Living with low sexual desire can cause significant stress in your relationship and diminish your confidence level, but the causes are almost always treatable. At Plano Urogynecology Associates, Dr. J. Kyle Mathews offers his patients a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan in a comfortable, private setting.
You may feel uncomfortable discussing your concerns. Dr. Mathews addresses commonly asked questions about low sexual desire here on the Plano Urogynecology site, and encourages women to seek help and treatment.
How Do I Know If I Have Low Sexual Desire?
Low sexual desire, or female sexual dysfunction, is the persistent lack of interest in sex that causes you distress. You have low sexual desire (or female sexual dysfunction) if you’re experiencing one or more of the following symptoms:
- Low sexual desire or no sexual desire
- Difficulty maintaining arousal during sexual activity
- The inability to become aroused despite a desire to have sex
- Inability to achieve orgasm
- Pain during sexual contact
Why Am I Experiencing Low Sexual Desire?
The fact is, women can experience low sexual desire at any age, but sexual problems are most common when hormones are in flux — for example, when you’ve just had a baby or when you’re making the transition into menopause. Sexual concerns may also coincide with major illnesses or chronic conditions such as cancer.
The causes of low sexual desire can be attributed to:
Physical Factors Some physical conditions that may cause or contribute to low sexual desire 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 also decrease your sex drive and your body’s ability to achieve orgasm.
Hormonal Factors Lower estrogen levels during the menopausal transition may lead to changes in your genital tissues and your sexual responsiveness. These factors can lead to painful intercourse (dyspareunia), or the lack of sensation, making it difficult to achieve orgasm.
Your body’s hormone levels also shift after giving birth and during breast-feeding, which can lead to vaginal dryness and a decreased desire to have sex.
Psychological and Social Factors Untreated anxiety or depression can cause low sexual desire. 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 may also contribute to low sexual desire. Regardless of where the cycle began, you usually need to address relationship issues for treatment to be effective.
There Are Treatment Options for Low Sexual Desire
If you experience the symptoms of low sexual desire, make time to visit with urogynecologist Dr. Mathews. Low sexual desire is a common condition affecting four out of 10 women in the United States.
You might be reluctant to discuss your sexual concerns, but your sexuality is integral to your well-being.
When you visit Dr. J. Kyle Mathews in Dallas, he will ask for a comprehensive history, conduct a physical exam and will likely order laboratory studies. In addition, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), prior to your visit. This form may be filled out online, or printed, filled out and brought with you to your visit.
The more forthcoming you can be about your sexual history and current problems, the better your chances of finding an effective approach to treating them.
For more information on the treatments for low sexual desire, contact Dr. J. Kyle Mathews at Plano Urogynecology Associates at receptionist@DrJKM.com or call us at (972) 781-1444.
