There are very few studies in India which has tried to study and analyse femalesexual dysfunction. One study done among 149 Indian women (Singh et al) reported the following sexual difficulties among women:
Lubrication – 97%
Sexual arousal – 91%
Orgasm – 87%
Satisfaction – 81%
Sexual desire – 77%
Sexual pain – 65%
The fundamental problem here is the lack of understanding among both men and women about the female sexual anatomy and functioning including menstruation, sexual intercourse and female masturbation. Having basic knowledge about these topics is very essential for a positive and healthy sexual life. Evidence suggests that healthy sexual functioning is an important aspect of a woman’s sense of well-being and quality of life but sadly most women (and their physicians) avoids discussions about sex. Female sexual dysfunction has four main causes:
Physical or biological problems
This refers to sexual problems which are caused by various illnesses, diseases, medications or hormonal imbalance through events like menopause. (Read: How obesity can harm your sex life)
Mental or psychological problems
Sometimes psychological problems like mood disturbances, previous traumatic experience like sexual abuse, stress related to work, family, studies, etc. can all hamper a woman’s sex life. (Read: When should you see a sex therapist?)
Relationship issues
A woman’s relationship with their partner plays a major role in her sexual well-being. Problems can arise when someone is stuck in a problematic or unsatisfactory marriage (a problem quite real in India’s arranged marriage culture) or relationship, unhappiness about the partner’s sexual skills which can include low libido, premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction or even a simple scenario like having children at home.
Social and cultural notions about sex and immorality
Despite recent advancements, India remains a conservative society where sexual pleasure is considered sinful and this can lead to a scenario where women feel that any form of premarital sexual act is immoral and against religion and that sex should only be practised after marriage and for reproduction. (Read: Sex education: The need of the hour)
Vaginismus – a very painful affair
One of the most common types of sexual dysfunction is a condition called vaginismus. It refers to an involuntary spasm of the muscles at the lower end of the vagina which can make penetration an incredibly painful and sometimes impossible affair. It happens because instead of relaxing the muscles tense up. A woman suffering from it can’t control when the muscles will spasm. It can happen when she is trying to have sex or when she is having a medical examination, like a pap smear. The spasm can be so strong that nothing can go into the vagina and she feels pain when trying to put anything into the vagina (including fingers, tampons, penis or speculum for pap smears). There can also be no obvious cause and yet the muscle spasm still happens. (Read: Could vaginismus be making sex painful for her?)
Treating the problem
The treatment of choice with vaginismus is program that combines education, including information about sexual anatomy, physiology, the sexual response cycle, and common myths about sex, counselling and exercises. Exercises include pelvic floor muscle contraction and relaxation (Kegel exercises) to improve voluntary control of the muscles.