A new classification is in place to help women manage sexual dysfunction. The new guidelines organize symptoms of sexual dysfunction into four groups in order to classify what is normal, what isn't and how doctors can go about treating it.

http://www.newswise.com/articles/2001/12/FEMALE.MMC.html

15-Dec-01
Mayo Clinic

ROCHESTER, MINN. -- A new classification is in place to help women manage sexual dysfunction. According to the December issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource, the new guidelines organize symptoms of sexual dysfunction into four groups in order to classify what is normal, what isn't and how doctors can go about treating it.

Hypoactive sexual desire means that a woman has poor sex drive (libido). This is probably the most common type of sexual dysfunction. There may be a medical cause such as menopause, or it may be a reversible situation, but decreased desire can also be a variant of normal at certain times.

Sexual arousal disorder is the inability to maintain arousal once you're in a sexual situation. Poor lubrication or poor sensation may be the cause. Other causes are physiological, such as radiation therapy to the pelvis or underlying problems with blood flow.

An orgasmic disorder is the inability to reach orgasm with sufficient stimulation. This can result from spinal cord injury or other neurological problems.

Sexual pain disorder is pain resulting from sexual stimulation or penetration. This can happen from vaginal surgery or may be caused by psychological trauma like molestation or rape.

Many of these disorders are treatable, so broach the subject with a physician willing to treat the problem.

Shelly Plutowski
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