Sex Problems in Women

The Basics

Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate пїЅ пїЅ

What are some types of sex problems that women might have? " пїЅ Sex problems that women might have include: пїЅ пїЅ

Having pain during sex
Not becoming aroused or "excited " пїЅ during sex
Not having an orgasm during sex
Not wanting to have sex

Some women have problems with sex throughout their adult life. Other women develop problems later in life. пїЅ пїЅ

What causes sex problems? " пїЅ Sex problems can be caused by many things. For instance, a woman might have sex problems if she has problems with her partner or in her relationship. пїЅ пїЅ

Sex problems can also be linked to medical events in a womans life. For instance, sex can be painful for a woman in the weeks or months after she gives birth. And some women lose interest in sex or have pain with sex as they get older or after they go through menopause. (Menopause is the time in a woman's life when she stops having monthly periods.) пїЅ пїЅ

Certain conditions can also lead to sex problems. These include: пїЅ пїЅ

Dryness or pain in the vagina
Pain in the lower belly, such as from an infection, past surgery, or a condition called endometriosis (women with this condition often also have painful periods)
Changes in the muscles near and around the vagina
Mood problems, such as depression
Medical problems, such as cancer or heart problems

Sex problems can also be a side effect of certain medicines. For example, medicines to treat depression or heart disease sometimes cause sex problems. пїЅ пїЅ

Is there anything I can do on my own to improve my sex problem? " пїЅ Yes. If you are having relationship problems, you can try to improve your relationship with your partner. For example, you can: пїЅ пїЅ

Talk to your partner about how to make sex better
Make an effort to have more fun together by having a regular "date night " пїЅ
Read books or websites about sex
Go to counseling

Women with pain or dryness during sex often feel better if they use vaginal lubricants. These are sold without a prescription. Lubricants are used during sex. Examples include K-Y Jelly and Astroglide. If using a lubricant is not enough, a woman can also use a vaginal moisturizer. Vaginal moisturizers are used 2 to 3 times a week, but not necessarily during sex. Examples include Replens and K-Y SILK-E. пїЅ пїЅ

It is also important to stay as healthy as possible and get treated for any medical problems you have. Women who feel healthy and happy are more likely to be happy with their sex life. пїЅ пїЅ

Should I see a doctor or nurse? " пїЅ If you don't know why you are having sex problems, your doctor or nurse can help you figure it out. He or she will talk with you and do an exam. пїЅ пїЅ

How are sex problems treated? " пїЅ Sex problems can be treated in different ways. These include: пїЅ пїЅ

Using vaginal lubricants and moisturizers or a prescription cream (usually estrogen) to treat vaginal dryness
Getting treatment for mood problems, if you have mood problems
Working with your doctor to change any medicines you take that might be causing sex problems
Having physical therapy to loosen the muscles around your vagina so that you do not have pain during sex

In addition, some women who have gone through menopause are helped by taking hormone medicines. пїЅ пїЅ

Some treatments are not recommended by doctors. For example, doctors do not usually recommend that women take the medicines that men take for sex problems. Also, most doctors do not recommend that women use herbal treatments to improve sex. пїЅ пїЅ

All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. пїЅ пїЅ

This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. пїЅ пїЅ

Topic 15498 Version 3.0 пїЅ пїЅ

Release: 22.8 - C22.206 пїЅ пїЅ

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.The use of UpToDate content is governed by the UpToDate Terms of Use. пїЅ пїЅ2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. пїЅ пїЅ

Sex Problems in Women

The Basics

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

Copyright