Sexual Health
For most women a satisfying sex life is an important component of their overall quality of life. Nevertheless, sexual dysfunctions in women are common. Research has shown that up to 45% of women report sexual problems and more than 1 in 10 women have a sexual problem that causes significant distress.
Sexual problems can be lifelong problems that have always been present, acquired problems that develop after a period of normal sexual function or situational problems that develop only under certain circumstances or with certain partners.
THERE ARE SEVERAL TYPES OF SEXUAL DYSFUNCTIONS :
Hypoactive sexual desire disorder
Reduced or absent spontaneous desir such as sexual thoughts or fantasies, a reduced or absent responsive desire to erotic stimulation or an inability to maintain an interest in sexual activity.
Hyperactive sexual desire disorder
Increased spontanous or responsive sexual desire.
Hypoactive sexual arousal disorder
Difficulty or inability to attain or maintain an adequate mental excitement (feeling engaged of mentally turned on or sexualy aroused) and/or gential response (vulvovaginal lubrication, engorgement of the genitalia…)
Persistant genital arousal
Persistent or recurrent, unwanted or intrusive, distressing feelings of genital arousal or being on the verge of orgasm, not associated with concomitant sexual interest, thoughts, or fantasies.
Female orgasm disorders
Persistent or recurrent, distressing compromise of orgasm frequency, intensity, timing, or pleasure.
Genitopelvic pain / penetration disorder
Persistent or recurrent difficulties with vaginal penetration, pain during genital contact or fear for pain in anticipation of, during, or as a result of genital contact.
In addition, women can experience difficulties in the sexual knowledge, sexual behavior, sexual experiences and expression.
The cause of a sexual dysfunction is often multifactorial and multidimensional, since every sexual expression consists of an interaction among biological / physiological, psychological, relational and sociocultural factors. Therefore, a biopsychosocial approach is required to correctly diagnose and treat sexual issues and to assure that the treatment plan is adapted to the patient and/or couple’s situation.