Sexual problems

enlarge

Sex can be an amazing source of pleasure. Besides feeling good, sex also appears to have health benefits: It burns calories, relieves stress and headache pain, and may even strengthen your immunity. Of course, sex has consequences, including pregnancy. Unprotected sexual activity can put a woman at risk of sexually transmitted infections.

Complications Some women have difficulty enjoying sex because of these sexual problems:

Anorgasmia About 10 percent of women are unable to achieve orgasm, called anorgasmia.

What you can do: Learning to relax, good communication, fantasizing and using a vibrator may all make it easier to achieve orgasm.

Low libido Previous research has suggested that 33 percent of women experience low libido. Women may experience a decline in libido during peri-menopause and menopause. Low testosterone levels in women, vaginal dryness and relationship problems may also contribute to a lack of desire.

What you can do: While there is no female Viagra for women, anyone experiencing a loss of desire can talk to their doctor about treatment options, such as lubricants, testosterone therapy or relationship counseling if relationship difficulties are to blame.

Vaginismus is a medical condition involves muscle tightening when anything is inserted into the vagina, causing pain that ranges from mild discomfort to severe burning.

What you can do: Vaginismus can be cured by gradually learning how to control and relax the muscles that are tightening involuntarily, by doing exercises such as Kegels. 

More info from Chatelaine
How long should sex last? How often are couples having sex? What is "normal?
Do you have an unhealthy relationship with sex?
Should you force yourself to have sex to please your partner?

Outside resources
Sexualityandu.ca