How to Cope With Sexual Dysfunction - Women

In the film "When Harry Met Sally," Meg Ryan vividly exposed a rather sad truth: Some women have learned, and feel either compelled or obliged, to fake it. Time and an open mind can help you identify and address what is preventing you from experiencing real sexual pleasure.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Clarify whether you are experiencing a lack of interest in sexual activity, pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse, an inability to have an orgasm or a combination of these.
2. Try to pinpoint when your sexual dysfunction began, how often it occurs and under what circumstances, recalling who you were with, what activities you engaged in and where you were.
3. Speak with a doctor who specializes in sexual dysfunction to determine whether your sex life is being affected by physical health or mental health problems, personal trauma or other circumstances.
4. Ask the doctor for referrals to other professionals who specialize in sexual dysfunction so that you can work through the emotional issues of your unsatisfactory sexual experiences - regardless of whether these are the cause of your sexual dysfunction or simply a result of it.
5. Review your own personal history, including how you were socialized to think about sex and any experiences of sexual abuse or other violent experiences that may now influence your thoughts concerning sex.
6. Allow yourself whatever time you need to overcome your sexual difficulties, discovering what is pleasurable to you and learning how to ask for what you want in a sexual relationship.

Tips & Warnings

• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.