Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)

Definition of Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)

Female Sexual Arousal Disorder is the inability to attain or maintain sufficient sexual excitement, causing personal distress, which may be expressed as a lack of subjective excitement, or genital (lubrication/swelling) or other somatic responses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 criteria for diagnoses:

  1. Persistent or recurrent inability to attain or to maintain an adequate lubrication-swelling response of sexual excitement until completion of sexual activity, which causes distress or interpersonal difficulty
  2. Sexual dysfunction is not better accounted for by another dysfunction or a direct effect of substance abuse or medical condition

Prevalence of Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Female Sexual Arousal Disorder is a common condition, which frequently co-presents with Hypoactive Sexual Arousal Disorder.

Contributing Factors of Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)

Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)Contributing Factors of female sexual arousal disorder are:

Physiological Effects, such as:

  • Menopausal/postmenopausal reductions in estrogen levels
  • Atrophic vaginitis
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Radiotherapy of the pelvis

Psychosocial Factors, such as:

  • Sexual myths
  • Lack of knowledge about one's body
  • Interpersonal distress
  • Relational conflict
  • Anger
  • Fear
  • Guilt

Sexual Interaction Issues:

  • Lack of sexual stimulation
  • Lack of physical intimacy
  • Lack of emotional intimacy and closeness

Treatment of Female Sexual Aversion Disorder (FSAD)

The management of Female Sexual Arousal Disorder can include:

Drug Treatment:

Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)Currently, drug treatment of Female Sexual Arousal Disorder, including sildenafil (Viagra), is not recommended, although anecdotal success has been reported.

Urogenital atrophy is the most common cause of arousal disorders in postmenopausal women, and estrogens replacement, when appropriate, is usually effective therapy. However, women taking systemic estrogens occasionally require supplementation with local therapy.

Please consult you GP or doctor for appropriate treatment advice.

Vacuum Device:

The device, known as the EROS clitoral therapy device (EROS-CTD), is designed to treat female sexual arousal disorder and is approved for women who experience reduced sensation, lubrication, and ability to achieve orgasm. The device consists of a small vacuum pump that is placed over the clitoris to apply gentle suction to the region and increase blood flow, aiding in sexual arousal.

Sex Therapy/Counselling

Sex therapy or counselling is often recommended in order to address the psychological issues present in females with Arousal Disorder.

Sexual Health Australia is a confidential counselling service, specialised in sexual health and relationship issues. We have experienced sex therapists and relationship counsellors who offer counselling and support for women with Female Sexual Arousal Disorder and their partners.

We offer individual and/or couple's counselling. Face to face counselling is offered in Sydney CBD and phone counselling is offered nationally. 

Sex therapy/counselling for Sexual Aversion Disorder may include some of the following:

  • Anxiety reduction/desensitization
  • Cognitive restructuring techniques
  • Psychosexual education
  • Enhancing communication
  • Behavioural assignments/homework exercises

If you wish to make an appointment with one of our friendly counsellors or require further information, please don't hesitate to contact us at:



For more information about our counselling sessions/appointment fees, please click here.

 

Make an Appointment

Use the form below to book an appointment with one of our counsellors




Intimacy Issues?  You are not alone

Send us your feedback