Treating Female Sexual Dysfunction

Solutions for better intimacy.

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Female Sexual Dysfunction

Treating Female Sexual Dysfunction

Solutions for better intimacy.

Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) is often overlooked and under-treated. While treatments for men experiencing erectile dysfunction are readily available, many women are left wondering what options are available to them. Some women don’t even realize they are experiencing FSD, or that their symptoms can be treated to make for more satisfying intimacy.

Does this sound like you? If so, we can help. As Women's Health specialists, we can address sexual health issues to help improve your quality of life.

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What is Female Sexual Dysfunction?

Symptoms of FSD

Female Sexual Dysfunction includes several symptoms that affect different aspects of female sexual wellness. Research shows that an estimated 43% of women experience one or more of these symptoms — which means you're not alone. Defy Medical can help you address different factors that can lead to FSD.

Symptoms include:

Low sexual desire or libido – this is sometimes called Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD).
While you may desire sex, you might have difficulty becoming aroused or maintaining arousal during intimacy.
Persistent difficulty in achieving orgasm.
Vaginal dryness or pain during intimacy.

(Shifren JL, et.al. Obstet Gynecol.2008 Nov;112(5):970-8)

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Causes of FSD

Women can experience sexual health issues at various stages of life, and many factors play a role in loss of enjoyment during sex. Some of factors that contribute to FSD include:

Decreased Testosterone and Estrogen levels
Medication side effects
Chronic health conditions
Loss of a spouse or partner
Lack of emotional intimacy
Conflict and stress
Certain medical conditions
Changes in mood and emotional state

Sex is an integral part of any relationship, and studies have proven it is beneficial to your health. A healthy sex life decreases stress and heart disease, while increasing happiness and sense of well-being. We take Female Sexual Health seriously and provide real, science-backed solutions to help.

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How Aging and Hormones Affect Sexual Health

As we age, our hormone levels naturally decrease. In women, this leads to hormonal imbalances involving hormones like Estrogen and Testosterone. Although women produce a much smaller amount of Testosterone than men, a deficiency can still create noticeable symptoms. That's because Testosterone is responsible for a woman's sexual desire and responsiveness, mood, sense of well-being and mental acuity. As it does in men, Testosterone plays an important role in maintaining a woman’s desire.

Restoring optimal hormone balance can help improve your desire and reverse some of the symptoms associated with FSD. If necessary, we can also prescribe supplemental Sexual Health treatments to help improve libido and ease physical symptoms.

Interested in learning more?

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Available Treatments

Defy Medical offers many treatments for Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD). The right treatment for you depends on many factors, and we work directly with you to get an in-depth understanding of your symptoms and goals for treatment. We also review your comprehensive labwork to create a complete picture of your health. Your protocol will be individualized based on your needs, and will be adjusted according to your feedback to treatment and consistent follow-up labwork.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormonal imbalance and deficiencies can affect sexual health. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) supplements these hormones to bring levels into optimal ranges. "Bioidentical" refers to the fact that the hormones are structurally the same as the ones that occur naturally in your body.

Learn more about BHRT

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Women's bodies produce Testosterone (in lesser amounts than men), and the hormone plays an important role in female sexual health and desire. Supplementing Testosterone or other androgens to raise hormone levels can help improve sexual health.

Testosterone is available in different forms depending on patient preference. Options include:

Subcutaneous pellet
Injection
Nasal gel
Topical cream

Libido Cream (Arousal Cream)

Topical libido or arousal cream can help increase blood flow and improve sensation. The combination of ingredients can improve female libido and sexual enjoyment. These ingredients include:

Aminophylline
Ergoloid mesylate
L-arginine
Pentoxifylline
Sildenafil citrate
Testosterone

Oxytocin

Oxytocin is often called the Hormone of Love because it is released during sexual intimacy, and it is theorized to help improve mood and personal connection. Oxytocin can be prescribed as a supplemental medication to potentailly have an impact on sexual desire.

Learn more about Oxytocin.

Sildenafil Citrate

Sildenafil citrate is a PDE5 inhibitor that is often used to treat erectile dysfunction — but Sildenafil citrate has been reported to increase blood flow to the vaginal area, as well.

PDE5 receptors are present in vaginal, clitoral and labial smooth muscle, and Sildenafil citrate can help to relax clitoral tissue. Evidence from randomized controlled trials shows that Sildenafil citrate is moderately effective in treating arousal disorder. More studies are needed to confirm these findings; however, Sildenafil citrate has a good safety profile in both women and men.

Bremelanotide (PT-141)

Vyleesi™, the brand name for Bremelanotide, is typically used to treat HSDD. Defy Medical offers affordable bremelanotide options for patients with limited access to the brand name prescription.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections

PRP is a non-invasive, in-office medical procedure designed to improve arousal and physical responses to stimulation and/or penetration.

Combination Therapy

Treatment may involve one or more therapies. For example, many patients experiencing female sexual dysfunction benefit from hormone restoration along with secondary supplemental medication to treat the physical symptoms of FSD. Defy Medical's care team will work with you to find the right treatments for you based on your goals, symptoms, and comprehensive lab results.

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