Sexual dysfunction has the public perception of primarily being a male condition. Erectile dysfunction is the most commonly recognized form. However, women are also subject to sexual dysfunction resulting from multiple known sources. Mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and emotional distress can all play a role. It doesn’t matter if these concerns are related to work, relationships, or other sources; they can all impact sexual function. We’ll learn more about women’s sexual dysfunction and a new treatment available below.
Understanding The Cause of Women’s Sexual Dysfunction
We’ve already discussed the ability of mental health concerns to impact women’s sexual desire. These aren’t the only causes behind the condition, however. As research into the phenomena continues, we discover more underlying causes and better understand their causes. Menopause, heart disease, arthritis, and some neurological conditions can have a direct impact. It’s also been discovered that certain kinds of medication can be involved as well, particularly medicine for depression.
One fact that has become apparent during studies of this phenomenon. Some women experience sexual dysfunction without any of the previously discussed factors being involved. When this happens, it’s classified as female arousal disorder or female sexual interest disorder. Since its discovery, it has been listed in the DSMD, Or Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders, in the 5th edition. This condition combined female sexual arousal disorder and hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). Prior to this, these two conditions were listed separately. Initial statistics indicate that somewhere between 5% to 15% of all women experience this condition.
This is where Flibanserin comes in. Flibanserin is a drug that the FDA approved in 2015. Its approval listed it as an appropriate treatment for premenopausal women and experiencing low sexual desire. This drug functions by connecting with serotonin receptors. Serotonin is a common neurotransmitter that plays a role in digestion, sleep, mood, and numerous other bodily functions. Flibanserin use in treating low sexual desire in women shares a trait with the use of Botox for treating migraines. While studies have incontrovertibly shown these treatments to be effective, the exact mechanism by which they work isn’t understood.
What is clear is that women experiencing this condition can benefit from the use of Flibanserin. However, it is not without side effects. While rare, some women report that they experience fainting and low blood pressure while under the effects of Flibanserin. It’s known that these symptoms intensify when under the influence of alcohol, making the combination risky and generally best avoided. Some antifungal agents and birth control pills have also been shown to intensify the risk of these effects. Finally, women who have a history of liver problems are not eligible for treatment with this condition.
Speak To Your Women’s Health Provider About Flibanserin
If you’re living with symptoms related to female sexual disorder or HMDD, speak to your women’s health provider. They’ll be able to provide important information about its use and effectiveness. They can also determine if it’s an appropriate approach to treating your symptoms.
