Overview

Persistent, recurrent problems with sexual response, desire, orgasm or pain — that distress you or strain your relationship with your partner — are known medically as sexual dysfunction.

Many women experience problems with sexual function at some point, and some have difficulties throughout their lives. Female sexual dysfunction can occur at any stage of life. It can occur only in certain sexual situations or in all sexual situations.

Sexual response involves a complex interplay of physiology, emotions, experiences, beliefs, lifestyle and relationships. Disruption of any component can affect sexual desire, arousal or satisfaction, and treatment often involves more than one approach.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on what type of sexual dysfunction you’re experiencing:

• Low sexual desire. This most common of female sexual dysfunctions involves a lack of sexual interest and willingness to be sexual.
• Sexual arousal disorder. Your desire for sex might be intact, but you have difficulty with arousal or are unable to become aroused or maintain arousal during sexual activity.
• Orgasmic disorder. You have persistent or recurrent difficulty in achieving orgasm after sufficient sexual arousal and ongoing stimulation.
• Sexual pain disorder. You have pain associated with sexual stimulation or vaginal contact.

When to see a doctor

If sexual problems affect your relationship or worry you, make an appointment with your doctor for evaluation.

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