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Sexual Problems in Women
Summary
There are many problems that can keep a woman from enjoying sex. They include:
- Lack of sexual desire
- Inability to become aroused
- Lack of orgasm, or sexual climax
- Painful intercourse
These problems may have physical or psychological causes. Physical causes may include conditions like diabetes, heart disease, nerve disorders, or hormone problems. Some drugs can also affect desire and function. Psychological causes may include work-related stress and anxiety. They may also include depression or concerns about marriage or relationship problems. For some women, the problem results from past sexual trauma.
Occasional problems with sexual function are common. If problems last more than a few months or cause distress for you or your partner, you should see your health care provider.
Specifics
- Anorgasmia in Women Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Chronic Pelvic Pain in Women Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Dyspareunia: Painful Sex for Women American Academy of Family Physicians
- Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health
- Low Sex Drive in Women Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Orgasmic Disorder in Women Merck & Co., Inc.
- Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia) Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Pelvic Pain Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Patient Handouts
- Cancer treatment: fertility and sexual side effects in women Medical Encyclopedia
- Orgasmic dysfunction Medical Encyclopedia
- Vaginal dryness Medical Encyclopedia
- Vaginismus Medical Encyclopedia
- Women and sexual problems Medical Encyclopedia
Clinical Trials
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Dyspareunia National Institutes of Health
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Female Sexual Dysfunction National Institutes of Health
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Vaginismus National Institutes of Health
Find an Expert
- Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health
- Find an Ob-Gyn American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Reference Desk
- Female Reproductive System Nemours Foundation
Start Here
- Female Sexual Dysfunction Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Your Sexual Health American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Related Issues
- Managing Female Sexual Problems Related to Cancer American Cancer Society
- Vaginal Atrophy Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Viagra for Women: Why Doesn’t It Exist? Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Women’s Sexual Health: Talking about Your Sexual Needs Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
Journal Articles
Living With
- Self-Help Tips for Vulvar Skin Care National Vulvodynia Association
Videos and Tutorials
- Sexual Problems American Society for Reproductive Medicine