By Brianna Vance Fago, AGNP-BC and Nicole Burns, DO
Sexual dysfunction can take many forms — it’s not limited to erectile dysfunction or lack of interest in sex, often referred to as a low libido. It can involve pain during intercourse, an inability to maintain an erection, or difficulty experiencing an orgasm.
Though there are many causes of diminished libido and sexual dysfunction in men and women, there are also many ways to increase libido and rekindle the joy of sex once you identify the problem. Read on for more information!
Sexual Dysfunction in Women
Sexual dysfunction in women is grouped into different disorders: sexual pain, problems with desire, arousal problems, and orgasm difficulty. Changes in hormone levels, medical conditions, and other factors can contribute to low libido and other forms of sexual dysfunction in women.
Specifically, sexual dysfunction in women may be due to:
• Vaginal dryness. This can lead to low libido and problems with arousal and desire, as sex can be painful when the vagina isn’t properly lubricated. Vaginal dryness can result from hormonal changes that occur during and after menopause or while breastfeeding, for example. Psychological issues, like anxiety about sex, can also cause vaginal dryness. Additionally, anticipation of painful intercourse due to vaginal dryness may, in turn, decrease a woman’s desire for sex.
• Low libido. Lack of sexual desire can also be caused by lower levels of the hormone estrogen. Fatigue, depression, and anxiety can also lead to low libido, as can certain medications, including some antidepressants.
• Difficulty achieving orgasm. Orgasm disorders, such as delayed orgasms or inability to have one at all, can affect both men and women. Again, some antidepressant medications can also cause these problems.
• Pain during sex. Pain is sometimes from a known cause, such as vaginal dryness or endometriosis. But sometimes the cause of painful sex is elusive. Known as vulvodynia or vulvar vestibulitis, experts don’t know what’s behind this mysterious type of chronic, painful intercourse.
Sexual Dysfunction in Men
The types of sexual dysfunction men may experience include:
• Erectile dysfunction (ED). ED can be caused by medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, or by anxiety about having sex. Depression, fatigue, and stress can also contribute to erectile dysfunction.
• Ejaculation problems. These include premature ejaculation (ejaculation that occurs too early during intercourse) and the inability to ejaculate at all. Causes include medications, like some antidepressants, anxiety about sex, a history of sexual trauma (such as a partner being unfaithful). Wearing tight underwear or exposure to heat for long periods of time (truck drivers and athletes, among others, are prone to this) can also cause problems.
• Low libido. Psychological issues like stress and depression, as well as anxiety about having sex also can lead to a decreased or no sexual desire. Decreased hormone levels (particularly if testosterone is low), physical illnesses, and medication side effects may also diminish libido in men.
Improving Sexual Health
All couples should be able to enjoy a healthy sex life — an important part of a relationship. If you are experiencing sexual dysfunction, bring up your concerns to your provider. You can often correct your problem easily.
Hormone imbalance testing and HRT
Your hormones play an integral role in your overall health. As a result, there’s a broad range of signs and symptoms that could signal a hormonal imbalance. Your signs or symptoms will depend on which hormones or glands are not working properly. Several of those symptoms affect your sexual health. Hormone imbalance can cause an overall decrease in sex drive and a plethora of other symptoms that affect your libido, like weight gain and fatigue.
Keep in mind also that hormone imbalances don’t only happen to women. Hormone changes are a natural part of aging. Although the more dramatic reproductive hormone plunge occurs in women during menopause, sex hormone changes in men occur also, except they occur more gradually. In men, production of testosterone and other hormones declines over a period of many years and the consequences aren’t necessarily clear. This gradual decline of testosterone levels is called late-onset hypogonadism or age-related low testosterone.
Having your hormone levels tested and talking to your doctor about your options, including the benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is essential.
P-Shot and O-Shot
Many who suffer from decreased sexual pleasure notice significant sexual enhancement from the P-Shot and O-Shot. The P-Shot for men and the O-shot for women are two types of platelet-rich plasma treatments that optimize sexual health and enjoyment. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is known for its rejuvenation effects; the treatment uses your own blood to release growth factors that help stimulate stem cells, collagen production, and ultimately tissue repair.
If you are experiencing sexual dysfunction, talk to a trained professional. At B Lively, our goal is to help our patients feel refreshed, look their best, and be confident that they can live their life to the fullest. Nicole Burns, DO and Brianna Vance Fago, AGNP-BC co-founded B Lively with the sole purpose of bringing their top-of-the-line treatments to the Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch areas of Florida. They have combined 15 years of medical practice experience in the fields of regenerative medicine, aesthetic medicine, hormone replacement therapy, and weight-loss.
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