Female Sexual Arousal Disorder is a common problem that affects an estimated 25% of American women (Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine (2002)). Characterized by inability to achieve either arousal or orgasm from sexual intercourse and oftentimes the ability to even want to have sex, FSAD often jeopardizes relationships and changes the way a woman feels about herself.

FSAD has many potential causes, both physiological and psychological.

Psychological Factors

• Personal Life: Stress, general health and decreased energy can all contribute to a lack of sexual desire. Not feeling well, always feeling tired and worn out, or feeling as though one doesn’t have time makes it difficult for one to feel like they want to perform.
• Emotional Trauma: Some women who have had the unfortunate experience of sexual abused or assault find it difficult to achieve arousal, even with a partner they trust. Additionally, women who were raised in very conservative households may still associate sexuality with negativity and find arousal a challenge.
• Body Image/Identity: Women who are insecure about their body often report being reluctant to have sex. This is especially common in the case of women who have recently had a child, gained weight, who have pre-existing body image problems, or who have had altering surgeries such as a hysterectomy or mastectomy.

Physiological Factors

• Menopause: Menopause is the most common factor when it comes to FSAD. Most women, as they approach menopause, during menopause, and after, find themselves experiencing a decline in sexual desire. Also, since vaginal dryness is common during menopause, sex can be difficult or painful.
• Pain during intercourse: Pain can be indicative of a cyst, a lesion, or improper lubrication. Vaginismus is a condition where the muscles in the vagina spasm involuntary making penetration impossible. This is a physical condition that often has psychological roots.
• Medication: Certain drugs, especially anti-depressants and some birth controls have been known to decrease sexual desire.

Treatments

A variety of treatments have been suggested for FSAD. In the instance of a psychological cause, therapy is often encouraged. Partners are often advised to patient and understanding. Some women try to use sensual or erotic materials or toys to elicit feelings of arousal or sexual desire.

Physiological treatments include using store-bought lubrication and lifestyle changes, avoiding smoking and drinking, which have both been known to negatively affect sexual performance.

Herbal remedies made for women, containing ingredients that stimulate the sexual organs and increase blood flow, can also be very helpful when it comes to combating FSAD.

Find a great Herbal Supplement for Female Sexual Arousal Disorder here.

Sources:
http://womenshealth.about.com/od/sexualdysfunction/Sexual_Dysfunction.htm
http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/common/standard/transform.jsp?requestURI=/healthatoz/Atoz/ency/female_sexual_arousal_disorder_.jsp
http://www.psychnet-uk.com/dsm_iv/female_sexual_arousal_disorder.htm

Written by Ethan Porter for MicroNutra Health™

This entry was posted on Friday, November 2nd, 2007 at 7:53 am and is filed under Female Sexual Arousal Disorder. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.