When sexual pleasure becomes painful, it is known as female sexual arousal disorder. This affects the wellness and wellbeing of thousands of women every year. Female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) is defined as the recurrent or persistent inability to enjoy sexual activity and a lack of lubrication and swelling response to sexual excitement.
This condition is both a physical one, which may come alongside other physical issues associated with sexual dysfunction, and a psychological issue. There are a few different types of FSAD.
Genital sexual arousal disorder is when the genitals fail to become aroused, even although other areas of the body may be aroused and the sufferer may be mentally aroused.
Subjective arousal disorder occurs when there are diminished feelings of sexual arousal, even when sexual stimuli is present.
Combined genital and subjective arousal disorder is when both of the above conditions occur at the same time – feelings of sexual arousal and a physical response to sexual stimuli are both absent at the same time. It can be present on its own or at the same time as other sexual or physical disorders.
The causes of female sexual arousal disorder are varied and it can have many different causes. It may be due to problems with the bladder or bowel, as a result of arthritis or following on from previous surgery on the pelvis. Sometimes it occurs alongside neurological problems, fatigue or headaches. Irregular hormone levels can be to blame in some cases, as can untreated depression or anxiety, or even severe stress.
In some cases the cause is far more subtle, as it can be something like a negative body image or a problem with self esteem that causes the woman to fail to feel aroused. Others are responding to religious or cultural issues surrounding sex, and in this case counselling may be the most appropriate treatment.
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