About this topic
Sex problems are common in both women and men. Some women have problems with: ‚
- Sex drive or wish to have sex. Sex drive is your libido.
- Getting excited or able to react to sex stimulation. Difficulty in becoming excited for sex is a problem with arousal.
- Not able to have feelings of deep sexual pleasure or orgasms
- Pain during sex
Many things may lead to problems with sex. Some examples are: ‚
- Changes in hormones
- Stress
- Relationship problems
- Health problems
- Sex trauma
- Alcohol, smoking, or drugs
Sometimes, no cause can be found. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what you need to do.
- Try to fix conflicts and problems in your relationship. Tension can change your ability to orgasm.
- Try to be open and talk with your partner about your sex needs and desires.
- Keep your body and mind healthy.
- Have a healthy outlook towards sex. Learn about what you like and react to during sex.
- Try using sex toys. Using a vibrator may help cause an orgasm during sex.
- Do more stimulation during sex. Try other sex positions to help cause an orgasm.
- Use oil or lubricants to raise sensation during sex. Lubricants can also help with vaginal dryness and pain during sex. Be sure to ask your doctor before trying natural therapies.
- Consider talking with a counselor or seeing a therapist who works with sex problems.
- See a physical therapist who works with pelvic floor therapy.
- Treatments and exercises can relax tight muscles. The tight muscles may be the cause of problems or pain. You can also learn to build up weak muscles if you have urine leaking. Having a problem with urine leaking may change your desire and sex activity.
- Get care for all of your health problems. Health problems can change your desire and ability to enjoy sex.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep your visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs or creams to help with: ‚
- Hormone levels
- Vaginal dryness
- Pain and swelling
- Arousal
Some drugs for other illnesses can cause sexual function problems. Talk to your doctor about your problems to see if there are other drugs to try that do not have these effects. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
Your physical activity should not be limited. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Ongoing sex problems
- Less intimacy with partner
- Relationship stress with partner
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Itching, pain, or discharge from the vaginal area
- Low mood
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Helpful tips
To help raise desire: ‚
- Focus on being intimate rather than on just having sex.
- Make time for sexual activity. Be sure to have no distractions.
- Learn more about sex.
To help raise arousal: ‚
- Get lots of sleep.
- Spend more time on foreplay.
- Consider using erotic books or videos.
- Try masturbation to find out what excites you.
- Try to fantasize or role play.
- Use candles and soft music to set a romantic mood.
To help with orgasm: ‚
- Spend more time on sexual stimulation.
To help lessen pain: ‚
- Go to the bathroom before having sex.
- Take a warm bath to relax.
- Have your partner give you a massage to relax.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help to raise desire, arousal, or orgasm.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have itching, pain, or vaginal discharge.
Where can I learn more?
American College of Gynecologists ‚
http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq072.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20120820T2052470314 ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Goodsex/Pages/Femalesexualdysfunction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚