Female Arousal Disorder is defined as a women’s inability to lubricate or get aroused from sexual stimulation. This can range from a little arousal to no arousal at all. It is based on a number of factors: biological, physiological, psychological, and cultural.

Women who experience Female Arousal Disorder will not lubricate normally or feel aroused from sexual stimulation. A woman experiencing this dysfunction will have little to no natural lubricant as well as little to no arousal in the excitement phase of sexual response.

Many women will continue to have sexual contact even though there are no pleasurable feelings. They may do this to maintain appearances in their marriage or out of self-expectation. Many women will have strong negative feelings regarding sex, their partner(s), and themselves. They will usually find reasons or make up excuses to avoid sexual contact.

The normal sexual aroused state requires a relaxed mindset. This visceral response is regulated by the autonomic nervous system. If the autonomic nervous system is upset, it can cause negative emotions, reshifting of the blood flow (away from the abdomen and genitals), as well as spastic muscles. A number of these issues can affect the excitement and plateau stages of female sexual response. Thus, making it difficult, if not impossible, to respond sexually.

The psychological aspect of Female Arousal Disorder is also important. The perspectives a person has regarding sex will impact their sexual response and satisfaction. Sexual response is a biological function, but it is also dependant on psychological factors. If most women who have this dysfunction are unresponsive to sexual contact, the thought of such contact is stressful. That anxiety and attitude will help keep the non-responsive behavior. Fearing their inability, judgment of a partner, or reluctance to communicate needs can all create emotional reactions that impair sexual response.

Treating All Sexual Dysfunctions

It is important to go and see a physician and psychologist/clinician to help determine if a woman has a sexual dysfunction. A physician would help to determine that the female sexual response cycle is not inhibited by any physical factors. Sometime hormone replacement therapy may be necessary if her hormone levels are less than normal. If there is a blood flow problem, then some vascular treatments may be done. Creams to handheld devices may be used to increase blood flow. Also, nerve-related loss in the genitals may be present and addressed.

A sexologist, sex therapist, or psychologist would help determine the psychological factors that may be aiding in the sexual dysfunction. The evaluation would include looking at your past and current sexual practices, as well as providing educational tasks to assist in treating the dysfunction. All female sexual dysfunctions benefit from a clinicians education of female sexual response cycle, environmental stimulation, as well as promoting self-knowledge regarding sexual practices.

Psychologically Treating - Arousal Disorders

Generally treating arousal disorders may differ as they require additional inhibition tools to allow for orgasm. The treatment will deal with the general cultural and psychological perspectives associated with inhibiting orgasm. It will also require at-home exercises that continually progress from masturbation, to vibrators, to various sexual positions that provide more clitoral stimulation. Changing attitudes and fears of sexual pleasure are a necessary process in helping to create easier arousal. Often the talk therapy will be similar to other treatment of sexual dysfunctions involving examining past sexual stimuli and education regarding human sexuality.