Female Sexual Arousal Disorder or simply "FSAD" occurs when a woman is unable to attain and maintain a full and complete erection of her clitoris along with sufficient vaginal lubrication during intercourse to be able to reach an orgasm.  

Female Sexual Arousal Disorder may also be diagnosed when the woman has no desire for sexual intercourse. 

Female Sexual Arousal Disorder affects up to 43 percent of all women, or an estimated 90 million women. Most women (more than 1/2) with FSAD are postmenopausal. Some women with Female Sexual Arousal Disorder describe the condition as being "unable to get turned on," or being continually disinterested in sex. Female Sexual Arousal Disorder has  also been called "frigidity." Other symptoms of Female Sexual Arousal Disorder may include dyspareunia and vaginismus, both of which involve pain during intercourse.

The woman and her husband/partner should both be seen as this is a "couple's problem" that is typically best resolved with both partners in treatment.  Their doctor will also insure that this  is not the result of another psychological disorder which could be a primary problem. 

If the husband/ partner of a patient with suspected Female Sexual Arousal Disorder feels that this is a problem within the relationship, that concern should be sufficient for the individual to seek psychological consultation.

What is Female Erectile Dysfunction?

Female Erectile Dysfunction occurs when a woman is unable to attain, and maintain a complete erection of her clitoris through orgasm.

If the husband/partner of a patient with suspected Female Erectile Dysfunction feels that this is a problem within the relationship, his concern should be sufficient for the individual to seek psychological consultation. 

Female Sexual Problems are also referred to as "Female Sexual Dysfunction."  A woman may have one or more Female Sexual Problems that we are just now learning that may be related to a number of factors.  

Typically, Female Sexual Problems are labeled generically as "Female Sexual Dysfunction" until such time as her doctor or therapist may be able to make a proper diagnosis.  

Female Sexual Problems may be a cause of significant distress to both her and her husband. 

If the husband/partner of a patient with suspected Female Sexual Problems feels that this is a problem within the relationship, his concern should be sufficient for the individual to seek psychological consultation. 

Female Orgasmic Disorder is defined as a sexual dysfunction that is characterized by a persistent or recurrent delay or absence of orgasm following the excitement phase of the female sexual response cycle, causing significant distress or interpersonal problems, and not being attributable to a drug or a general medical condition. Female Orgasmic Disorder is directly related with the woman's inability to attain and maintain a fully-erect clitoris.  

Without a full erection of the clitoris, a woman cannot reach an orgasm. 

Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder or "HSDD" has been defined as a deficiency or absence of sexual fantasies and desire for sexual activity. Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder is considered a disorder if it causes distress for the woman or husband.  The woman and her husband should both be seen as this is a "couple's problem" that is typically best resolved with both partners in treatment.  Their doctor will also insure that this  is not the result of another psychological disorder which could be a primary problem. 

If the husband/partner of a patient with suspected Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder feels that this is a problem within the relationship, his concern should be sufficient for the individual to seek psychological consultation.

Masters and Johnson were the first researchers to propose a “four phase” model of sexual response. They conducted experimental research with adults, both observing adults engaging in sexual behaviors, and measuring what happens to the body during sexual behaviors.

While this description of female sexual response can be a helpful way to start thinking about your own sexual response, try not to use it as a strict guide to measure yourself against. For one thing, the description only deals with physical changes in your body. Your sexual response is much more than blood flow and lubrication.

If you’re experience is different it doesn’t necessarily mean there is anything wrong with you. While there are some generalities, the reality is that everyone is different, and everyone’s sexual response may be a bit different too. There are limitations to the research that Masters and Johnson conducted, and some researchers argue that separating sexual response into stages doesn’t make any sense at all.

Here is what Masters and Johnson found to happen during the four phases of the sexual response cycle for women.

Phase 1 of the Female Sexual Response – Excitement

In response to sexual stimuli (whether psychological in the form of sexual thoughts or fantasies, or physical in the form of physical stimulation) vaginal lubrication will usually begin. There are many reasons why women may have less (or no) vaginal lubrication, even when there is excitement and arousal. Other physical changes may include:

• Vasocongestion will result in the clitoris becoming engorged.

• The size and shape of the labia may change.

• The inner two thirds of the vagina may expand.

• There may be an enlargement of the breasts.

• The skin may become flushed, women may experience heightened sensitivity in parts of their body, like the nipples.

• Some increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension.

Phase 2 of the Female Sexual Response – Plateau

With continued sexual stimulation this phase represents the time between the initial arousal and excitement, up until orgasm. Physical changes during this phase may include:

• A continued swelling of the tissues in the vagina, which may be accompanied by contractions of the vaginal opening.

• The clitoris can withdraw into the clitoral hood and the external clitoris can shorten in size.

• The labia minora increase in size and turn a reddish-purple.

• There may be a sex flush, muscle tension, increase in heart rate and rising blood pressure.

Phase 3 of the Female Sexual Response – Orgasm

Masters and Johnson description of female orgasm does not include any information about
female ejaculation accompanying orgasm. Physical changes involved in female orgasm may include:

• Contractions of the pelvic muscles around the vagina.

• The uterus and anal sphincter also contract in a throbbing or rhythmic way.

• Muscles may spasm, blood pressure and heart rate reach a peak.

• The contractions (which occur at different speeds, and in different amounts) are usually what are experienced as highly pleasurable feelings of release.

Phase 4 of the Female Sexual Response – Resolution

Resolution phase refers to the period of time immediately following an orgasm, when the body begins to return to its “normal” state. This phase includes:

• Blood that had engorged areas of the body now flows out, swelling decreases and eventually muscle tension and skin flush go away.

• A general feeling of relaxation.

Source: Human Sexual Response, W.H. Masters & V.E. Johnson, 1966.

Female Sexual Function, in a healthy woman, successfully responds to, and experiences the 4 phases of the Female Sexual Response Cycle.

Are You Suffering from Vaginal Relaxation?

Did you know that about 35 million to 40 million American women – and their husbands and partners - are suffering from “Vaginal Relaxation”?

“Vaginal Relaxation” is often referred to as a “loose vagina” wherein the vagina is not as tight as it once was, whether due to vaginal childbirth, age, or other vaginal trauma. The vagina has become relaxed, or loose, and now it has become a problem for the woman, as well as her husband/partner.

Some women, as another symptom of Vaginal Relaxation, have problems controlling their urine in certain situations or notice changes in their bowel habits. These symptoms of Vaginal Relaxation are typically related to one or more problems that occur as a result of vaginal childbirth, other vaginal trauma, aging or a combination of the above.

There is hope!  Women, and their husbands/partners, no longer need to suffer from Vaginal Relaxation.  More and more doctors are treating women and couples suffering from Vaginal Relaxation with treatments – sometimes including surgery – that will help them return to a life without the embarrassment, disappointments and heartache of the symptoms and discomforts associated with Vaginal Relaxation.

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