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Sexuality is a complex process, coordinated by the neurologic, vascular and endocrine systems.1 Individually, sexuality incorporates family, societal and religious beliefs, and is altered with aging, health status and personal experience. In addition, sexual activity incorporates interpersonal relationships, each partner bringing unique attitudes, needs and responses into the coupling. A breakdown in any of these areas may lead to sexual dysfunction.
Sexual dysfunction includes desire, arousal, orgasmic and sex pain disorders (dyspareunia and vaginismus). The Hattat Hospital team of experts assume a proactive role in the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders. Long-term medical diseases, minor ailments, medications and psychosocial difficulties, including prior physical or sexual abuse, are etiologic factors. Gynecologic maladies and cancers (including breast cancer) are also frequent sources of sexual dysfunction. Patient education and reassurance, with early diagnosis and intervention, are essential for effective treatment.
There are four kinds of sexual problems in women.
- Desire disorders. If you have a desire disorder you may not be interested in having sex. Or, you may have less desire for sex than you used to.
- Arousal disorders. When you don't feel a sexual response in your body or you start to respond but can't keep it up, you might have an arousal disorder.
- Orgasmic disorders. If you can't have an orgasm or you have pain during orgasm, you may have an orgasmic disorder.
- Sex pain disorders. When you have pain during or after sex, you may have a sex pain disorder. In some women, the muscles in the outer part of the vagina tighten when you start to have sex. A man's penis or a vibrator can't get into the tight vagina.
What causes sexual dysfunction?
Medicines, diseases (like diabetes or high blood pressure), alcohol use, or vaginal infections can cause sexual problems.
Depression, an unhappy relationship or abuse (now or in the past) can also cause sexual problems.
You may have less sexual desire during pregnancy, right after childbirth or when you are breast-feeding. After menopause many women feel less sexual desire, have vaginal dryness or have pain during sex.
The stresses of everyday life can affect your ability to have sex. Being tired from a busy job or caring for young children may make you feel less desire to have sex. Or, you may be bored by a long-standing sexual routine.
How do I know if I have a problem?
Up to 70 percent of couples have a problem with sex at some time. Most women sometimes have sex that doesn't feel good. This doesn't mean you have a sexual problem.
If you don't want to have sex or it never feels good, you might have a sexual problem. The best person to decide if you have a sexual problem is you! Discuss your worries with your doctor. Remember that anything you tell your doctor is private.
What can I do?
There are many treatment options in terms of the reason and type of the disorder.
The most important thing is to learn more about your body and how it works. Ask your doctor about how medicines, illnesses, surgery, age, pregnancy or menopause can affect sex. Talk with your partner about what each of you like and dislike, or what you might want to try. Ask for your partner's help. Remember that your partner may not want to do some things you want to try. Or, you may not want to try what your partner wants. You should respect each other's comforts and discomforts. This helps you and your partner have a good sexual relationship. If you can't talk to your partner, your doctor or a counselor may be able to help you.
If you feel like a partner is abusing you, you should tell your doctor.
How can Hattat Hospital help?
Talk to your doctor about your sexual health. Explain your problems openly and honestly. Our team of experts will give you the appropriate treatment protocol.
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