Is Sexual Dysfunction In Females Interconnected With Infertility?
For many women, the ability to have children is a fundamental part of their identity. When faced with the inability to conceive, it can be very stressful and emotionally charged. In recent years, there has been an increased focus on the link between sexual dysfunction and infertility in women. While the two may seem unrelated, a growing body of evidence suggests that they are indeed interconnected.
What is Sexual Dysfunction?
Sexual dysfunction is a condition that can affect any person, regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation. It can be a debilitating condition that causes great distress and can negatively impact every aspect of a person’s life. While sexual dysfunctions are relatively common—affecting up to 43% of women and 31% of men—they are often underdiagnosed and undertreated.
One reason may be that people are reluctant to discuss their sexual problems with their doctor or other healthcare providers. Additionally, many healthcare providers receive little or no training in the diagnosis and treatment of sexual dysfunctions. As a result, they may not feel comfortable discussing sexual issues with their patients or may not be aware of the latest treatments available.
Sexual dysfunction in females is particularly common, affecting up to 43% of women. The most common types of female sexual dysfunction are low libido (sexual desire), vaginismus (painful intercourse), and anorgasmia (difficulty achieving orgasm).
Common causes:
Sexual dysfunction can have both physical and psychological causes.
- Physical causes include medical conditions such as diabetes, hormonal imbalances, menopause, and medication side effects.
- Psychological causes can include anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and stress.
Infertility
Infertility is the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse. It affects approximately 10% of couples of childbearing age. While infertility is more commonly diagnosed in women, it can affect either partner. There are many different causes of infertility, including both physical and psychological factors.
Common causes:
- Physical causes can include endometriosis, hormonal imbalances, ovulation disorders, pelvic inflammatory disease, tubal blockage, and uterine fibroids.
- Psychological causes can include anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and stress.
How are Sexual Dysfunction and Infertility Connected?
While the exact nature of the link between sexual dysfunction and infertility is not yet known, there is evidence to suggest that they are connected. The two conditions often overlap, and it can be difficult to determine which came first. In many cases, sexual dysfunction is the result of infertility.
- For example, research has shown that women with sexual dysfunction are more likely to experience infertility than women who do not have sexual difficulties.
- One study found that nearly 70% of women experiencing difficulty becoming pregnant also reported some form of sexual dysfunction.
- Another study found that nearly 50% of infertile women suffered from low libido, while 30% reported difficulty achieving orgasm.
- Additionally, studies have found that treating sexual dysfunction can improve fertility rates in some women. It is thought that the stress and anxiety caused by sexual dysfunction may contribute to infertility by affecting hormone levels and disrupting ovulation.
- Additionally, psychological factors such as depression and low self-esteem are also believed to play a role in both sexual dysfunction and infertility.
It should be noted that these studies are small and more research is needed to confirm the results. If you are struggling to conceive, talk to your doctor about whether sexual dysfunction may be a factor.
What Are The Treatment Options For Sexual Dysfunction And Infertility?
The treatment options for sexual dysfunction and infertility will vary depending on the underlying cause of the problem.
Sexual dysfunction and infertility are often thought of as two separate issues, but they can actually be linked. Sexual dysfunction can cause infertility and vice versa.
There are a variety of treatment options available for sexual dysfunction and infertility. These include
- Medication
Medications used to treat sexual dysfunction include oral contraceptives and drugs.
- Therapy
Therapies that can be used to treat sexual dysfunction include sex therapy, relationship counseling, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
- Surgery
Surgery is sometimes used to treat sexual dysfunction or infertility. For example, a woman might have surgery to remove blockages in her fallopian tubes.
In some cases, sexual dysfunction or infertility cannot be treated. This is often due to underlying medical conditions that cannot be cured. However, there are still ways to manage these conditions and improve quality of life.
- For example, if a person has low libido due to hypothyroidism, they can take medication to treat their hypothyroidism.
No matter the cause of sexual dysfunction or infertility, there are treatment options available.
Can HRT Be Considered As A Treatment?
A hormone imbalance often causes sexual dysfunction and infertility. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can effectively treat these conditions. HRT involves taking hormones to replace the ones your body is no longer producing. This can help restore your normal hormone levels and improve your menstrual cycle.
HRT can be taken in a number of different forms, including pills, patches, gels, creams, and injections. The specific form of HRT that you will need will depend on your medical situation. Your doctor can advise you on the best form of HRT for you.
Need Help?
Don’t give up hope if you’re struggling with sexual dysfunction or infertility! At Harbor Compound Pharmacy, we specialize in customizing hormone replacement therapy prescriptions to meet each patient’s individual needs. We work with you to find the right balance of hormones for your body to experience relief from your symptoms and improve fertility. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you!
