling of disgust by the wife.
The Other Side Of The Coin
Lack of intimate conversations with the husband also leads to a loss of sexual desire. Grabbing the breasts and painfully pressing them will lead to an unsavory taste for sex. Also, some women are not well adjusted to their in-law’s household, losing their desire.
Women, by nature, are vocal. Therefore, if they face a problem, they will speak it out. If the husband repeatedly ignores their concern, only then the problem arises. Sex counselors do their part in educating the couple. They tell them about proper foreplay techniques and rules. The husband should approach with light to a stronger touch, stimulating the whole body and not just the breasts and the genitalia. Lessons on talk and touch technique and non-demand fore plays are given.
Simultaneously, doctors for male problems treat problems of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. Therefore, men, who avoid coming to sex therapists for any reason, are the biggest losers of blissful married life.
Get The Help You Require
In conclusion, women having female sexual disorders should not ignore and should be treated timely. A wish to seek medical and professional help and open-mindedness to go through the treatments are all it takes.
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