The persistent, recurrent problems with sexual response, desire, orgasm, or pain that distress you or strain your relationship with your partner. It can occur at any stage of a woman’s life. FSAD can be complex and some research suggests that desire plays a larger role for women in comparison to men. However, a woman’s sexual organs work similarly to men, depending on blood flow and lubrication to provide pleasure before and during intercourse.
Prevalence
Female sexual problems are estimated to affect between 25%-63% of women, with prevalence in postmenopausal women being highest.
The main domains of FSAD
- Loss of sexual desire.
- Problems with arousal.
- Inability to achieve orgasm.
- Painful intercourse.
- Diminished sexual derivability and attractiveness.
- Poor Lubrication.
Self-Assessment For FSAD
FEMALE SEXUAL FUNCTION INDEX (FSFI) SCORE
This is a validated self-assessment questionnaire that allows the quantitative evaluation of sexuality for screening, diagnosis or evaluation of therapeutic interventions. Click Here For The Test
Causes
The main causes of female sexual arousal disorder can be classified as physical, hormonal, psychological and social. Others include lifestyle effects, stress and dietary factors.
Risk factors
- Depression and anxiety.
- Cardiovascular disease.
- Neurological conditions e.g. spinal cord injury.
- Gynaecological conditions e.g. vulvovaginal atrophy.
- Certain prescription medications e.g. antidepressants and high blood pressure drugs.
- Emotional or psychological stress, especially with respect to partner relationship.
- A history of sexual abuse.
Management
Medical management options include:
- Use of androgens, oestrogen and Lady Prelox.
- Psychosexual counselling,
