Recognizing Signs Of FSD

Lack of sexual desire in women has often been associated with and accepted as a sign of aging. Consequently, sexual dissatisfaction is not often identified as a problem requiring a doctor’s care.  However, Female Sexual Dysfunction is a medical condition recognized in 1999 by the National Institutes of Health. Although its symptoms are often ignored, a recent report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that 43 percent of women suffer from FSD.

It's often left untreated because many women perceive its symptoms as psychological or a normal part of aging when in fact physiological problems are shown to cause a majority of FSD cases.  In a report developed by the Sexual Function Health Council of the American Foundation for Urologic Disease and published in the Journal of Urology, FSD can be further defined by:

1. Desire Disorder. The persistent or recurrent deficiency (or absence) of sexual fantasies/thoughts, and/or desire for or receptivity to sexual activity causing personal distress.
2. Sexual Arousal Disorder. The inability to attain or maintain sufficient sexual excitement that may be expressed by reduced vaginal lubrication.
3. Orgasmic Disorder. A delay in or absence of attaining orgasm following sufficient sexual stimulation and arousal.
4. Pain Disorder. Genital pain associated with sexual intercourse.

Physiological causes of FSD often result from inadequate blood flow to the genital area that can result in reduced clitoral sensitivity or numbness, a lack of lubrication, difficulty or inability to achieve an orgasm and lowered overall sexual satisfaction. Medication side effects, including anti-depressants and some blood pressure medications, can also reduce sexual desire. Other risk factors for FSD include trauma to the pelvic area, smoking, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, menopause or surgery.  Psychological causes of FSD include low self-esteem or body image or a history of physical or psychological abuse.

Surprisingly, FSD doesn't discriminate against it's victims on an age basis.  A survey of gynecologists, primary care physicians, internal medicine specialists and urologists indicates that there are many young women experiencing FSD. According to an independent market research study conducted by McKesson HBOC, a pharmaceutical supply management and healthcare information technology company, women with FSD are spread more evenly across the generations: 36 percent are premenopausal; 32 percent are perimenopausal (going through menopause), and 31 percent are postmenopausal.

So How Can FSD Be Treated?

Currently, the Eros™ Therapy is only FDA cleared-to-market therapy to treat FSD patients with female sexual arousal and orgasmic disorders including decreased clitoral and genital sensitivity, lack of vaginal lubrication, inability to achieve orgasm, and decreased overall sexual satisfaction. The Eros therapy is a non-invasive therapy that works by increasing blood flow to the genital area and, over time, stimulates arousal and orgasms. A small cup fits over the clitoris. A gentle vacuum increases the blood flow causing the clitoris to become engorged. The arteries expand to accommodate the additional blood, and as a result, put pressure on the nerves that cause sensation to the clitoris. The arterial walls of the vagina dilate, and the smooth muscle in the clitoris relaxes. This reaction creates an autonomic reflex that results in increased lubrication and increased ability to achieve orgasm. The Eros therapy is not a pill, but a safe home therapy. It is available by prescription in the United States, and sold through distributors outside the United States.

Clinical trials have shown the Eros therapy to have a high degree of success in treating FSD. Eighty percent of women with FSD in the initial study reported increased sexual satisfaction after using the Eros therapy. One 33-year-old woman from the study suffered from severe lack of lubrication due to premature ovarian failure. She grew tired of using lubrication creams prior to sexual intercourse. After using the Eros therapy, she began experiencing natural lubrication, even when she did not use the device immediately prior to intercourse.

“For years, women have been told that sexual disorders are ‘just in their head’ or something they should live with. Now we have the tools to identify the problems and ways to treat it,” said Dr. Sarrel. “Women are entitled to a fulfilling sex life as a part of their overall quality of life.”

Quiz: Do I Have FSD?

Take the following quiz to see if you are at risk for Female Sexual Dysfunction.

1) Do you have any physical problems that interfere with your sexual functioning?

2) In general, has the sensation in your genital area decreased?

3) Has your clitoral sensation/feeling during sexual stimulation decreased?

4) Has your vaginal sensation/feeling during sexual stimulation decreased?

5) Has the amount of your vaginal lubrication associated with sexual stimulation decreased?

6) Is external genital stimulation or vaginal penetration more painful now?

7) Is it more difficult for you to achieve orgasm through clitoral stimulation?

8) Is it more difficult to achieve orgasm through vaginal intercourse (defined according to your sexual orientation as insertion and thrusting of penis, fingers or objects by partner?)

9) Has your desire for sexual activity decreased?

10) Has your overall sexual satisfaction during sexual stimulation decreased?

If you answered “yes,” to any of the above questions, see your doctor or healthcare provider and ask about treatment options.

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