Female Sexual Arousal Disorder

Female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) also referred to as, frigidity, hypoactive sexual desire disorder, low libido, or low sex drive, is a common presenting problem I get from many of the couples I see for sex therapy. FSAD is a persistent or recurrent failure to obtain or maintain arousal during sexual activity. In females this means vaginal lubrication and swelling of the genital area (labia, vaginal distention, clitoris).

Sexual desire is usually a continuum starting with sexual arousal and leading to orgasm. The total body is involved in this process with arousal in breast, skin, and genitals as orgasm approaches. It is characterized by increased muscular tension, throbbing pelvis, sensation of spreading warmth, and changes in consciousness and focus until the threshold orgasmic response itself is triggered--and then the "gun" goes off, toes curl, squealing commences, etc. The body is flooded with the hormone, oxytocin, and endorphins, and sense of pleasure. Unlike men, there is not a necessary resting or refractory phase. Women can therefore have multiple orgasms. Although some women are anorgasmic, never having experienced orgasm. (Orgasm has nothing to do with getting pregnant.) Many women, some 30%, report that they are orgasmic only in certain situations.

In couples with this issue, the woman is seldom "in the mood" for sex. There is a lack of sexual fantasies or interest in sex. Often, communication problems, a feeling of lack of intimacy, trust issues, or earlier trauma or experiences are at the heart of the matter. When couples present with this problem, there is usually a large difference between the sex drive of the two partners. With a warring couple, the partner wanting it the most, most often the man, is referred to as a "sex addict" or "sex maniac" by the woman, and the woman is referred to by her spouse as "frigid".

Therapy is individually sculptured. What is the problem? What are the expectations? History of the problem, relationship, etc. Marital dysfunction is often the real culprit here.

Sex Therapy Index

Sex Addiction
Premature Ejaculation
Sexual Abuse Erectile Dysfunction
Female Sexual Arousal Disorder
Hypoactive Sexual Disorder
Female Orgasmic Disorder

Custom Search

Female Sexual Arousal Disorder

Suggested reading:

Sex Therapy Index