the most common problems related to sexual dysfunction in women include: inhibited sexual desire: this involves a lack of sexual desire or interest in sex. many factors can contribute to a lack of desire including hormonal changes medical conditions and treatments (for example cancer and chemotherapy) depression pregnancy stress and fatigue. boredom with regular sexual routines also may contribute to a lack of enthusiasm for sex as can lifestyle factors such as careers and the care of children. inability to become aroused: for women the inability to become physically aroused during sexual activity often involves insufficient vaginal lubrication. the inability to become aroused also may be related to anxiety or inadequate stimulation. in addition researchers are investigating how blood flow problems affecting the vagina and clitoris may contribute to arousal problems. lack of orgasm (anorgasmia): this is the absence of sexual climax (orgasm). it can be caused by sexual inhibition inexperience lack of knowledge and psychological factors such as guilt anxiety or a past sexual trauma or abuse. other factors contributing to anorgasmia include insufficient stimulation certain medications and chronic diseases. painful intercourse: pain during intercourse can be caused by a number of problems including endometriosis a pelvic mass ovarian cysts vaginitis poor lubrication the presence of scar tissue from surgery or a sexually transmitted disease. a condition called vaginismus is a painful involuntary spasm of the muscles that surround the vaginal entrance. it may occur in women who fear that penetration will be painful and also may stem from a sexual phobia or from a previous traumatic or painful experience.
how do sexual problems affect women?