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Female sexual dysfunction

• Overview
• Treatment

Definition:

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 eamination.

Common Causes:

• Communication problems with partner
• Anxiety or depression
• Feelings of guilt and shame about sex
• Fear of pain, infection, or being pregnant
• History of sexual abuse
• Lack of appropriate stimulation
• Lack of lubrication
• Changes related to menopause
• Damage to nerves due to surgery or trauma
• Medication
• Infection or gynecological disease

• Review Date: 5/23/2006
• Reviewed By: Audra Robertson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network

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