The Truth behind the Need for Vaginal Rejuvenation No One Likes to Discuss
- By Serre Stick | June 25, 2018
- Filed under: sensitive skin, vaginal dryness
As the number of women opting for vaginal rejuvenation procedures increases, it makes sense to consider why this is a growing trend. Do women undergo these procedures only to increase aesthetic appeal or is something greater at stake?
Sophie Kingsley’s decision to get a ‘Barbie vagina’ had more to do with self-esteem and being able to do her job confidently than vanity. While a less interesting sex life wasn’t the main reason she had opted for labiaplasty, she certainly was averse to spending intimate moments with partners with the lights turned on!
And that is just the tip of the iceberg! Like Carmen, whose low sex drive was a result of her feeling unattractive, for many women, and their partners, sexual dysfunction can stem from body image issues. Sometimes, fixing body image might not bring about as desirable results as fixing the body can, but not addressing underlying issues first can be a grave mistake.
If you’re unsure whether or not you and/or your partner are experiencing sexual satisfaction, it’s time to take a detailed look at sexual dysfunction and how it can take its toll on an otherwise healthy relationship.
What Is Sexual Dysfunction?
Sexual dysfunction is nothing but a sexual problem that occurs at any stage during the sexual response cycle or normal sexual activity, preventing an individual or a couple from experiencing sexual gratification. Sexual response is a complex interplay of components like emotions, relationships, physiology, etc., disruption of any one of which can affect sexual desire, arousal, and satisfaction.
Sexual dysfunction can affect both males and females, manifesting in many forms. Older adults are commonly affected due to normal aging, but there are other factors that for sexual problems too.
What Are the Symptoms and Causes of Female Sexual Dysfunction?
Men and women experience different symptoms of sexual dysfunction. Here are common sexual problems that affect women:
❖ Inhibited Desire
Lack of sexual desire or decreased interest in sex can come about from hormonal changes, depression, stress, fatigue, pregnancy, medical conditions, and certain treatments such as chemotherapy. Boredom caused by going through with the same sexual routine can also dampen desire! Studies also show that women who evaluate their bodies negatively have lower sexual desire and arousal.
❖ Inability to Get Aroused
Usually, insufficient vaginal lubrication from anxiety or inadequate foreplay can keep women from getting aroused. Lubrication issues might stem from health problems or low hormone levels too, in which case using lubricants can help. That being said, excessive vaginal dryness, menopause, or the partner’s sexual problems can also make it harder for women to get in the mood.
❖ Inability to Orgasm
Lack of orgasm, known as anorgasmia, is absence of climax, which can be caused by lack of knowledge or inexperience. Factors like inadequate stimulation, chronic diseases and medications, anxiety, past trauma or abuse, and guilt also come into play.
❖ Excessive Pain
Vaginismus, a condition that causes painful involuntary spasms of the vaginal wall muscles can occur in women who fear penetration assuming it to be very painful, or who are dealing with past trauma or sexual phobia. Other reasons for painful intercourse can be lack of lubrication, STD infection, health problems like ovarian cysts or endometriosis, or presence of pelvic mass or scar tissue from past surgery.
How Does Sexual Dysfunction Affect a Relationship?
To understand this, it’s important to define the role of sex in a relationship. Countless studies show that a satisfactory sexual life is associated to a happy relationship. And why not? Sex itself has numerous health benefits to offer, and when indulged in with a loved one, it can be the key to positivity and satisfaction in all walks of life!
Just as sex can help form a strong bond between partners, it can also be the source of dissatisfaction and frustration in a relationship. Hormones and desire levels are bound to fluctuate, which can mean one partner has a higher sex drive than the other. Problems surface when sex turns into a chore for the one with the lower sex drive, or when one or both partners are unable to feel satisfied sexually.
Male or female sexual dysfunction can cause the affected individual to feel insecurity or guilt, and lead them to withdraw from their partner physically as well as emotionally. This may leave the other partner feeling neglected and create room for self-doubt. At times, the other partner’s loving feelings can be replaced by feelings of self-blame or anger.
Setting unrealistic expectations, a lack of intimacy, and unhealthy communication are the reasons for divorce! If not timely addressed with open communication and understanding, sexual dysfunction can very well serve as the impetus for a failed relationship.
Can Female Sexual Dysfunction Be Treated?
Female sexual dysfunction doesn’t have to be treated if it doesn’t bother you at all. When treatment is needed, most problems can be solved by the patient and their partner with a little understanding, some creativity, and an open mind.
Here are some strategies:
➢ Communicate openly with your partner, talking about likes and dislikes to build intimacy. Always provide feedback and encourage actions and touches that make you feel good.
➢ Use devices, toys, lubricants, or whatever you need to while masturbating or having sex with your partner. Experiment and find out what you like and what you’re comfortable with.
➢ Indulge in non-coital behaviors such as cuddling, giving and receiving sensual massages, etc. to build intimacy with your partner.
➢Practice healthy living- eat right, drink more water, cut down on alcohol and smoking, and exercise regularly. Changing your lifestyle can improve health, elevate mood, increase stamina, and reduce stress so you can enjoy sexual encounters.
Treatment for other problems depends on the nature of the sexual dysfunction and the underlying cause. For example, lack of desire or arousal due to vaginal laxity, or looseness of the vagina, can be dealt with by opting for surgical or non-surgical treatments or using non-invasive treatment options like tightening wands, creams, or gels.
Conclusion
Female sexual dysfunction is not talked about as commonly as male sexual dysfunction. However, with the rising number of women investing in vaginal rejuvenation products and procedures, it does seem that women are taking charge of their own happiness.
Understanding the root cause of your distress is crucial, and we hope that with this post, you now have clarity with regards to sexual dysfunction and can identify what needs to be done to make your life happier and healthier!