What Affects Sexual Function in Women?
Type | Factor |
|---|---|
Psychological factors | Abuse (emotional, physical, or sexual) during childhood or adolescence Anxiety Depression Fear of intimacy Fear of losing control Fear of losing the partner High self-expectations Low self-esteem Worry about inability to have an orgasm or about sexual performance in a partner Worry about unwanted consequences of sex (such as unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections) |
Situational factors | A low sexual self-image, as may result from having a negative body image, urinary incontinence, fertility problems or having had surgery to remove a breast, the uterus, or another body part associated with sex Cultural background that restricts sexual expression or activity Distractions or emotional stress Relationship problems Surroundings that are not conducive to sexual activity |
Physical factors | Abnormalities in genital organs (such as birth defects or scarring after surgery or radiation therapy) Breastfeeding Changes in the skin around the opening of the vagina area (such as lichen sclerosus) Genital mutilation Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (changes in the vagina and urinary tract that can occur at menopause, including thinning of tissues of the vagina and a compelling need to urinate) Infections of the genital area (such as genital herpes) or infections of the vagina Fatigue Hyperprolactinemia (high levels of prolactin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland) Nerve damage (as may result from diabetes, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, or spinal cord disorders) Pelvic organ prolapse (dropping down of a pelvic organ such as the vagina or uterus) Physical disability Poor health Premature menopause (ovarian insufficiency) Sexually transmitted infections Some brain and spinal cord disorders, such as multiple sclerosis Substance use disorder (continuing to use a substance despite having problems caused by its use) Surgical removal of both ovaries in premenopausal women |
Medications and other substances | Alcohol Certain antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors Antihistamines Beta-blockers (used to treat high blood pressure or heart disorders) and other medications used to treat high blood pressure Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (used to treat infertility) |