What Causes Sexual Dysfunction?
There can be both physical and emotional causes for sexual dysfunction. Often it's a combination of the two. A physical examination and confidential conversation with the physician can help identify the reasons. The doctor can then discuss appropriate treatment with you.

Feelings are powerful - Emotional problems related to sex can come from low self esteem, poor body image, depression and a relationship that is unhappy. Perhaps you're no longer attracted to your partner or you have unexpressed feelings of anger or resentment toward your partner. Your religious or family beliefs may also affect your feelings about sexuality. Past or present abuse - physical, sexual or emotional - can make you apprehensive about sex.

Stress, anxiety and fatigue are also factors in sexual problems. Women today often juggle roles as a mother, wife, career person, community or church volunteer, friend and perhaps daughter of elderly parents. It can be hard to relax and think of sex when you're tired or tense from the day. Rest or relaxation techniques, such as meditation, massage or soaking in a warm bath may help.

Many physical causes - Many medical illnesses can affect your sex life. These include cancer, a hysterectomy and chronic illnesses like diabetes, arthritis, cardiovascular and heart disease. So can problems with urinary incontinence, frequent urinary tract infections, and vaginal infections. Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications, cigarette smoking, and alcohol and substance abuse also play a role in sexual dysfunction.

Hormones play a major role in sexuality. Women in perimenopause or menopause may find their desire for sex is diminished or that sex is uncomfortable. During this time, when the body begins to produce less estrogen, changes take place that can lead to vaginal dryness from less lubrication, the thinning of vaginal walls, which makes the vagina less elastic and problems with urinary control.

Pregnancy and the postpartum period, especially if you are breastfeeding, are often a time of decreased interest in sex.

There is also the potential for any traumatic injury, such as pelvic fractures from an accident, or surgery, including a hysterectomy or cesarean section, to disrupt nerves and blood vessels and diminish blood flow in the genital area.

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