women s health issues
Overview of Sexual Function and Dysfunction in Women
Diagnosis
Interview with the woman and, sometimes, her partner Pelvic examination A sexual dysfunction disorder is typically diagnosed when symptoms have been present for at least 6 months and cause significant distress. Some women may not be distressed or bothered by decreased or absent sexual desire, interest, arousal, or orgasm. In such cases, a disorder is not diagnosed. Female sexual dysfunction can be characterized by at least one of the following: Pain during sexual activities Loss of sexual desire Impaired arousal Inability to achieve orgasm Diagnosis of sexual dysfunction disorders involves detailed questioning of the woman and, sometimes, her partner. Doctors first ask the woman to describe the problem in her own words. Then doctors ask about the following: Symptoms Other disorders Gynecologic and obstetric procedures done Injuries to the pelvic area Sexual trauma Illicit drug use Relationship with her partner Sexual function problems in her partner Mood Self-esteem Childhood relationships Past sexual experiences Personality traits (such as her ability to trust, tendency to be anxious, and need to feel in control) Doctors do a pelvic examination to look for abnormalities in the external and internal genital organs, including the vulva, vagina, and cervix. Doctors can often identify where pain is coming from. Some women with sexual pain or a history of sexual trauma find it difficult to have a pelvic examination. This can be discussed with the doctor before the examination. Some strategies for making a pelvic examination more tolerable are as follows: A woman and her doctor can discuss the examination before it begins and agree on how to communicate during the examination. A woman can hold a mirror to be able to see what the doctor sees during the examination and allow the doctor to show her any issues that are detected. A woman can place her hand on the doctor’s hand to have a greater sense of control during the examination. However, if doctors suspect a sexually transmitted infection or another infection (such as a Vaginal Yeast Infection (Candidiasis) or 