Female Sexual Arousal Disorder
Female Sexual Arousal Disorder is the second most common sexual dysfunction in women, following desire disorder. It can be broken down into three subsets: peripheral arousal disorder, central arousal disorder, and combined arousal disorder. Peripheral arousal disorder occurs when a woman is aware of feelings of pleasure in her mind while simultaneously experiencing a decrease in or lack of genital lubrication, swelling, or sensation of genital tingling/warmth. Central arousal disorder occurs when there is a genital response to sexual stimulation; however, there is no mental awareness of sexual pleasure. Combined sexual arousal disorder is when both the genital and mental response to sexual stimulation is lacking or absent.
To make the diagnosis of female sexual arousal disorder, or any female sexual dysfunction for that matter, a woman must experience personal distress associated with her complaint. If the problem is not bothersome to the woman, she does not meet the criteria for sexual dysfunction. There are both psychological and biological causes of female sexual arousal disorder, with these two often overlapping. Prolonged illnesses such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and vascular disease can lead to peripheral arousal disorder by causing peripheral neuropathy and decrease/loss of genital sensation. Depression, hormonal imbalance following menopause or childbirth, certain medications, or relationship problems can lead to central arousal disorder.
A woman with sexual arousal disorder should be evaluated by a clinician who is familiar with the field of female sexual health. A thorough psychosocial and medical evaluation should be carried out. Once the diagnosis is made, treatment options are reviewed. These include but are not limited to: sex therapy, relationship therapy, discontinuation of certain medications, off-label use of Viagra, Wellbutrin, and testosterone, Zestra lotion, EROS clitoral therapy device, herbal treatments such as ArginMax, vibrator therapy, lubricant use, and hormone therapy.
