Female
Sexual Arousal Disorder is described as the inability of a woman to
complete sexual activity with adequate lubrication. Swelling of the
external genitalia and vaginal lubrication are generally absent. These
symptoms must cause problems in the interpersonal relationship to
be considered a disorder. It is not unusual for the woman with female
sexual arousal disorder to have almost no sense of sexual arousal.
Often, these women experience pain with intercourse and avoid sexual
contact with their partner.
Chronically or recurrently, the patient cannot lubricate enough to
complete the sexual activity.
Except for another Sexual Dysfunction.
It is not directly caused by substance use (medication or drug of
abuse) or by a general medical condition.
It causes marked distress or interpersonal problems.
Associated
Features:
Personal relationship
problems.
Differential
Diagnosis:
Some disorders have similar or even the same symptoms. The clinician,
therefore, in his/her diagnostic attempt has to differentiate against
the following disorders which need to be ruled out to establish a
precise diagnosis.
Inadequate
Genital Stimulation.
Drug Abuse.
Cause:
Sexual Desire
Disorders may be associated with specific settings, situations and
relationships or generally present in all sexual settings. It may
be due to psychological factors or a combination of psychological
and physical factors. It is characterized by inability to attain or
maintain adequate physical response to sexual excitement. It is considered
a disorder when it causes distress or interpersonal conflict, and
it must be differentiated from other psychological problems for which
it may be simply a symptom rather than the primary problem.
Contrary to popular
belief, a lack of lubrication is not always caused from a failure
to be aroused. The exact causes of female sexual arousal disorder
are not known. It has been associated with illness, a lack of the
hormone estrogen, and side effects from medications. Possible psychological
explanations include guilt, hostility, and anxiety.
Treatment:
Relaxation techniques
and various creams and jellys are suitable lubricants and may help
to alleviate the discomfort.
The psychological
portion of treatment is directed at teaching how to focus on pleasurable
thoughts and feelings about sex.
Medical &
Other
It is recommended
that the sufferer discuss this matter with her gynecologist.
