Female Sexual Dysfunction
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What Is Female Sexual Dysfunction?
Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) refers to persistent sexual difficulties that cause distress for you or your partner. FSD is generally classified into several categories based on the specific issues a woman experiences—low sexual desire, arousal disorder, orgasm disorder, or pain during intercourse. Sexual difficulties are common, and while some people experience them occasionally, others may face them throughout their lives. Female Sexual Dysfunction can occur at any age and may be temporary or ongoing. Sexual response is a complex process influenced by physical health, emotions, life experiences, and lifestyle. Because of this complexity, treatment often requires a multifaceted approach tailored to individual needs.
What Are the Causes of Female Sexual Dysfunction?
Female Sexual Dysfunction can arise from a combination of physical, hormonal, psychological, and lifestyle factors. Physical factors could include hormonal shifts due to menopause, perimenopause, pregnancy and postpartum; in addition, thyroid disorders can disrupt hormone balance and lower sexual desire. Medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure may also have an impact, along with certain medications. Mental and emotional well-being play a significant role in one’s sexual function. Stress and anxiety can interfere with arousal and desire, along with depression, low self-esteem, relationship issues, and past trauma or sexual abuse. There are also lifestyle and behavioral factors that could cause Female Sexual Dysfunction. For example, smoking, excessive alcohol or drug use can lower libido and impair arousal; also a sedentary lifestyle and poor sleep habits. FSD is often multifactorial, meaning it can have more than one cause at the same time. Therefore, addressing both physical and psychological factors is important for effective treatment.
What Are the Treatments and Therapies for Female Sexual Dysfunction?
The treatment for Female Sexual Dysfunction depends on its underlying cause, whether physical, hormonal, psychological, or lifestyle-related. A combination of both medical, psychological, and lifestyle treatments is often the most effective.
Medical treatments for FSD could include hormone therapy, FDA-approved medications for low libido, or vaginal treatments for pain and dryness. For women with hormonal imbalances—particularly due to menopause, perimenopause, and postpartum changes, hormone therapy may be beneficial. Vaginal treatments such as lubricants, DHEA—a vaginal suppository that helps restore vaginal tissue in postmenopausal women, or laser and radiofrequency therapy may also be prescribed.
Since psychological and behavioral factors play a large role in contributing to female sexual dysfunction, psychological treatment is often recommended. Therapies such as sex therapy and counseling, or couples therapy can help address anxiety, past trauma, and relationship issues. Psychological therapy also helps to reframe negative thoughts about sex and intimacy. A healthy lifestyle is also a crucial element in addressing issues such as Female Sexual Dysfunction; lack of exercise and poor diet negatively impact libido. A doctor may recommend diet changes, stress reduction techniques, and pelvic floor physical therapy.
How Can Well by Messer Help You with Female Sexual Dysfunction?
Well by Messer is a holistic metabolic health and wellness center, offering a multidisciplinary approach to various health conditions, including comprehensive evaluations and treatments for individuals experiencing Female Sexual Dysfunction. Under our team of endocrinologists, led by Dr. Caroline Messer, we conduct comprehensive evaluations to identify and address underlying endocrine issues contributing to Female Sexual Dysfunction. In addition to our endocrinologist team, gynecologist, Dr. Alyssa Dweck, a certified menopause provider, focuses on gynecology, menopause, and sexual health. She offers specialized care for women experiencing hormonal changes that can contribute to Female Sexual Dysfunction. By leveraging their multidisciplinary expertise, Well by Messer provides personalized assessments and treatment plans tailored to your specific needs. These plans may encompass medical evaluations, hormone therapies, counseling, and lifestyle recommendations aimed at improving sexual function and overall well-being and quality of life.
Meet the Well by Messer (WBM) Team
Under the leadership of top endocrinologist in New York, Dr. Caroline Messer, our caring and talented team of board-certified endocrinologists, gynecologists, psychologists, nutritionists, and personal trainers will be dedicated to supporting your success at our metabolic centers in Manhattan.
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