There is a ton of attention on erectile dysfunction and problems men experience with sex. In most men’s erectile advertisements, the woman is willing and waiting, while the man is having issues.
But what about when the situation is reversed?
You don’t see ads with willing men and women who are in pain or can’t get aroused.
The reality is that when it comes to sexual dysfunction for women, there is a lot less talk.
Most women keep their problems to themselves and don’t even share with their husbands.
How Many Women Experience Sexual Dysfunction?
Forty percent of women over the age of 50 will have some form of sexual dysfunction. Yet they often keep the issue private, as they believe it to be a ‘failing’ as a woman.
Due to the condition, some women will begin to develop a fear of not being able to perform sexually and can tense up in romantic or intimate situations. This only leads to confusion and lack of intimacy with their partner, which heightens the problem.
What are the Common Causes of Painful Sex for Women?
Sexual needs and sexual activity can change with age and significant life events. Pregnancy, childbirth, child rearing, and menopause all cause changes to a woman’s body and body image.
For women who experience pain during sex, it could be sometimes be caused by an infection (thrush, a urinary tract infection, an STI or similar).
Sometimes it can also be caused by a skin condition, including allergies to things like latex, a cyst, or even a small cut at the opening of the vagina.
If the pain is felt deeper, it could be a sign of endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, IBS, or any number of other causes.
If a woman experiences one of these physical causes, it may develop into a psychological state as well. Once a woman associates sex with pain, it can difficult to break the pattern, even if the physical pain stops.
The Benefits of an Improved Sex Drive for Women
If a woman’s sex drive is improved, it will likely enhance the male partner’s quality of erections and vice versa. Once a woman can overcome her challenges with painful intercourse or sexual dysfunction, it has many positive effects.
The benefits of an improved sex life can include:
- Decreased stress
- Greater intimacy
- Increased sense of confidence
- Improved Immune System function
- Better sleep patterns
Why You Should Talk With Your Doctor
Even though sexual dysfunction is highly sensitive, don’t feel embarrassed about bringing the problem to your doctor’s attention.
Remember that doctors view sexual dysfunction, much like any other medical condition and will do their best to help you.
You can start the conversation by saying, “Doctor, I am concerned. Intercourse is painful for me’ or ‘I don’t experience the same kind of sensations during intercourse as I once did.’
This should be enough to get a discussion started about an evaluation. In some situations, it may make more sense to visit a specialist doctor who can offer treatment.
Women’s Pelvic Specialty Care is a specialist clinic based in Montgomery, Alabama. Dr. Ryan McWhorter specializes in helping women and couples to overcome issues with pain during sex, and sexual arousal disorder. Contact us today to see how we can help you.
