Female Sexual Dysfunction

At Montefiore Einstein Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, you can access exceptional care for female sexual dysfunction. As a global leader in urogynecology, we are an academic-based, referral site serving our community and the most complex and high-risk cases. For more than a century, we have been at the forefront of innovation, research and clinical care for genitourinary (GU) conditions.

Ranked in the top 1% of all hospitals in the nation for urology according to U.S. News & World Report, Montefiore Einstein continues to make advances in the diagnosis and treatment of GU conditions. Our multidisciplinary team of world-renowned specialists is passionate about uncovering the latest diagnostic approaches and treatments that can improve outcomes.

At Montefiore Einstein Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, you can expect compassionate, personalized, research-driven treatment plans that meet the highest standards for quality and safety. In addition, we offer patients a full range of support services, from nutritional guidance to rehabilitative therapies. 

When you need female sexual dysfunction care, turn to our dedicated multidisciplinary team for a personalized treatment plan.

Multiple factors contribute to sexual dysfunction, including:

• Hormonal causes: Low estrogen levels related to menopause may cause decreased blood flow to the pelvic region, which can lead to decreased genital sensation. Women’s hormone levels also change after childbirth and during breast-feeding, which can result in vaginal dryness and affect sexual desire.
• Physical causes: Medical conditions including cancer, kidney failure, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, diabetes and bladder problems may lead to sexual dysfunction. Medications for these and other conditions may also decrease sexual desire and the body's ability to experience orgasm.
• Psychological and social causes: Anxiety, depression, long-term stress or a history of sexual abuse can contribute to sexual dysfunction. Social causes including relationship challenges, religious taboos and body image issues may also decrease your sexual responsiveness.

The symptoms of female sexual dysfunction vary by type of dysfunction and may include:

• Difficulty becoming sexually aroused
• Low sexual desire
• Ongoing difficulty achieving orgasm even with enough sexual arousal
• Vaginal dryness before and during intercourse
• Pain during intercourse

Female sexual dysfunction is diagnosed based on medical history, a physical examination including a pelvic exam, and sometimes additional tests like blood work to rule out underlying medical conditions. An open discussion of sexual concerns and experiences with your healthcare provider will help them understand the root cause of the dysfunction.

Female sexual dysfunction is typically treated by first addressing the underlying condition or cause. Treatments include:

• Estrogen therapy: facilitates sexual function by improving vaginal tone and elasticity, and increasing vaginal blood flow and natural lubrication
• Flibanserin: a pill that helps to increase desire prior to sexual activity for pre-menopausal women
• Therapy: both physical and psychological to help educate about the condition and offer many different counseling options/tools to improve sexual health
• Vaginal Trigger point Injections: injections of local anesthetic, saline, and/or anti-inflammatory medication used to release spasmed pelvic floor muscles