Sociologist Dr. Pepper Schwartz joined us to talk about female sexual dysfunction and how it can negatively impact a woman's sex life.

• A woman’s sexual health affects her overall health.  Studies have found that women who experience a sexual health issue, such as female sexual dysfunction, often reported that it affected one or more aspects of their life, such as their weight, self-esteem and emotional health.

What is female sexual dysfunction or FSD? 
• Female sexual dysfunctions are classified as causing “marked distress” or “interpersonal difficulty.”

• All of these disorders can impact a woman’s overall health and quality of life.

What are the different types of female sexual dysfunctions?
• There are several types of female sexual dysfunctions, or FSD, including Sexual Desire Disorders such as Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder or HSDD, Sexual Arousal Disorder, Orgasmic Disorder, and Sexual Pain Disorders.
 

Are women actually experiencing these issues?
• Yes and in fact, a study called the Prevalence of Female Sexual Problems Associated With Distress and Determinants of Treatment Seeking (PRESIDE), surveyed more than 31,000 U.S. women.
o Forty-three percent of the women surveyed had experienced a sexual problem
o The survey also revealed low sexual desire is the most common complaint associated with FSD, affecting up to 1 in 10 U.S. women

What can women do if they are experiencing a sexual health issue?
• A dialogue about sexual health should be an integral part of routine patient care. Unfortunately, many women are hesitant to talk to their health care provider about sexual issues out of discomfort or embarrassment. 

• Many sexual health issues can be successfully addressed through education, lifestyle changes, counseling, and treatment.

• It’s important to speak with your health care provider about any sexual health issues you’re experiencing.

• You can click here  for information about your sexual health and for materials to help get this conversation started with your health care provider.