Women’s Sexual Health Revisited
photo taken from fanpop.com
Women’s sexual health is a very important aspect in a woman’s well-being. It is as significant as any other aspect of health including mental and physical. A woman’s sexuality must be given attention since sexual problems can cause devastating effects and may extend into other areas of life and can cause depression, even physical ailments. Studies show that majority of women are likely to experience some type of sexual disorder over their lifetimes. As a matter of fact, these studies show that about 43% of women will experience some sexual problems in their lifetimes.
It has been said that the most common forms of women’s sexual health problems are anorgasmia (inability to orgasm), a loss of libido and vaginal dryness. Let’s take a closer look at these three major women’s sexual health problems;
~ Anorgasmia – Is a form of sexual dysfunction sometimes classified as a psychiatric disorder in which a woman cannot achieve orgasm even with adequate stimulation. It is often caused by medical problems such as diabetic neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, genital mutilation and many more. About 15% of women report difficulties with orgasm and as many as 10% of women in the United States have never climaxed, wikipedia explains.
~ A loss of libido – A lot of women experience a loss of libido due to hormonal imbalance, fatigue, adrenal exhaustion, stress, depression and even childbirth. However, this can still be treated by consulting a doctor who specializes in this field or even by visiting a psychologist and a sex therapist to help examine the underlying problems in a woman’s life and sexuality.
~ Vaginal dryness – Is a condition that occurs when the vagina isn’t properly lubricated. Vaginal dryness can make daily activities uncomfortable and sexual intercourse less pleasurable. The main causes of vaginal dryness are; decreased estrogen levels, chronic yeast infection, douching, vaginal bacterial infection, medication allergies, sexually transmitted diseases, vaginal trauma and benign or malignant tumor. Vaginal dryness may still be treated depending on what caused it. However, some effective treatment methods include; a boots in water intake, checking of chemicals in the environment, following a hormone-balancing diet, trying a personal lubricant and phytotherapy.
Keeping yourself updated with the latest news on women’s sexual health can help you treat existing problems and prevent future problems. Never forget to make an appointment with your physician about any sexual problems as they may indicate deeper physiological issues.
Andrew H. Scheinfeld, M.D. says:
December 28th, 2009 at 10:49 pm
Thank you for your excellent article. During my tweny-five years experience as an Obstetrician-Gynecologist i have been frustrated by my inability to help large numbers of my patients who express concerns about their sexual health and well-being. Patients have emotionally confided how perceived problems with sexual desire and arousal have damaged their self image, social interactions and relationships. I suspect a larger number of patients suppress these feelings and therefore carry a heavy emotional burden. Although, as you mention, there are some medications and serious illnesses associated with low sexual desire and arousal, it is clear that the majority of cases do not have an identified cause. To address psychsocial causes i have often referred patients to mental health professionals and sex therapists. Patients commonly do not pursue the therapies offered by these specialists due to their prohibitive cost or the persisting stigma of psychotherapy. Many patients, for diverse reasons, seem unaware of or hesitant to embrace sexual health products that are potentially beneficial. The reasons given include embarrassment to enter sex shops, relectance to use the Internet to purchase products and receive them at home, inability to examen products sold on the Internet and fear fof partner disapproval. To help address these concerns I decided to use my private medical office as a comfortable and reassuring place for patients, their partners and others to discreetly discover, examine and purchase these products. Physician recommendation can also enable women, who might benefit from them, to overcome inhibitions to their use. I proceeded after a survey of patients was overwhelmingly supportive and enthusiastic. My staff and I thoroughly reviewed companies and products. LELO, a Swedish company, produces “pleasure objects” unsurpassed in functionality and aesthetic design. I purchased their full line of products and have them available in my office. Though these products are certainly not the answer to low sexual desire and arousal, they can be helpfull to many women. Women can use these products to achieve greater sexual fulfillment and sense of well-being. A gynecologist’s office is an ideal place for women to find sexual healthcare products.