Psychological and Physical Causes of Female Impotence Article

Jun 10

Psychological and Physical Causes of Female Impotence

Prior to the sexual revolution in the 1950s and 1960s, sex was viewed as something a woman does in order to please her partner or as a means of procreation. It doesn’t matter if she does not enjoy it, she is not expected to. This belief actually still holds true for a large number of Black women today. However, with the advent of sexual revolution, more women are embracing their sexuality in a responsible manner and without the old misconceptions. In spite of this change of perspective, a lot of women still suffer from sexual impotence or the inability to enjoy sex. Here’s a look on several psychological and physical barriers which prevent women from obtaining pleasure from sex:

A. PSYCHOLOGICAL BARRIERS

Some women actually lack self-confidence when they engage in a sexual activity. The mere thought of taking their clothes off in front of another person is enough to render them incapable of performing. Dr. Debra George, a Los Angeles - based psychologist and a licensed marriage/ family therapist, encourages women to appreciate their own body regardless of color, shape or size.

Performance anxiety can be another cause of sexual impotence. Some women try to analyze their performance during sex, wondering if they’re doing things right. Dr. George advises women to just “lose themselves in the moment”.

Sexual trauma is also one of the leading causes of female impotency today. Women suffering from sexual impotence may have had a physically or emotionally abused childhood. Those who experienced date rape or extreme pressure to have sex as a teenager could have difficulty enjoying sex later in life.

Stress is another factor. Women who are too busy working do not have time for sex when they come.

B. PHYSICAL BARRIERS

Women also have difficulty enjoying sex when they feel pain while doing it. Pain is caused by a variety of factors. Underdeveloped sexual organs and other abnormalities results to either extreme sensitivity or absence of response altogether. Vaginal injuries also results to dulling of sensation.

Drugs prescribed for certain disorders affect sexual organs. Antihistamines for allergies dry the vaginal area resulting to pain during sexual intercourse. Medications for diabetes and heart ailments have similar effects.

Women who have gone through menopause had their levels of estrogen and progesterone drop causing a lack of libido and painful intercourse.
Some surgical procedures also cause impotence in women. Hysterectomies for example, entail removal of the cervix as well as the uterus to prevent cervical cancer. In many women, the cervix is sensitive and adds to sexual pleasure. That is why in Europe, super cervical hysterectomies are being practiced. This involves removal of the uterus while leaving the cervix intact.