When it comes to bedroom performance, many people think that an inability to perform is a condition that affects only men. But is female impotence a thing? Turns out, the answer is yes, and, according to Mayo Clinic, it's medically diagnosed as female sexual dysfunction. Medically speaking, sexuality incorporates neurologic, vascular and endocrine systems — i.e. the brain, the heart and hormones — so it makes sense that there's a possibility for something to go awry in the sack, regardless of gender.
Add psychological factors, lifestyle habits, religious beliefs, interpersonal relationships, and self-esteem — which anyone who has ever gotten naked and intimate with another person can attest to — and it's a wonder people are doing it at all. But you do it because it's natural, it's fun, it feels great, and sex has scientifically proven health benefits. This makes female impotence all the more troublesome for women affected by it. But if you do suffer, it's important to know you're not alone.
Approximately 12 percent of women in the United States report distressing sexual health concerns and as many as 40 percent report baseline sexual concerns, according to a 2015 study published in American Family Physician. There's help out there for women who are affected by female impotence, but in order to get effective treatment, you have to pinpoint the cause of your sexual dysfunction, which may be caused by any of the following.
1
Low Sexual Desire
Mayo Clinic reported that low sexual desire is the most common of female sexual dysfunctions. So if you're experiencing unwillingness to be sexual and that poses a problem for you, make an appointment with your physician or mental health counselor.
2
Deep Penetration
You know how some guys think the deeper the better? Not always the case. In fact, deep penetration can cause pain, fear, and anxiety about sex, according to MedicineNet.com. Something to consider when evaluating your sex life.
3
Sexual Arousal Disorder
According to Mayo Clinic, sexual arousal disorder is when you have the desire to do it, but can't get aroused or maintain arousal during sex. American Family Physician suggested that women who have trouble with sexual arousal use directed masturbation in order to hone in on what does get you aroused.
4
Painful Intercourse
If it hurts, you're not going to want to have sex. But what's causing the pain? There can be a couple of factors. MedicineNet.com notes that sexual stimulation or vaginal contact may be painful if you suffer endometriosis, a pelvic mass, ovarian cysts, vaginitis, or the presence of scar tissue from surgery. There's also a possibility that you might have an STD or STI, so pay a visit to your doctor STAT.
5
Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder
A study published in American Family Physician reported on genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, which is when anxiety about penetration makes you tense your abdominal and pelvic muscles so much so that penetration becomes impossible. Sure, tensing up may happen from time to time to any woman, but as the study noted, the condition must persist for six months in order to be diagnosed with genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder.
6
Orgasmic Disorder
Orgasmic disorder is self-explanatory: it's when you get all hot and bothered and can't finish, according to Mayo Clinic. Thus, you want to avoid sex. Again, American Family Physician suggested directed masturbation to help you climax.
7
Age
Age is nothin' but a number, but it can affect you in the bedroom. According to American Family Physician the older you get, the slower the blood flow to your genitals, which dulls arousal. But I also know 70-year-old women who run marathons, so take everything in stride.
8
Antidepressants
Huffington Post reported women taking antidepressants suffer from low libido, meaning you may have a decreased sex drive. Each medication comes with side effects, and often you don't know how your body is going to react until you've been taking them. The best solution is to be open with your doctor about whatever symptoms your medications cause, and go through a process of trial-and-error. You should, however, never go off your antidepressants, "cold turkey," without consulting your physician beforehand.
9
Alcoholism
It's not only men who can't perform because of too much booze. According to Medical Daily, alcoholism can kill your sex drive regardless of your gender.
