Women’s Sexual Dysfunction
Understanding and Support
As an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, I am dedicated to understanding and supporting women in their journey to overcome sexual intimacy challenges. It’s crucial to recognize that you are not alone in this. Many women in the United States and Europe, just like you, grapple with sexual issues that can lead to anxiety and stress in their relationships. These common concerns, including a lack of interest in sex, intimacy issues, pain during intercourse, difficulties with orgasm, challenges with arousal, and overall dissatisfaction with sexual experiences, are more prevalent than you might think. Factors such as career stress, medical conditions, fatigue, body image issues, caretaking responsibilities, self-esteem, mental health challenges, and relationship quality can all impact a woman’s sexual well-being.
Are You Struggling With:
- Anxiety and stress related to sexual intimacy?
- Low sexual pleasure and satisfaction?
- Pain during intercourse?
- Discrepancies in sexual desire with your partner?
- Difficulty with physical or sexual arousal?
- Challenges in achieving orgasm?
Women often experience temporary changes in sexuality due to pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and postpartum depression. The demands of balancing life, work, and raising children can also contribute to reduced sexual desire. Mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, and the side effects of psychiatric medications can impact arousal and intimacy. Menopause introduces hormonal changes that affect sexual function, lubrication, and body image, potentially causing distress in relationships.
Common Symptoms of Women’s Sexual Dysfunction:
- Low sexual desire
- Difficulty with arousal or maintaining arousal
- Challenges in achieving orgasm
- Dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
Physical Factors:
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy, Birth, Breastfeeding
- Cardiovascular Heart Disease
- Bladder Problems
- Psychiatric Medications (e.g., antidepressants, blood pressure medications, antihistamines, chemotherapy)
- Menopause
- Low Estrogen
Psychological and Social Factors:
- Anxiety and Depression
- Sexual Abuse & Trauma
- Adjustment to Pregnancy and New Motherhood
- Relationship Conflicts
- Cultural and Religious Beliefs
- Body Image Issues
What Causes Women’s Sexual Dysfunction?
Female sexual dysfunction can result from a mix of physical, psychological, and medical factors, including hormonal imbalances or medication side effects. Psychological factors such as trauma, PTSD, cultural beliefs, and body image issues play a significant role. Relationship quality also affects sexuality, with issues like interpersonal conflict and emotional disconnection impacting sexual satisfaction.
Types of Women’s Sexual Dysfunction:
- Anorgasmia Disorder: Inability to achieve orgasm
- Dyspareunia: Painful sexual intercourse
- Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: Low sexual desire
- Sexual Arousal Disorder: Difficulty becoming aroused
How Can Sex Therapy Help?
Sex therapy, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a gold standard, offers a comprehensive approach to addressing sexual dysfunction. In therapy, I provide an inclusive, compassionate, and non-judgmental space, offering precise psychoeducation about female sexuality. I actively listen to your needs, beliefs, values, and relationship goals. We will create an individualized treatment plan and collaborate with primary care physicians, gynecologists, and physical therapists specializing in women’s pelvic health. Together, we will address difficult emotions, thoughts, and behaviors that hinder your sexual healing and work to correct cognitive distortions and improve body awareness. This comprehensive approach is designed to give you hope and reassurance that your sexual well-being can improve.
Our journey towards your sexual healing will be a collaborative one. We will create an individualized treatment plan and collaborate with primary care physicians, gynecologists, and physical therapists specializing in women’s pelvic health. This collaborative approach is designed to make you feel supported and cared for, knowing that a team of professionals is dedicated to your well-being. We will address difficult emotions, thoughts, and behaviors that hinder your sexual healing and work to correct cognitive distortions and improve body awareness.
Mindfulness and meditation can be powerful tools for increasing relaxation and reducing anxiety related to sexual intimacy. By focusing on the present moment, you can overcome fears and improve your overall sexual experience, which may also impact your relationship with your partner.
