Female Sexual Issues Support Group

About Female Sexual Issues

Female sexual dysfunction refers to persistent or recurring reduction in sex drive, lack of interest in sexual activity, difficulty becoming aroused, inability to achieve orgasm, or pain during intercourse that causes distress.

A national study of sexual behavior in a large group of American men and women found that sexual dysfunction is more common among women than men (43 versus 31 percent). Female sexual dysfunction can occur at any age but midlife is a particularly common time for changes to occur. The transition to menopause impacts the lives of women in different ways but often includes diminished sexual function.

Causes of Female Sexual Issues

Fluctuating hormone levels that define perimenopause and continue to decline can lead to many changes including changes in vaginal lubrication, and sexual responsiveness. There are many other factors that are well known contributors to female sexual issues including personal well-being, overall health, depression and anxiety disorders, vaginal dryness, and children living at home. Medications also have the ability to diminish desire, arousal, and orgasm with a group of antidepressants called SSRIs being the greatest offender.

Treatments for Female Sexual Issues

Non-pharmacologic therapies that are known to be effective are communication, lifestyle changes (such as smoking cessation, strength training exercises) and the use of vaginal lubricants. When lifestyle, communication and behavioral changes do not achieve the desired level of success, pharmacological therapy can be used with the support of your primary care provider. Dailystrength users have experience with the hormonal options including estrogens and testosterone.

Resources and Support for Female Sexual Issues

In Dailystrengthís female sexual issues support group members help each other cope with issues relating to libido, painful intercourse, difficulty achieving orgasm and communicating with your partner. Additional online support groups at Dailystrength related to female sexual issues include depression, anxiety, and sexually transmitted diseases.

If you are experiencing female sexual issues and want an anonymous forum for people with similar issues, Dailystrength's female sexual issues group will provide support and guidance. You can inform yourself using these additional resources and chat with other DailyStrength members about your questions.

• University of Illinois Female Sexual Function page
• The Hormone Foundation
• University of Maryland Medical Center's overview of female sexual dysfunction