Female Sexual Dysfunction Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms of sexual dysfunction include experiencing personal distress because of one or more of the following:

• Low sexual desire—You have a lack of interest in sex and experience poor libido.
• Inability to become aroused—Although your desire to have sex may exist, you are unable to become physically aroused or to maintain arousal during sex. This may be due to insufficient vaginal lubrication, anxiety, or lack of clitoral/vaginal sensation.
• Orgasmic disorder—You consistently have difficulty achieving sexual climax, or are unable to do so.
• Pain during intercourse—You experience pain during sexual stimulation and/or penetration. Vaginismus is an involuntary, painful vaginal contraction that inhibits penetration.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, sexual history, and the medications you take. Your doctor will also conduct a gynecologic exam.

The diagnostic process may include:

• Swabs of vaginal fluid to evaluate for infection or bacterial imbalance
• Cervical swabs to test for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Urine tests
• A pelvic exam to check for signs of physical changes, including thinning of genital tissues, decreased skin elasticity, and scarring
• A psychological evaluation of possible contributing factors, such as anxiety, depression, past sexual abuse, and relationship problems