The Basics
Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate � �
What are some types of sex problems that women might have? " � Sex problems that women might have include: � �
- Having pain during sex
- Not becoming aroused or "excited " � 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. � �
What causes sex problems? " � 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. � �
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.) � �
Certain conditions can also lead to sex problems. These include: � �
- 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. � �
Is there anything I can do on my own to improve my sex problem? " � Yes. If you are having relationship problems, you can try to improve your relationship with your partner. For example, you can: � �
- Talk to your partner about how to make sex better
- Make an effort to have more fun together by having a regular "date night " �
- 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. � �
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. � �
Should I see a doctor or nurse? " � 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. � �
How are sex problems treated? " � Sex problems can be treated in different ways. These include: � �
- 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. � �
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. � �
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 15498 Version 3.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.206 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
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