Diseases and Conditions
Female sexual dysfunction
Overview
Symptoms
Causes
Risk factors
Diagnosis
Treatment
Lifestyle and home remedies
Alternative medicine
Coping and support
Preparing for an appointment
Diagnosis
To diagnose female sexual dysfunction, your doctor may:
- Discuss your sexual and medical history. You might be uneasy talking with your doctor about such personal matters, but your sexuality is a key part of your well-being. The more upfront you can be about your sexual history and current problems, the better your chances of finding an effective way to treat them.
- Perform a pelvic exam. During the exam, your doctor checks for physical changes that affect your sexual enjoyment, such as thinning of your genital tissues, decreased skin elasticity, scarring or pain.
- Order blood tests. Your doctor may recommend blood tests to check for underlying health conditions that might contribute to sexual dysfunction.
Your doctor may also refer you to a counselor or therapist specializing in sexual and relationship problems.