Problems during sexual intercourse
Problems during sexual intercourse
(female sexual dysfunction)
Problems during sexual intercourse are divided into 4 main categories:
Sexual desire disorders
Feelings of sexual interest are reduced, while in some escalated cases, the woman can experience a complete resistance to sexual activity.
The opposite situation can also occur, whereby the woman experiences excessive sexual desire. Today this is mostly classified among compulsive/ impulsive personality disorders.
Sexual arousal disorders
These include insufficient sensual experience of sexual pleasure and a failure of genital response (reduction in lubrication).
Orgasmic dysfunction
These are conditions in which, despite a high degree of sexual arousal, either orgasm does not occur, its intensity is significantly weaker, or there is a significant delay from any kind of stimulation.
Dyspareunia can occur on the surfaces of the body, or more deeply within (pain or discomfort related to sexual intercourse).
Vaginismus is a condition whereby penile or other objects are restricted or prevented from entering the vagina, even if the woman desires it. The entry of the penis is obstructed by contractions of the pelvic muscles, adduction (inward contraction) of the thigh muscles and increased tension of the abdominal muscles.
How the problem is diagnosed
Diagnosis is based on a detailed consultation with a gynecologist/sexologist, who determines whether further additional examinations are needed, which may include ultrasound, urogynecological, laboratory (hormonal) or psychological examinations. A subsequent ultrasound examination can help to find any causes which lie deeper in the pelvis (fibroids, endometriosis).
How the problem is treated
The solution depends on the cause/s of your problems which have been identified. Often it is enough merely to solve the problem through cooperation with a sexologist. Sometimes the approach is interdisciplinary, which is why our Center for Pelvic-Floor Disorders has, in addition to a sexologist, a urogynecologist, psychologist, physiotherapist and other specialists available for you.