Common Sexual Problems if you are distressed by any of the following:
- Rarely or never have a desire to have sex
- Avoid sex with your partner
- Can’t get aroused or can’t stay aroused during sex even if you want sex
- Can’t have an orgasm
- Have pain during sex
Common Causes for Sexual Problems
- Getting older: a woman’s sex drive often decreases with age. This is normal. It can be a problem when one partner wants sex more often than the other.
- Peri menopause and menopause. You have less estrogen as you get older. This can cause thinning of your skin in the vagina and vaginal dryness. Because of this, sex may be painful.
- Illnesses can cause problems with sex. Illnesses like cancer, bladder or bowel diseases, arthritis, and headaches may cause sexual problems.
- Some medicines can cause problems with sex. Medicine for blood pressure, depression, and chemotherapy can decrease your sex drive or make it hard to have an orgasm.
- Stress and anxiety
- Relationship problems with your partner
- Having been sexually abused in the past
- Get plenty of rest and eat well. Limit alcohol, drugs, and smoking. Feel your best. This helps with feeling better about sex.
- Do Kegel exercises. Tighten and relax the pelvic muscles.
- Focus on other sexual activities, not just intercourse.
- Use birth control that works for both you and your partner. Discuss this ahead of time so you aren’t worried about an unwanted pregnancy.
- Spend more time on foreplay. Make sure you are aroused before intercourse.
- Use a vaginal lubricant like K-Y Jelly for dryness.
- Try different positions for intercourse.
- Empty your bladder before sex.
- Take a warm bath to relax before sex.
When you need Treatment
- You are distressed by a problem with sex
- Worried about your relationship
- Have pain or other symptoms with sex
- Intercourse is suddenly painful. You may have an infection or other medical problem that needs to be treated now.
- You think you may have a sexually transmitted disease. You and your partner will want treatment right away.
- You have a headache or chest pain after sex.
