What is sex?
The word sex is used to refer to a variety of sexual activities, and can mean different things to different people. When people talk about sex (sexual intercourse) they are usually referring to penetrative sex, where a man inserts his penis into the vagina or anus of a sexual partner.
However, there are many sexual activities that people enjoy doing which don't involve sexual intercourse, for example oral sex or mutual masturbation.
The act of sex is also not just physical; it can involve strong emotions and have a significant effect on people's feelings.
What can "sex" be?
Masturbation (doing some of the things on the list below with oneself, not a partner)
Kissing/Making out
Petting/Stroking/Sexual massage
Breast or nipple stimulation
Frottage or tribbing (rubbing against genitals or rubbing genitals together, when clothed, called "dry sex")
Mutual masturbation (masturbating with a partner)
Manual-genital sex (like handjobs, fingering or deep manual sex, which some people call "fisting")
Oral-genital sex (to/with a penis, vulva, anus)
Penis-vagina sexual intercourse
Sex toy-vagina or sex toy-penis sexual intercourse
Anal sex (like anal intercourse with a penis, toy or hands)
Talking in a sexual way/sharing sexual fantasies/sexual role-play
Sensation play, like pinching, touching someone with objects in some way or spanking (which may or may not be part of BDSM)
Cybersex, text sex or phone sex (with or without masturbation)
Fluid-play (when people do things with body fluids for sexual enjoyment, like ejaculating on someone in a particular way)
...or something else entirely.
What do we mean when we say "sex?"
If we say sexuality, we mean the physical, chemical, emotional and intellectual properties and processes and the cultural and social influences and experiences that are how people experience and express themselves as sexual beings. Some aspects of all those things are very diverse and unique, others are very common or collective.
How do you have sex?
Sexual intercourse between a man and a woman is quite simple. When a man's penis becomes hard, he places it inside a woman's vagina, and moves it in and out. This creates friction, which can be pleasurable for both the man and woman. After a while, this friction will usually cause the man to have an orgasm and ejaculate. It may also cause the woman to have an orgasm, although it can take a bit of experimentation and practice to get it right!
You can have sex in lots of different positions, but one of the most common and intimate ways is for the man to lie on top of the woman, so that they can kiss and cuddle while having sex.
Anal sex (also known as anal intercourse) is when a man puts his penis into the anus and rectum of another man or woman.
You can find out more about anal and vaginal sex in our how to have sex page.
What is safer sex?
Safer sex is taking precautions to reduce the risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted disease, including ______, during sexual activities. It is wrong to assume this only applies to young people as STDs and _____ can affect anyone at any age.
To have safer sex it is important to either use a condom or to make sure you and your partner are not infected with an STD. Alternatively, as STDs and HIV can be transmitted through sexual fluids and blood, there is the option to perform sexual acts that do not involve any contact with these. Therefore safer sex can be non-penetrative sex and just foreplay.
Where can I get condoms from?
It will depend on which country you are in, but the best place to buy condoms is usually a chemist or supermarket. Condoms are often available from vending machines in public toilets and in some countries they are available for free or at low-cost from sexual health clinics. Condoms can also be bought from a number of suppliers on the internet.
Where is the G-spot and what is it?
The G-spot is a controversial term as some sex researchers dispute its existence. However most believe it is an area located behind the front wall of the vagina, between the back of the pubic bone and the cervix. When stimulated, it can produce intensely pleasurable feelings for the woman, and may cause her to have an orgasm.
Where is the clitoris and what is it?
The clitoris is a small pea-sized lump towards the top of the vaginal area above the urethra (urine hole) and the entrance to the vagina. It is very sensitive and when stimulated can lead to orgasm. You can find it on AVERT's diagram of the female sex organs.
Does a broken hymen mean that a girl is no longer a virgin?
Many people believe that a girl is only a virgin if she still has an intact hymen. The hymen is a thin membrane of skin that partially covers the entrance to the vagina. This membrane can bleed when it is torn as a man’s penis enters the vagina.
Neither the presence of the hymen nor bleeding during intercourse can truly indicate virginity. Some girls are born without hymens, others will have hymens that stretch and don’t break during sex, and some will have torn their hymens during sport, inserting tampons or masturbation.
How do you masturbate?
Men usually masturbate by holding the penis and moving their hand up and down rapidly until they ejaculate ("come"). Women rub their clitoris and vulva and may move one or several fingers up and down inside their vagina until they orgasm. Everybody has their own way of masturbating that feels good for them.
Other websites have more about both male and female masturbation.
Is too much masturbation bad for you?
Masturbation is a normal and natural activity and is not bad for you unless you masturbate so much that you make your genital area sore. Masturbation does not stunt your growth, damage your health or cause you to become physically or mentally weak. If it did, the vast majority of people in the world would be very short and unhealthy!
How often do people have sex?
Sexual appetite is entirely a matter of personal taste. Some people have sex once a day and some once a month. It probably varies for most people depending on whether they are in a relationship, how busy they are and how they feel. Most people think about sex far more often than they do it.
Is there a way of stopping premature ejaculation?
Many men find the best way to prevent premature ejaculation is to think about something dull to regain control over their time of ejaculation. When first starting a sexual relationship, some men find that the sexual excitement causes them to ejaculate before intercourse has even begun. With time most men learn how to control this. Wearing a condom can help as it can reduce sensitivity a little. Condoms containing a mild anaesthetic in the tip are also available in some countries to help further reduce sensation and delay ejaculation.
Does sexual intercourse hurt? Is there a need for lubrication?
Sex can sometimes be painful for a woman if she is nervous or tense. Stress and fear can mean a woman does not get sexually excited enough to produce natural lubrication, or that she involuntarily tenses her vaginal muscles, making penetration difficult. Sex can also hurt the first time a woman does it as her hymen may be torn.
If sexual intercourse is painful, using a lubricant can help to make it more comfortable. When using a condom it is important that a water-based lubricant (such as KY Jelly) is used, as oil based lubricants (such as Vaseline or moisturising cream) can cause the condom to tear and break. Ensuring that the woman is as relaxed as possible, and that intercourse is initiated slowly, can also help to make things more comfortable.
If a woman experiences a deep internal or burning pain when she has sex, she should discuss this with her doctor, as it could be a sign that she has an infection or other medical problem.
Sex is not usually painful for a man (unless the penis is bent into an awkward position), so he should also check with his doctor if he experiences any pain during erection or intercourse.
If a woman experiences problems reaching orgasm with her partner can she do anything about it?
It is not always possible to achieve orgasm through vaginal penetration alone; it often needs more direct stimulation of the clitoris, which you could request from your partner orally or manually, before, after, during or instead of intercourse. Talking to your partner and exploring what stimulates you and what doesn't should help you to achieve orgasm during sex.
How do you French kiss?
French kissing, or making out, is kissing with open mouths and touching tongues.
What is oral sex?
Oral sex involves giving or receiving oral stimulation (i.e. sucking or licking) to the genitalia. Fellatio (also known as a ‘blow job’ or ‘giving head’) is the term used to describe oral sex given to a man. Cunnilingus (also called ‘giving head’, ‘going down on’ or ‘eating pussy’) is the term used to describe oral sex given to a woman. Analingus (sometimes called rimming) refers to oral stimulation of someone’s anus.
If two people have oral sex with each other at the same time it is sometimes called a 69 because of the shape their bodies make.
A woman cannot get pregnant from giving oral sex to a man, even if she swallows his sperm.
Which STDs are transmitted through oral sex?
You can only become infected with or pass on an STD if you or your partner is infected with an STD in the first place. The following sexually transmitted diseases or infections can be passed on through unprotected oral sex:
Hepatitis A, B and C
Herpes, especially if the sores are in the infectious stage
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is fairly low risk in terms of transmission via oral sex
Gonorrhea
Syphilis
NSU (Non-specific urethritis)
Chlamydia
Yeast infections such as thrush are fairly low risk in terms of transmission via oral sex
Genital Warts
If you are concerned about becoming infected with an STD as a result of oral sex use a condom when giving oral sex on a man or a dental dam (latex square) or cut open condom when giving oral sex to a woman.
Is receiving oral sex with a condom safe?
As long as they are used properly i.e. they don't split or burst, condoms can be very effective in protecting against STDs when giving oral sex to a man. When giving oral sex to a woman a thin square of latex called a dental dam, or a cut-open condom can also be used to protect against possible transmission of any existing STDs. Flavoured condoms and dental dams are available to make using them more pleasant during oral sex.
Can you pass on or become infected with STDs as a result of kissing on the mouth?
No, you cannot pass on or become infected with an STD as a result of kissing on the mouth. However, you could pass on a cold sore (herpes simplex, HSV1) to your partner through kissing.
Do you need to use condoms during anal sex?
Yes, it is important to use condoms when having anal sex to reduce the risk of passing on or contracting an STD. If two people are considering having anal sex they should make sure they use a good quality condom and a water-based lubricant such as KY Jelly.
If my partner is using birth control, do we still need to use a condom?
Birth control, such as the contraceptive pill, IUS, or contraceptive injection, is extremely effective at preventing unwanted pregnancies. However, these do not offer any protection from sexually transmitted diseases or infections. Using a condom in addition to a form of birth control will protect both you and your partner from passing on or becoming infected with an STD and will also provide extra protection against pregnancy.
Is it safe to have sex when a woman is having her period?
Not all women feel comfortable having sex when they are menstruating and some men dislike the idea of blood being present during sexual intercourse. However, there is generally nothing wrong with having sex during a woman's period and it will not cause either partner any harm.
Foreplay
What is foreplay?
Conversational Foreplay: Making Intercourse More Enjoyable!.
Deep tongue kissing
Dry humping is one of the greatest turn-ons known to mankind, because it is so suggestive without the actual skin-on-skin touching.
Dry sex
Fingering
Give her a taste of it then pull back and watch her rub up against you and begin to purr.
Kiss
Massage
Neck kissing
Non-touching turn ons(Use words)
Nipples, Front and Center
Oral sex
Petting
Rub Her Body
Start a Conversation
Touchless foreplay is a less obvious arouser because she isn’t going to be moaning into your neck, but it is just as effective as touching her.
Talk–And Tell Her What you Like
Tongue
Fingering is one of the most reliable ways to bring women to high arousal and orgasmic climaxes. Master fingering techniques for incredibly arousing foreplay or for a delicious erotic experience on it’s own.
Pre-Fingering Foreplay
Surprisingly, not all women like to be fingered by their ______. This can be due to many reasons such as issues about hygiene, trust and may be even fear.
If your partner has some of these issues, it may be wise to pre-discuss the topic of fingering beforehand just to ensure that she’s at least open to the idea of it happening. Otherwise, you can slowly introduce fingering as you make love.
But before that, here’s rule No. 1: engage in foreplay! Foreplay ensures that you and your partner are in the right sexual frame of mind and body needs, making her just possibly a bit more open to being fingered.
Explore The Landscape Gently
If this is your first time to finger her, then ensure that you do everything you can to avoid any hang ups. For instance, ensure that your nails are cut and that your hands are clean (takes care of the issue of hygiene).
But more importantly, be gentle in your finger exploration. A woman’s body is all warmness and softness, right? As such, don’t go in there like an excited teenager. Instead, be respectful of her body as you go in and explore.
Also, using your fingers to simulate a woman’s genitals is not just about insertion. Be sure you pay attention to her labia (genital lips) and clitoris too.
Experiment With Different Textures, Pressures, And Movements
Not all parts of a woman’s genital area can be stimulated in the exact same way. For instance, a lot of women like their labia to be gently caressed, their clitoris to be rubbed and their G-spots to be tapped.
Now – again – not all women are the same so find the right combination that your lover finds the most sexually stimulating. And of course, as you try all these different sexual stimulation combos, don’t forget to pay attention to her! Moaning is good, jerking is not.
Time Is Of No Consequence
Don’t go about fingering your woman with a certain time frame in mind. You may ‘hit the jackpot’ right away, maybe not. Just give both yourselves time to get used to the different sensations. This is actually one of those times when the journey is as good as the destination.
You've gotta learn the importance of foreplay, which can encompass a wide range of activities, including hugging, fondling, undressing, kissing, petting, and performing oral sex. Why is foreplay so important? First of all, men who cuddle and kiss their partners and know how to enjoy sensitive foreplay will often find that their partners will not only enjoy sexual intercourse more, but will also see their partners reach orgasm more easily. Most women need prolonged stimulation in order to reach a state of complete arousal, and foreplay will provide them with the required stimulation.
Traditionally, "foreplay" was considered to be something that a man had to do to get his partner ready for sexual intercourse. Today, foreplay has become an integral part of the whole lovemaking experience. It is true that impromptu sexual encounters without foreplay can sometimes be some of the best sexual experiences, but in general, most women will agree that good sexual encounters mean that you learn the importanceof foreplay. A more vigilant form of foreplay will bring increased pleasure to both partners, and make the whole lovemaking experience more enjoyable.
spice up your sex life
Especially with age, both partners will need a little extra spice to get fully aroused and achieve maximum pleasure. Hence you need to learn the importance of foreplay. The man will need to prolong foreplay to get an erection and the woman will need the same to become properly lubricated. Most sex experts agree that there is no such thing as spending too much time on foreplay. The trick is to start intercourse when both partners are peaking with excitement and are having a hard time controlling their desires.
no ultimate foreplay
There is no such thing as the ultimate foreplay, and it is not about pressing the right buttons in the right order. It is about understanding what makes your partner get hot and delivering the things that make her experience intense pleasure. All women are different. Some get off on being lightly kissed all over their necks while others enjoy direct oral stimulation.
There are many ways to give your partner extreme sensations, but one thing is for sure: It all begins in her brain. Simply tell her how beautiful she is and how much you appreciate her sexy body. By complimenting her appearance, especially if her confidence level is low, you are giving her added security and excitement, as well as giving her good reasons to go all out with the foreplay.
set the mood
To learn the importance of foreplay you have to know how to set the mood. The next step is paying attention to romantic details. Creating the right environment for sexual intercourse can be crucial, especially at mature stages in the relationship. For example, make sure the room is warm, the lighting subdued, and the sheets clean. Once the mood is right, take the time to undress her because the act of removing your partner's clothes can be an important part of foreplay. Many have found that undressing increases the eroticism, it stimulates and intensifies the feeling.
Often, women spend a lot of money on nice lingerie because it makes them feel sexy and they want it to stay on for a while. Instead of getting her completely naked, remove her bra strap, kiss her shoulder, then put it back on again. Do the same with her underwear, and, again; compliment how good she looks in it.
kissing and foreplay
During foreplay, go as slow as you can. This will tease her. Begin by kissing and caressing her. A kiss is usually the first physical expression of desire but it is also often forgotten during sexual intercourse. During intercourse, you should kiss every part of your partner's body and not be restricted to the mouth. Most women complain that their partners don't kiss long enough and rush the movement directly to the genital area. Don't be shy to experiment on every part of her body and remember to prolong the foreplay with more kissing and caressing.
a good time for learning
This article focused on the importance of foreplay as it is a learning experience. Foreplay is the perfect time to spend understanding what your partner likes because without that, you will never learn what she really needs to be fully stimulated. Don't be shy; ask for feedback and also give your own. Both partners profit from good communication during foreplay and lovemaking. Also, without cutting the intensity of the moment, ask her what she really likes and what makes her go wild.
the time of her life
As a general rule, if she is satisfied with her sexual experience, she will usually make sure that you are satisfied as well. Good luck, and remember that only practice makes perfect. Don't ever forget the importance of foreplay.
Role of foreplay[edit]Foreplay is important from at least two considerations, one of which is purely physiological.[6] On the other hand, foreplay implies a certain level of confidence and trust between the partners and creates intimacy.
Psychologically, foreplay lowers inhibitions and increases emotional intimacy between partners. Physically, it stimulates the process that produces sexual arousal.
Foreplay has important physical and psychological effects on women, but maybe the latter is slightly more important. The biggest issue related to the ability of achieving orgasms is thought to be solved with the right foreplay techniques.
Female sexual dysfunction
Female Sexual Problems
What causes female sexual problems?
Who is affected by sexual problems?
How do sexual problems affect women?
How is a female sexual problem diagnosed?
How are female sexual problems treated?
Can female sexual problems be cured?
How do hormones affect sexual function?
What effect does a hysterectomy have on sexual function?
How does menopause affect a woman's sexual function?
When should I call my doctor about sexual problems?
A sexual problem, or sexual dysfunction, refers to a problem during any phase of the sexual response cycle that prevents the individual or couple from experiencing satisfaction from the sexual activity. The sexual response cycle has four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.
While research suggests that sexual dysfunction is common (43% of women and 31% of men report some degree of difficulty), it is a topic that many people are hesitant to discuss.
What Causes Sexual Problems?
Sexual dysfunction can be a result of a physical or psychological problem.
Physical causes: Many physical and/or medical conditions can cause sexual problems. These conditions include diabetes, heart disease, neurological diseases, hormonal imbalances, menopause, chronic diseases such as kidney disease or liver failure, and alcoholism and drug abuse. In addition, the side effects of certain medications, including some antidepressant drugs, can affect sexual desire and function.
Psychological causes: These include stress and anxiety, concern about sexual performance, marital or relationship problems, depression, feelings of guilt, and the effects of a past sexual trauma.
Who Is Affected by Sexual Problems?
Both men and women are affected by sexual problems. Sexual problems occur in adults of all ages. Among those commonly affected are those in seniors, which may be related to a decline in health associated with aging.
Female sexual dysfunction can happen at any age. Sexual problems often develop when your hormones are in flux — for example, after having a baby or during menopause. Sexual concerns may also occur with major illness, such as cancer, diabetes, or heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease.
Your problems might be classified as female sexual dysfunction if you experience one or more of the following — and you're distressed about it:
Your desire to have sex is low or absent.
You can't maintain arousal during sexual activity, or you don't become aroused despite a desire to have sex.
You can't experience an orgasm.
You have pain during sexual contact.
When to see a doctor
If sexual problems affect your relationship or disrupt your peace of mind, make an appointment with your doctor for evaluation.
Causes
Several factors contribute to sexual dissatisfaction or dysfunction. These factors tend to be interrelated.
Physical. Examples of physical conditions that may contribute to sexual problems include arthritis, urinary or bowel difficulties, pelvic surgery, fatigue, headaches, other pain problems, and neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis. Certain medications, including some antidepressants, blood pressure medications, antihistamines and chemotherapy drugs, can decrease your sex drive and your body's ability to experience orgasm.Hormonal. Lower estrogen levels after menopause may lead to changes in your genital tissues and sexual responsiveness. The folds of skin that cover your genital area (labia) become thinner, exposing more of the clitoris. This increased exposure sometimes reduces the sensitivity of the clitoris.
The vaginal lining also becomes thinner and less elastic, particularly if you're not sexually active, causing a need for more stimulation to relax and lubricate before intercourse. These factors can lead to painful intercourse (dyspareunia), and it may take longer to experience orgasm.
Your body's hormone levels also shift after giving birth and during breast-feeding, which can lead to vaginal dryness and can affect your desire to have sex.
Psychological and social. Untreated anxiety or depression can cause or contribute to sexual dysfunction, as can long-term stress. The worries of pregnancy and demands of being a new mother may have similar effects.
Longstanding conflicts with your partner — about sex or other aspects of your relationship — can diminish your sexual responsiveness as well.
Cultural and religious issues and problems with body image also may contribute.
Emotional distress can be both a cause and a result of sexual dysfunction. Regardless of where the cycle began, you usually need to address relationship issues for treatment to be effective.
Risk factors
Some factors may increase your risk of sexual dysfunction:
Depression or anxiety
Heart and blood vessel disease
Neurological conditions, such as spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis
Liver or kidney failure
Certain medications, such as antidepressants or high blood pressure medications
Emotional or psychological stress, especially with regard to your relationship with your partner
A history of sexual abuse
Preparing for your appointment
If you have ongoing sexual difficulties, such as low desire or lack of arousal, and it distresses you, make an appointment with your doctor. You may feel embarrassed to talk about sex with your doctor, but this topic is perfectly appropriate. A satisfying sex life is important to a woman's well-being at every age and stage of life.
You may have a treatable, underlying condition, or you may benefit from lifestyle changes, therapy or a combination of treatments. Your primary doctor may diagnose and treat the problem or refer you to a specialist.
Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment, and what to expect from your doctor.
What you can do
Gather information about:
Your symptoms. Take note of any sexual difficulties you're having, including when and how often you usually experience them.Your sexual history. Your doctor likely will ask about your relationships and experiences since you first became sexually active. He or she also may ask about any history of sexual trauma or abuse.Your medical history. Write down any medical conditions with which you've been diagnosed, including mental health conditions. Note the names and strengths of medications you take or have recently taken, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs.Questions to ask your doctor. Create a list of questions in advance to make the most of your time with your doctor.Basic questions to ask your doctor
Consider asking your doctor questions such as:
What may be causing my sexual difficulties?
Do I need any medical tests?
What treatment approach do you recommend?
If you're prescribing medication, are there any possible side effects?
How much improvement can I reasonably expect with treatment?
Are there any lifestyle changes or self-care steps that may help me?
Do you recommend therapy?
Should my partner be involved in treatment?
Do you have any printed material that I can have? What websites do you recommend?
Don't hesitate to ask more questions during your appointment as they occur to you.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor may ask a number of personal questions and may want to include your partner in the interview. To help determine the cause of your problem and the best course of treatment, be ready to answer questions such as:
What problems are you currently experiencing?
How much do these problems bother you?
How satisfied are you with your current relationship?
When did you first become sexually active?
Do you become aroused during sexual interactions with your partner?
Do you experience orgasm?
If you've had orgasms in the past, what were the circumstances?
Do you have pain with intercourse?
Are you using any form of birth control? If yes, what form?
What medications are you taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs as well as vitamins and supplements?
Do you use alcohol or recreational drugs? How much?
Have you ever had surgery that involved your reproductive system?
Have you been diagnosed with any other medical conditions, including mental health conditions?
Have you ever been the victim of sexual violence?
What you can do in the meantime
Keep the lines of communication open with your partner. Be honest about your dissatisfaction or the problem you're experiencing. Consider alternatives for intimacy and engage in sexual activities that are relaxing and rewarding for both of you. In this way, you can be intimate and ease the stress of the situation.
Tests and diagnosis
To diagnose female sexual dysfunction, your doctor will:
Discuss your sexual and medical history. You might be uneasy talking with your doctor about such personal matters, but your sexuality is a key part of your well-being. The more forthcoming you can be about your sexual history and current problems, the better your chances of finding an effective approach to treating them.Perform a pelvic exam. During the exam, your doctor checks for physical changes that affect your sexual enjoyment, such as thinning of your genital tissues, decreased skin elasticity, scarring or pain.Your doctor may also refer you to a counselor or therapist specializing in sexual and relationship problems.
Treatments and drugs
Female sexual dysfunction has many possible symptoms and causes, so treatment varies. Communicating your concerns and understanding your body and its normal response to sexual activity are important steps toward gaining sexual satisfaction.
Women with sexual concerns most often benefit from a combined treatment approach that addresses medical as well as relationship and emotional issues.
Nonmedical treatment for female sexual dysfunction
To treat sexual dysfunction, your doctor might recommend that you start with nonmedical strategies:
Talk and listen. Open, honest communication with your partner makes a world of difference in your sexual satisfaction. Even if you're not used to talking about your likes and dislikes, learning to do so and providing feedback in a nonthreatening way sets the stage for greater intimacy.Practice healthy lifestyle habits. Go easy on alcohol — drinking too much can blunt your sexual responsiveness. Stop smoking — smoking restricts blood flow to your sexual organs, decreasing sexual arousal. Be physically active — regular physical activity can increase your stamina and elevate your mood, enhancing romantic feelings. Learn ways to decrease stress so you can focus on and enjoy your sexual experience.Seek counseling. Talk with a counselor or therapist who specializes in sexual and relationship problems. Therapy often includes education about how to optimize your body's sexual response, ways to enhance intimacy with your partner, and recommendations for reading materials or couples exercises.Use a lubricant. A vaginal lubricant may be helpful during intercourse if you experience vaginal dryness or pain during sex.Try a device. Arousal improves with stimulation of the clitoris. Use a vibrator to provide clitoral stimulation. Although some women find clitoral vacuum suction devices helpful for enhancing sexual arousal, those devices can be cumbersome.Medical treatment for female sexual dysfunction
Effective treatment for sexual dysfunction often requires addressing an underlying medical condition or hormonal change.
To treat sexual dysfunction tied to an underlying medical condition, your doctor might recommend that you:
Adjust or change medication that has sexual side effects
Treat a thyroid problem or other hormonal condition
Optimize treatment for depression or anxiety
Try strategies for relieving pelvic pain or other pain problems
Treating female sexual dysfunction linked to a hormonal cause might include:
Estrogen therapy. Localized estrogen therapy comes in the form of a vaginal ring, cream or tablet. This therapy benefits sexual function by improving vaginal tone and elasticity, increasing vaginal blood flow and enhancing lubrication. Androgen therapy. Androgens include male hormones, such as testosterone. Testosterone plays a role in healthy sexual function in women as well as men, although women have much lower amounts of testosterone. Androgen therapy for sexual dysfunction is controversial, however. Some studies show a benefit for women who have low testosterone levels and develop sexual dysfunction; other studies show little or no benefit.The risks of hormone therapy may vary, depending on whether estrogen is given alone or with a progestin, your age, the dose and type of hormone, and health issues such as your risks of heart and blood vessel disease and cancer. Talk with your doctor about benefits and risks. In some cases, hormonal therapy might require close monitoring by your doctor.
Potential treatments that need more research
More research is needed before these agents might be recommended for treatment of female sexual dysfunction:
Tibolone. Tibolone is a synthetic steroid drug currently used in Europe and Australia for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. In one randomized trial, postmenopausal women taking the drug experienced an improvement in overall sexual function and a reduction in personal distress compared with postmenopausal women taking estrogen, but the effect was small. Due to concerns over increased risk of breast cancer and stroke in women taking tibolone, the drug isn't approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the U.S. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors. This group of medications has proved successful in treating erectile dysfunction in men, but the drugs don't work nearly as well in treating female sexual dysfunction. Studies looking into the effectiveness of these drugs in women show inconsistent results. One drug, sildenafil (Viagra), may prove beneficial for some women who experience sexual dysfunction as a result of taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class of drugs used to treat depression. However, don't take sildenafil if you use nitroglycerin for angina — a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. Issues surrounding female sexual dysfunction are usually complex, so even the best medications aren't likely to work if other emotional or social factors remain unresolved.
Lifestyle and home remedies
To boost your sexual health, practice these healthy lifestyle habits:
Avoid excessive alcohol. Drinking too much blunts sexual responsiveness.Don't smoke. Cigarette smoking restricts blood flow throughout your body. Less blood reaches your sexual organs, which means you could experience decreased sexual arousal and orgasmic response.Be physically active. Regular aerobic exercise increases your stamina, improves your body image and elevates your mood. This can help you feel more romantic, more often.Make time for leisure and relaxation. Learn ways to decrease stress, and allow yourself to relax amid the stresses of your daily life. Being relaxed can enhance your ability to focus on your sexual experiences and may help you attain more satisfying arousal and orgasm.
Alternative medicine
More research is needed, but promising therapies for improving sexual satisfaction include:
Mindfulness. This type of meditation is based on being mindful, or having an increased awareness and acceptance of living in the present moment. You focus on what you experience during meditation, such as the flow of your breath. You can observe your thoughts and emotions but let them pass without judgment. Some research shows that mindfulness practiced during the course of group therapy improved many aspects of sexual response and reduced personal distress in women with desire and arousal disorders.Acupuncture. Acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely thin needles into your skin at strategic points on your body. Acupuncture may have positive effects on women with sexual pain disorders. Another possible therapy is acupuncture to improve libido in women with low desire, although this area has yet to be rigorously studied. Yoga. During yoga, you perform a series of postures and controlled breathing exercises to promote a more flexible body and a calm mind. Certain subsets of yoga aim to channel the body's sexual energy and improve sexual functioning. Very little data exist on the benefits of yoga on sexual functioning. However, the practice of yoga is associated with improved psychological well-being and overall health.
Coping and support
At each stage of your life, you may experience changes in sexual desire, arousal and satisfaction. To better adapt:
Understand your body and what makes for a healthy sexual response. The more you and your partner know about the physical aspects of your body and how it functions, the better able you'll be to find ways to ease sexual difficulties.Gather information. Ask your doctor or look for educational materials to learn how issues such as aging, illnesses, pregnancy, menopause and medicines might affect your sex life.Communicate openly with your partner. Be flexible in your approach to intimacy with your partner. Continue to engage in the areas of intimacy that are working well for the two of you.Accept changes that occur. Explore new aspects of your sexuality during times of transition to improve your sexual experiences.Sexual response often has as much to do with your feelings for your partner as it does with physical sexual stimuli. Reconnect and discover each other again.
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