HAS sex become painful? Perhaps you simply can’t be bothered to do it at all. Or maybe hitting the big O has become a big NO.
If any of this sounds like you, you may have a condition called female sexual dysfunction (FSD), which affects 40 per cent of women.
Female sexual dysfunction affects 40 per cent of women[/caption]
Hannah Trueman, senior nutritionist at My Body Fabulous, tells Sun Health: “FSD refers to persistent issues with sexual response, desire, arousal or pain that cause distress or impact relationships.
“Unlike male dysfunction, which often has clear physiological causes, FSD is frequently influenced by psychological, relational and hormonal factors, making it less straightforward to address.”
Dr Bhavini Shah, LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, adds: “FSD can impact many women for different reasons.
“These may be physical, such as a side effect of menopause or other medications, or psychological, such as mental illness, relationship issues, or even new life stresses.”
Not sure if you’re suffering from FSD?
Here are the three key signs to look out for – and the expert-approved ways to help fix them…
1. Your sex drive has plummeted
ACCORDING to research by LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, 47 per cent of women admit that they don’t enjoy sex as much as they think they should.
“A woman may feel detached from sexual thoughts or lack interest in intimacy, which can lead to feelings of frustration, guilt or tension in relationships,” says Hannah.
There are a number of possible reasons behind your dwindling libido.
“Stress, anxiety or depression, undereating and/or over exercising, medications such as antidepressants or hormonal birth control, and relationship issues or lack of emotional intimacy can be to blame,” Hannah says.
Dr Anojan Arulananthan, retail health lead at Holland & Barrett, adds that significant life changes such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, perimenopause and menopause can lead to hormonal shifts that may also affect your sexual desire.
Fix it: Good sleep, a balanced diet and stress management can make a big difference to your sex drive.
We’ve all heard that aphrodisiacs such as dark chocolate, nuts and watermelon can potentially help you feel sexy – but is there more?
Therapy can help address psychological and relationship barriers. Find a therapist near you on the UK Council for Psychotherapy website.
If you think a hormone imbalance might be to blame, Hannah suggests functional testing, which isn’t typically offered by a GP – although routine blood work, which is available through the NHS, can also be useful.
Speak to your local surgery for more information.
The number of women who reach orgasm from sex increases to 60 per cent if assisted by clitorial stimulation, and drops to 21 when unassisted
Dr Bhavini Shah
“Key nutrient deficiencies – like iron, B12, folate (B9) and vitamin D – can typically be tested by your GP,” says Hannah.
“They may also measure the stress hormone cortisol, which can give insights into a person’s stress levels and hormone levels; this can impact libido and overall sexual wellbeing.”
Hormonal imbalances can occur as a result of poor nutrition, stress or conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis.
“While these conditions can’t necessarily be ‘cured’, they can be managed effectively in many cases,” says Hannah.
Your GP can offer advice on what might work for you.
2. You struggle to orgasm
Research suggests that, on average, women reach orgasm just 31 to 40 per cent of the time from sex.
A separate study by LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor discovered that 85 per cent of women have struggled to reach orgasm.
“It’s normal to not climax every time you have sex,” says Hannah.
But, if orgasms suddenly become difficult, then this could be a sign of FSD.
Fix it: “Check your medications as certain drugs, such as antidepressants and hormonal contraceptives, may blunt your sexual response,” Hannah says.
Nutrient deficiencies – such as vitamin D, magnesium, B vitamins and iron – as well as hormonal imbalances can also impact your chance of orgasm.
Book an appointment with your GP for further advice and testing.
If you aren’t already, consider taking a vitamin D supplement during the winter months.
The UK government recommends that everyone take one from October through to March when our main source of vitamin D – the sun – is more scarce.
While it may not have a direct impact, scientists say vitamin D supplementation may improve sexual function and desire by supporting healthy hormone levels, reducing oxidative stress and improving overall mood.
Find you’re frequently not in the mood? Speak to your GP[/caption]
You might also want to encourage your partner to focus on clitoral stimulation.
Dr Shah adds: “The number of women who reach orgasm from sex increases to 51 to 60 per cent if assisted by clitorial stimulation, and drops to 21 to 30 per cent when unassisted.”
Why not try a toy like The Poet by Smile Makers – a clitoral suction device with interchangeable mouths so you can find your perfect fit?
Tiredness can also affect your chance of orgasm.
Prioritise your sleep by making sure you’re winding down before bed, avoiding caffeine from 2pm onwards and adjusting your sleep environment; a comfy mattress and pillow and a cool temperature can make a big difference.
3. Sex is painful
If sex has become uncomfortable, it can really put you off wanting to have it in the first place.
“Dyspareunia is the medical term for pain during or after sex,” says Dr Shah.
“There could be many reasons for why a woman feels discomfort during sex – for example, an infection, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or vaginismus (tight pelvic floor muscles).
“Deep dyspareunia (pain deeper in the vagina) could be a sign of endometriosis, ovarian cysts, or even an effect of Crohn’s or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).”
Vaginal dryness, STIs, poor lubrication or lack of arousal can also lead to pain.
Fix it: “It’s important that you speak to a professional if you’re suffering from pain during or after sex so they can help you find a solution,” says Dr Shah.
“The best thing to do is make an appointment with your doctor; they will be able to assist you further based on your individual experience, whether that be with medication, psychological treatment, or advice on modifying your sexual techniques.
“Some forms of discomfort can be alleviated by simple measures such as altering positions, increasing foreplay, or using lubricants.”
Sex toys and supplements can also help[/caption]
Hannah also suggests increasing your omega-3 intake.
“Consume two to three servings of oily fish per week and two tbsp of flaxseeds, chia seeds or walnuts daily to support vaginal tissue health and reduce inflammation,” she says.
Even probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt and fermented vegetables could help by preventing infections such as thrush or UTIs, while magnesium-rich foods can promote relaxation.
Both can play a big role in how enjoyable our sexual experiences are.
Tuck into leafy greens (think spinach and kale) and nuts and seeds as there is some evidence that these can help reduce pelvic muscle tension and promote blood flow.
New drug dubbed ‘Viagra for women’
By Ryan Parry, Senior Reporter
A DRUG dubbed “Viagra for women” is set to be launched.
Inventor Dr Iona Weir said Myregyna has been proven in trials to “improve sexual response and sexual function” in women over 50.
The New Zealand-based cell biologist added: “It actually boosts natural hydration.
“Men got Viagra, but women got nothing, right?
“This is going to be the first non-hormonal treatment that will give you your sex life back.”
Her firm, Weir Science, expects sales of the plant-based drug to top £7.5billion a year.
It aims to reverse the effects of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) in millions of post-menopausal women worldwide.
The doctor claims Myregyna, which is plant based, has produced spectacular results in a clinical trial of New Zealand women over the age of 55.
She claims there were women in the trial who hadn’t had sex for years – and after using the drug were now having regular sex and orgasms without pain.
But she added it’s not just about sex.
“It will enable you to go to a disco, whatever you want to do, and jump, you know, go to the gym, basically, enjoy life again” she told a New Zealand magazine.
Dr Weir is currently in talks with two global drug firms and is in the process of registering the product with the Food and Drug Administration in the US.
“Aim to drink at least two litres of water daily to maintain natural lubrication and include phytoestrogen-rich foods, such as organic soy and flaxseeds, into your diet,” says Hannah.
“These foods mimic oestrogen in the body, which can help maintain vaginal tissue elasticity, promote natural lubrication and reduce discomfort caused by declining oestrogen levels which can occur during menopause or breastfeeding.”
If you notice bleeding, discharge or unusual symptoms; persistent pain that lasts more than a week or recurs over time; and/or if painful sex is impacting your quality of life or relationship, book to see your GP as soon as possible.
“It can be difficult to talk to a doctor about intimate issues like these but it’s important that you speak to a professional if you are suffering from pain during or after sex so they can help you find a solution,” says Dr Shah.
It can also rule out more serious possibilities like cancer.
While unlikely to be the cause of your issues, pain during sex, general pelvic pain, bleeding between periods, vaginal discharge, lumps and soreness can be signs of gynaecological cancers like ovarian, womb, vaginal, cervical and vulval.