What is sexual dysfunction?

When you have problems with sex, doctors call it "sexual dysfunction." Both men and women can have it. There are 4 kinds of sexual problems in women.

    * Desire disorders ­- When you are not interested in having sex or have less desire for sex than you used to.
    * Arousal disorders ­- When you don't feel a sexual response in your body or you cannot stay sexually aroused.
    * Orgasmic disorders ­- When you can't have an orgasm or you have pain during orgasm.
    * Sexual pain disorders ­- When you have pain during or after sex.

 

What causes sexual dysfunction?
Many things can cause problems in your sex life. Certain medicines (such as oral contraceptives and chemotherapy drugs), diseases (such as diabetes or high blood pressure), excessive alcohol use or vaginal infections can cause sexual problems. Depression, relationship problems or abuse (current or past abuse) can also cause sexual dysfunction.

You may have less sexual desire during pregnancy, right after childbirth or when you are breastfeeding. After menopause many women feel less sexual desire, have vaginal dryness or have pain during sex due to a decrease in estrogen (a hormone in the body).