According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the definition of sexual health is the state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being concerning sexuality. Sexual dysfunction is a condition where an individual or a couple cannot derive pleasure from sex or is completely unable to do it. It can be problems with arousal, reaching orgasm, lack of desire for sex, and painful intercourse.
It can be caused by a number of factors. In females, it might be caused by a number of reasons ranging from physical conditions to emotional or mental issues. Though there are limited studies on the relation between sexual dysfunction and mental health, to an extent it has been proved that the two might be interconnected. This article discusses the relationship between female sexual dysfunction and mental health.
Causes Of Female Sexual Dysfunction
Before discussing the relationship between female sexual dysfunction and mental health, an overview of its causes will be looked at.
Relation Between Sexual Dysfunction And Mental Health
The relationship between female sexual dysfunction and mental health is a tricky one. This is because mental health and be both the cause and effect of sexual female dysfunction. And Surprisingly enough, female sexual dysfunction and mental disorders were treated as synonymous with each other in the centuries before.
Even though this synonymous usage was started during the post-war era due to the important part played by the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, this persisted in the recent 20th century too.
➡️Mental Or Psychological Conditions As A Cause Of Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual performance is directly associated with sexual desire. Without the desire for sex, you become less sexually active. Becoming less sexually active would result in the thinning of the vaginal lining and losing its elasticity. This makes sex less pleasurable. Mental conditions like anxiety, stress, and depression can reduce a person’s desire for sex. Feelings of low self-esteem and a lack of confidence can also affect sexual performance.
➡️ Sexual Dysfunction As A Cause Of Mental Or Psychological Conditions
As already mentioned above the relationship between mental or psychological conditions and sexual performance goes both ways. Just like psychological conditions are a cause of sexual dysfunction, sexual dysfunction can also cause psychological or mental issues. Sex is a pleasurable and enjoyable experience. Getting this pleasure in life is important to everyone.
Sex also plays an important role in the relationship between romantic partners. It can mend relationships and establish stronger connections. Not being able to perform good sex can affect a person’s mental health. The difficulty in reaching orgasm or suffering from pain during intercourse makes sex an activity that is far from enjoyable. This can cause frustration and irritation and can take a toll on the mental health of a person.
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Conclusion
Sexual health and sexual dysfunctions though as important as other aspects of the life and body, are still not talked about openly. Many people are embarrassed to open up about their concerns regarding sex or consider it a taboo topic.
Sexual dysfunctions if not treated can lead to other conditions that are psychological like depression or anxiety. It can take a toll on a person’s relationship with their partner. These factors give evidence enough to not disregard sexual dysfunction as a matter just between the sheets.
