Urogynaecology
Sexual dysfunction
Approximately one in eight women have sexual problems in their lifetime. These may not always cause distress and may come and go.
Sex problems that women might have include:
Having pain during sex
Not becoming aroused or "excited" during sex
Not having an orgasm during sex
Not wanting to have sex (also called "low desire" or "low libido")
Common causes
Sex problems can be caused by many things.
This could be due to relationship issues, related to medical events like recent childbirth, going through menopause, or coexistent with prolapse and urinary incontinence.
Certain conditions can also lead to sex problems. These include:
Dryness or pain in the vagina
Pain in the lower belly, such as from an infection, past surgery, or a condition called endometriosis (women with this condition often also have painful periods)
Changes in the skin and muscles near and around the vagina
Mood problems, such as depression
Medical problems, such as cancer or heart problems
Medications like those used to treat depression or heart disease
Treatment
Vaginal lubricants- used during sex. Can be water, oil or silicone based. These are available over the counter (PJUR, Astroglide)
Vaginal moisturiser-(Replens) Can be used several times a week, but not necessarily during sex. Available over the counter.
Vaginal oestrogen- using prescription cream (Ovestin cream or vagifem pessary) to treat vaginal dryness
Getting treatment for mood problems, if you have mood problems
Working with your doctor to change any medicines you take that might be causing sex problems
Having physical therapy to work on the muscles around your vagina so that you do not have pain during sex
In addition, some women who have gone through menopause are helped by taking hormone medicines. Treatment of incontinence and prolapse also improves sexual problems if these are related.
It is also important to stay as healthy as possible and get treated for any medical problems you have. Women who feel healthy and happy are more likely to be happy with their sex life.