“Female sexual dysfunction,” or “FSD,” represents several specific types of sexual problems that cause persistent or recurrent distress or interpersonal difficulty and are not better accounted for by another disorder, the direct physiological effects of a substance (including medications), or a general medical or psychiatric condition.
In simpler terms, FSD includes a variety of conditions that can affect a woman’s health and cause her distress, including:
- Sexual Desire Disorders, including Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) and Sexual Aversion Disorder
- Female Sexual Arousal Disorder
- Female Orgasmic Disorder
- Sexual Pain Disorders, including dyspareunia and vaginismus
What does this mean for you? If you’re experiencing an issue with desire, arousal, orgasm or pain during intercourse, and are bothered by the issue, consider speaking with your health care provider. He or she can help determine if you may be experiencing a form of FSD.
If you do experience a sexual problem, you’re not alone. Researchers have found that approximately 40 percent of women ages 18-59 experience some form of sexual problem. Low sexual desire is the most commonly reported female sexual complaint. In addition to strained relationships with partners, decreased sexual desire is associated with other negative effects, including poor self image and mood instability. Approximately one in 10 women report low sexual desire with associated distress, which may be HSDD. HSDD is the persistent or recurrent decrease or lack of sexual desire that causes distress for the woman, may put a strain on relationships with partners, and is not due to the effects of a substance, including medications, or another medical condition.
While researchers are still studying the exact causes of FSD, a number of contributing factors have been identified, reflecting a complex interaction of physical, psychological, emotional and relational components. Although the causes are often multifaceted, health care professionals are able to assess and diagnose FSD in patients by using several scientifically-accepted tools. So, if you are concerned that you may be experiencing a form of FSD, don’t hesitate to speak with your health care provider.
