An Overview of Female Impotence

Female impotence is a general term that refers to many sexual dysfunction problems that woman can experience. Female sexual dysfunction is not unusual, and most women will confront some form of it during their lifetime. However, because it is not discussed as often as male sexual impotence, female sexual dysfunction is still clouded by myth and anxiety. If you suspect you suffer from some kind of sexual dysfunction, you are not alone. Here is a brief overview of the most common forms of female sexual dysfunction. The American Psychological Association in two broad categories categorizes female sexual dysfunction: psychological disorders and medical disorders.

Psychological disorders: These are disorders that categorized together because they affect the patient's interpersonal relationships and tend to cause great psychological distress. All of these disorders are marked by a disturbance to the arousal pattern during sex. The sexual response cycle is affected, and women are generally incapable of completing the sex act in manner that is pleasant and satisfying. The most common of these types of disorders is known as hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Hypoactive sexual desire disorder is when a woman does not feel interested in sexual intercourse or sexual relationships. Another condition grouped under the psychological banner is known as sexual aversion disorder. This disorder is characterized by as a complete aversion to sexual behavior and intercourse. The patient may dismiss sexual behavior and may avoid any semblance of sexual contact. In some cases, the patient may develop sexual aversion disorder as a response to a traumatic event, such as rape or sexual abuse. Another disorder grouped under the psychological umbrella is female sexual arousal disorder. This disorder is characterized by the patient's inability to move through the natural arousal stage of sexual intercourse.

Medical disorders describe those sexual dysfunction problems that stem from an underlying medical cause. Vaginismus is a disorder in which the patient's vagina involuntarily contracts when penetration is attempted. The perinea muscles around the vagina force the vagina to close, making penetration difficult or impossible. Another female sexual dysfunction disorder that is grouped under the medical category is known as dyspareunia. Dyspareunia is a condition in which the patient feels moderate to severe pain before, during and after a sexual encounter. Pain during intercourse can also sometimes be the result of not enough lubrication to the vaginal area during the arousal stage. In some cases, pain during intercourse may be indicative of a more serious condition, including cystitis.

It can be difficult to find the cause for female sexual dysfunction disorders. When a medical cause is suspected, the physician must examine several medical factors. Possible causes may include loss of sensitivity related to nerve loss, not enough blood flow to the vagina, reduced levels of certain hormones, diabetes, endocrine disorders, neurological disorders, and any other number of causes. The patient may have to submit to a number of diagnostic tests, including a vaginal photoplethysmography, be tested with a biothesiometer, or submit to vaginal pH testing in order to find the root cause.

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