- Lack of sexual desire -your
desire to have sex is low or absent.
- Inability to become aroused -You
can't maintain arousal during sexual activity, or you don't become aroused
despite a desire to have sex.
- Lack of orgasm, or
sexual climax -You cannot experience an orgasm.
- Painful intercourse-You have
pain during sexual contact.
- Physical.
Physical conditions that may cause or contribute to sexual problems
include arthritis, urinary or bowel difficulties, pelvic surgery, fatigue,
headaches, other pain problems, and neurological disorders such as
multiple sclerosis. Certain medications, including some antidepressants,
blood pressure medications, antihistamines and chemotherapy drugs, can
decrease your sex drive and your body's ability to achieve orgasm.
- Hormonal. Lower oestrogen
levels during the menopausal transition may lead to changes in your
genital tissues and your sexual responsiveness. The folds of skin that
cover your genital region (labia) become thinner, exposing more of the
clitoris. This increased exposure sometimes reduces the sensitivity of the
clitoris, or may cause an unpleasant tingling or prickling sensation.
- Psychological and social.
Untreated anxiety or depression can cause or contribute to sexual
dysfunction, as can long-term stress. The worries of pregnancy and demands
of being a new mother may have similar effects. Longstanding conflicts
with your partner — about sex or any other aspect of your relationship —
can diminish your sexual responsiveness as well. Cultural and religious
issues and problems with your own body image also may contribute.
- Low sexual desire. You
have diminished libido, or lack of sex drive.
- Sexual arousal disorder. Your
desire for sex might be intact, but you have difficulty or are unable to
become aroused or maintain arousal during sexual activity.
- Orgasmic disorder. You
have persistent or recurrent difficulty in achieving orgasm after
sufficient sexual arousal and ongoing stimulation.
- Sexual pain disorder. You
have pain associated with sexual stimulation or vaginal contact.
you can improve your sexual health by enhancing communication with your partner and making healthy lifestyle choices.
- Talk and listen. Some
couples never talk about sex, but open and honest communication with your
partner can make a world of difference in your sexual satisfaction. Even
if you're not used to communicating about your likes and dislikes,
learning to do so and providing feedback in a non threatening manner can
set the stage for greater sexual intimacy.
- Practice healthy lifestyle habits. Avoid
excessive alcohol. Drinking too much will blunt your sexual
responsiveness. Also, stop smoking and start exercising. Cigarette smoking
restricts blood flow throughout your body and less blood reaching your
sexual organs means decreased sexual arousal and orgasmic response.
Regular aerobic exercise can increase your stamina, improve your body
image and elevate your mood, helping you feel more romantic, more often.
Finally, don't forget to make time for leisure and relaxation. Learning to
relax amid the stresses of your daily life can enhance your ability to
focus on the sexual experience and attain better arousal and orgasm.
- Strengthen pelvic muscles. Pelvic
floor exercises can help with some arousal and orgasm problems. Doing Kegel
exercises strengthens the muscles involved in pleasurable sexual
sensations. To perform these exercises, tighten your pelvic muscles as if
you're stopping your stream of urine. Hold for a count of five, relax and
repeat. Do these exercises several times a day.
- Seek
counselling. Talk with a counsellor or
therapist specializing in sexual and relationship problems. Therapy often
includes education about normal sexual response, ways to enhance intimacy
with your partner, and recommendations for reading materials or couples
exercises. With a therapist's help, you may gain a better understanding of
your sexual identity, beliefs and attitudes; relationship factors
including intimacy and attachment; communication and coping styles; and
your overall emotional health.
- Reading books about sexuality
- Touching exercises that are designed
to take away the pressure to perform during sex
- Practicing better sexual
communication skills