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By: Tom Henry
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April 30, 2025
Female Sexual Dysfunction: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
- Women experiencing FSD (female sexual dysfunction) have issues with sexual arousal, desire, orgasm, etc. It can even cause pain during intercourse, stress in relationships, and other interpersonal difficulties. Causes of decreased sexual desire in women may range from physical, psychological, lifestyle-related, and medical conditions to relationship problems.
Some common types of FSD are female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD), hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), female orgasmic disorder (FOD), and genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPP/PD), and others.
In the following post, we will take you through the common causes of FSD, its symptoms, sexual health tips for women, and treatment alternatives.
Common Causes of Female Sexual Dysfunction
FSD can occur because of a single factor or a combination of a few. In this section, we will explore some of the common reasons for female sexual dysfunction and decrease in arousal:
- Physical Factors: Medical conditions causing decreased sexual desire in women include heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, kidney or liver failure, etc. Neurological issues such as multiple sclerosis can impact the nerve system directly related to sexual stimulation and response. Even serious diseases such as cancer and its treatment are responsible for FSD. Similarly, gynecological problems such as obstetric trauma, vulvar dermatoses, genitourinary syndrome of menopause, genital mutilation, radiation fibrosis, and post-surgical introital narrowing are other factors for FSD. Hormonal imbalance may lead to low estrogen and sex drive, especially during menopause may result in pain during intercourse, low libido, and vaginal dryness.
- Psychological Factors: Reasons for female arousal disorder may be due to mental health disorders as well, such as depression, anxiety, body image concerns, relationship-related mental troubles, past trauma, or abuse. Each of these scenarios can affect the ability to orgasm, sex drive, and more. Low self-esteem can give rise to stress and sexual dysfunction, diminishing libido. Other conditions responsible are obsessive-compulsive disorder, cognitive distraction, guilt and shame regarding intimacy, or societal norms affecting lovemaking-related stereotypes or fears.
- Relationship Issues: Lack of intimacy in a marital relationship may soon develop into distance between couples. Moreover, conflict or communication problems may cause low libido in women, along with mental stress. Problems between partners may even involve issues with sexual performance and expectations for it. Lack of privacy and past trauma about failed or turbulent relationships can also interfere with intimacy. Trauma-related symptoms are nightmares and flashbacks about the problematic past, which may dissuade a female from experiencing attraction and coziness with others.
- Lifestyle Factors: We did highlight poor mental health and relationship issues, some of which may have to do with lifestyle practices. These can lead to problems during intimacy and pleasure, increase in dissatisfaction, and negative connotation about relationships in general. Also, female sexual dysfunction may occur from frequent substance abuse like excessive smoking and alcohol consumption or use of illicit substances. Wrong eating habits, lack of exercise, and lack of sleep can lead to obesity and even more – hormonal imbalances. A sedentary lifestyle and desk job without much physical activity may invite lethargy in daily life, including in bed with your partner. Lack of hygiene or unmanaged body odor can also lead to disinterest in lovemaking.
Recognizing the Symptoms of FSD
Some of the symptoms of decreased sexual desire in women are difficulty getting or sustaining interest in intimacy or engaging in lovemaking altogether. Some women may encounter pain during intercourse because of vaginal dryness and lack of vaginal lubrication or an underlying health issue. In other cases, problems achieving orgasm or having less intense or fewer climaxes may add to dissatisfaction or frustration in a relationship.
Muscle tension around the vagina makes it impossible for some women to relax their vaginal muscles. This reduces sexual pleasure and enjoyment, making one look away from getting intimate. Some women with female arousal disorder may suffer from genito-pelvic pain i.e. continuous problems with vaginal penetration because of anxiety or fear of pain during intercourse.
Effective Solutions for Female Sexual Dysfunction
FSD is more common than one may expect. However, following certain sexual health tips for women can do away with a lot of the FSD symptoms. So, here we will discuss those tips in detail:
- Medical Treatment: For low libido in women, the medication to go for is Fliban 100mg tablet, which helps relax a person’s mood by impacting certain neurotransmitters and brain chemicals. Other medicines that help with improved blood circulation to the genitals include Ladygra 100mg tablet and Lovegra 100mg tablet containing Sildenafil Citrate as the active component. These tablets enhance the sensitivity of the sexual organs in females.
- Lifestyle Changes: Maintain a healthy weight and cut down on stress. Get enough sleep, and avoid excessive consumption of alcohol or quit smoking. Follow a balanced diet and avoid too much fatty food. As stress and sexual dysfunction go hand-in-hand, follow techniques to reduce stress and steer away from trigger factors. Similarly, seek professional help if you want to speak about anything regarding your emotions or feelings about intimacy. Maintain open communication with your partner and perhaps improve your self-esteem.
- Natural Remedies: While there are no herbal supplements that may have an equal effect on libido, the best women’s health supplements for sexual dysfunction include zinc, vitamin E, and ginseng. Red Clover may reduce vaginal dryness, Maca Root may enhance libido, and Kanna may boost serotonin to strengthen mood for lovemaking. Other alternatives are L-arginine, DHEA, and Tribulus Terrestris, etc.
- Therapeutic Approaches: For relief against female sexual dysfunction, some therapeutic approaches are mindfulness-based interventions that track the real problems and consciously deal with those, whereas cognitive behavioral therapy assists in coping with conflicting feelings and behaviors. Psychotherapy, pelvic floor physical therapy, and couples therapy are also among the options.
To Conclude
Knowing the causes of female sexual dysfunction makes you aware of the possible early warning signs. Also, treatment options for female arousal disorder will provide you with multiple approaches to cope with sexual disorders. So, you can look out for medications to treat FSD as well.