Female Sexual Arousal Disorder
Female Sexual Arousal Disorder is described as an inability to achieve and progress through the stages of "normal" female arousal (and therefore achieve adequate lubrication). Often, swelling of the external genitalia and vaginal lubrication are generally absent. It is not unusual for the woman with female sexual arousal disorder to have almost no sense of sexual arousal. Often, these women experience pain with intercourse and avoid sexual contact with their partner.
Female Sexual Arousal Disorder may be associated with specific settings, situations and relationships or generally present in all sexual settings. It may be due to psychological factors or a combination of psychological and physical factors. It is characterized by inability to attain or maintain adequate physical response to sexual excitement. Female Sexual Arousal Disorder can be created by personal relationship problems, but can also create them. It is considered a disorder when it causes distress or interpersonal conflict, and it must be differentiated from other psychological problems for which it may be simply a symptom rather than the primary problem.
The exact causes of female sexual arousal disorder are not known. It has been associated with illness, a lack of the hormone estrogen, and side effects from medications. Possible psychological explanations include guilt, hostility, and anxiety. If you are experiencing problems with arousal, it is important to visit your physician so that he/she can rule out possible physical causes of the problem.
Other disorders related to problematic sexual functioning include:
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Sexual aversion disorder: Characterized by an aversion to or avoidance or dismissal of sexual prompts or sexual contact. It may be acquired following sexual or physical abuse or trauma and may be life-long.
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Hypoactive sexual desire disorder: Characterized by an absence of libido. There is no interest in initiating sex and little desire to seek stimulation.
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Female orgasmic disorder: The delay or absence of orgasm after "normal" arousal.
