Unleash Your Passion: Holistic Solutions for Women's Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction is a prevalent issue that affects all people, but we typically think of it as an issue that only happens to men. Women often blame themselves for “not being in the mood” and brush aside their arousal and needs as unimportant or being of an immature concern.
We place a lot of emphasis on our hormones as women; the internet is replete with articles around balance to deal with conditions like PCOS, acne, endometriosis, perimenopause and menopause, PMT, PMDD and the like. But often the talking about female sexual pleasure in non-pornographic terms (e.g., outside of the lens of men’s gratification) is often overlooked.
Most women haven’t even heard of these particular terms Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD), which can consist of Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) which is a recurrent absence of sexual fantasies or thoughts. Most women think female sexual arousal disorders (FASD), the inability to attain, or maintain until orgasm, sexual activity, is just the natural state of “men not knowing what they’re doing.” (And though I concede to taking a kind of guilty pleasure in enjoying these memes and jokes to the extent that they are good natured and non-offensive in terms of language and tone), there could be an underlying issue of sexual dysfunction if this is something experienced persistently, and causes distress and confusion.
Understanding Women's Sexual Dysfunction
FSD affects 55% of women, and there are no endorsed pharmacological treatment options. This is roughly commensurate with men, as 50-70% of men under the age of 40 will experience some form of erectile dysfunction. Unlike men, the vast majority of women don’t report sexual dysfunction within themselves, and there is very little research on the causes and treatment options for women.
Symptoms of FSD are:
Pain or discomfort during intercourse
Diminished vaginal lubrication
Low libido
Decreased sense of arousal
Difficulty achieving orgasm
And despite the physical symptoms, treatment is almost wholly psychological. This isn’t uncommon for the majority of conditions that predominately affect women. But similar to erectile dysfunction in men, it’s not purely a psychological problem, or a physical problem. It’s a combination of numerous factors that need to be addressed at their core, to bring harmony and pleasure back into the lives of women.
The Physical and Emotional Nature of Sex
To understand FSD, we need to first understand how our sexual organs interpret and respond in the presence of arousal. The primary components that are involved in sexual pleasure include the clitoris and vagina.
Physical
Clitoris:
The clitoris is a highly sensitive organ located at the top of the vulva, just above the vaginal opening. Occasionally men forget this area during missionary sex, losing a key area of stimulus to aid in completion.
The clitoris contains thousands of nerve endings, making it incredibly sensitive to touch and pressure. It’s not a particularly short organ (about 2-3 inches) as much of it is internal, but it isn’t very wide. The external aspect is about 3/4 - 1 inch in diameter, compared to the penis which is about 4.8 inches in diameter.
The clitoris is made up of smooth muscle as in the male penis, which means that it’s involuntary. It requires the “rest and digest” function to become “erect” and have heightened stimulation.
Sometimes men forget the clitoris is the epicentre of pleasure for a woman. It’s good information to be aware of, as stimulation of the clitoris typically, and consistently, leads to sexual arousal and orgasm.
To complicate the mechanism of pleasure within women, the clitoris is not the sole area of concern - it’s connected to a complex web of nerve endings, with multiple functions within the pelvic cavity. These delicate nerve endings can be damaged from prolonged sitting, repetitive hip flexion, direct trauma, radiation therapy, childbirth injuries, and chronic constipation.
Vagina:
The vagina is a muscular, tubular structure extending from the vulva to the cervix.
While the vagina itself is not as densely packed with nerve endings as the clitoris, it too can become engorged with blood during sexual arousal to make it more sensitive.
The vagina is an involuntary smooth muscle as well, and often reacts via “reflex.” Sometimes, the vagina can contract involuntarily when anything is inserted, a condition called “vaginismus.” Where the reflex isn’t so pronounced, the stimulation of the vaginal walls can be pleasurable.
The “G-spot,” though widely reported in the media as this ultra erogenous zone 1-2 inches into the front wall of the vagina, in reality, may be a myth. Though as many as 62.9% of women claim to have this area in clinical research studies, there are many studies where no woman identified the existence of this area at all.
Emotional
The mechanism for female sexual arousal is more complex than in men. Research suggests that the critical sex difference is that women prefer “mood type,” such as emotional connection, sexual arousal to “physical” or direct touch sexual arousal. The reasons for this is not completely understood, but, its thought that this difference is primarily seen in the onset of sex, or the “getting in the mood” stage.
Failure to reach the appropriate mood before physical stimulation has been seen to impact on a woman’s ability to reach arousal, as sexual motivation plays a critical role in entering, sustaining and completing sexual activity, where it plays less of a role in men.
Causes of Women’s Sexual Dysfunction
The causes of FSD are multifaceted, and can be divided into psychological and physical causes:
Psychological
Arousal issues: Women sometimes have difficulty with becoming aroused, which could be due to an uncertainty of what is required for arousal, previous trauma, or relationship issues. Relationship issues like lack of intimacy and partner frustration would make it difficult for mood-type engagement in sex.
Stress: High levels of stress can lead to reduced sexual desire and arousal, as it will prevent blood flow and arousal.
Abuse and assault: Past traumatic experiences, including childhood sexual abuse, rape and physical abuse from partners can severely affect female desire.
Body Image Issues: As sex has a strong mood component, partners that make you feel bad about yourself, or media representations, can lead to emotional blocks around sexual stimulation. Women can feel “not pretty enough” to deserve pleasure and satisfaction.
Porn consumption and addiction: Though largely discussed with men, studies have also found that in women, regular porn consumption leads to problems with arousal, sexual performance, the ability to reach orgasm and decreased sexual satisfaction. Porn can also desensitise women to violence, increasing the aggression of sexual encounters, but decreasing the ability to reach orgasm.
Physical
Reduced Blood Flow: Reduced blood flow and sensitivity in the clitoris and vaginal area can result in low sexual desire. This can be caused by poor nutrition, sedentary jobs, trauma, medical treatments and other causes.
Pain: Conditions like vaginismus or dyspareunia can cause pain during penetration, making it difficult to enjoy sexual activity.
Medications and PSSD: Medications can have sexual side effects, such as antidepressants, birth control, HRT, beta blockers, diuretics, and anti-anxiety medications can all lead to reduced libido and desire. Some medications have physical side effects, like reduced lubrication of the vaginal wall, leading to pain and spasm. Additionally, following completion of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s), common antidepressants, patients report sexual dysfunction, termed, Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction.
Medical Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease can affect blood flow and nerve function, contributing to sexual dysfunction.
Menopause: The decrease in estrogen /oestrogen levels during menopause can lead to vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex.
Postpartum Changes: Hormonal fluctuations after childbirth can affect libido and sexual response.
Fatigue: Exhaustion caused by pre-existing conditions, autoimmune disorders, Fibromyalgia, CFS and others is a common cause of decreased sexual desire and energy.
Natural Treatment Options
The positives about women’s sexual dysfunction, is that the strong emotional component means holistic treatment is possible, and highly effective.
Communication and Counseling:
Open communication with a loving and sensitive partner about desires, needs, and concerns can improve intimacy and emotional connection.
Seeking therapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or sex therapy, can help address underlying psychological issues.
Lifestyle Changes:
Stress Reduction: Practicing stress-reduction techniques like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness can enhance overall well-being and sexual function.
Regular Exercise: Engaging in physical activity improves blood flow and mood, positively impacting sexual health.
Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, protein and healthy fats supports overall health, and can combat body-issues and fatigue. A healthy diet also provides valuable nutrients and minerals that support your vasculature and nervous system.
Herbal Supplements:
Some herbal supplements like ginseng, yam root, maca root, and tribulus terrestris have been associated with increased libido and sexual function.
Always consult a complementary professional before using herbal supplements to ensure effectiveness.
Pelvic Floor Exercises:
Female kegel exercises can strengthen pelvic floor muscles, potentially improving sexual function and reducing pain during intercourse.
Vaginal Moisturizers and Lubricants:
For women experiencing vaginal dryness, over-the-counter moisturizers and lubricants can alleviate discomfort during sex. However, you can also look toward more organic / natural options in oils and creams that don’t have the added chemicals.
Conclusion
Treatment for sexual dysfunction in women often involves a comprehensive approach, which may include counselling, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Understanding the anatomy and how these structures work can be an essential first step in addressing and overcoming sexual difficulties.
Women's sexual dysfunction is a complex issue with various causes, but it's essential to remember that help is available. Natural treatments, combined with professional guidance and open communication can significantly improve sexual function and overall quality of life. Also, making certain that you are having encounters that align with your emotional and spiritual values is essential. It is it critical that you understand who you really are, and not what modern society expects you to be. You should not be ashamed to express your desire for the kind of intimacy that makes you feel safe and cherished. If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual dysfunction, don't hesitate to seek support, and explore these natural approaches to regain sexual well-being and satisfaction.
