What is frigidity
Frigidity Medical Definition of Frigidity — is the inability of a woman to derive pleasure from sex, a complete lack of interest in it. However, this term is slightly outdated. More precisely, it has been discredited Frigidity by incorrect usage.
For many years, this word in colloquial speech was used to denote Sexual frigidity: the social construction of masculine privilege and feminine pathology “bad,” undesirable forms of female behavior in the patriarchal world. For example, excessive coldness (by the way, the root of frigid comes from the Latin “cold”), indifference to men, or a constant refusal of physical intimacy with a husband or partner. And sometimes “unfemininity”— that is to say, the desire of a woman to wear comfortable, practical, but absolutely non-sexual clothing instead of beautiful dresses or elegant skirts.
As a result, the term lost its scientific validity. And scholars replaced An overview of outcome on frigidity: treatment effects and effectiveness it with another term—female sexual dysfunction. Alternative terms are also used, which convey the same meaning: hyposexuality, hypoactive sexual desire disorder, sexual apathy Inhibited sexual desire .
How to recognize frigidity
Signs Female sexual dysfunction of frigidity can vary depending on which type of sexual dysfunction a woman has. These include:
- Reduced libido. This is the most common of female sexual disorders. It is associated with a complete lack of interest in sex.
- Sexual arousal disorder. This is spoken of if a woman wants sex. But she has difficulty with arousal. Or it lasts a very short time, insufficient to achieve orgasm.
- Orgasmic disorder, or anorgasmia. This is when there are no problems with either libido or arousal. But orgasm, despite all efforts, does not occur.
- Sexual pain disorder. A woman experiences pain during vaginal intercourse. In some cases, uncomfortable sensations may arise even from her partner touching her genitals.
However, a diagnosis cannot be made based solely on symptoms in this case.
Any sexual dysfunction is a problem Female sexual dysfunction only if it bothers the woman and reduces her quality of life.
If, for instance, a girl does not want sex, but this does not bother her at all (or perhaps, on the contrary, even makes her happy), she is not frigid. She is an asexual.
Where frigidity comes from
There are three main groups of causes Female sexual dysfunction that lead to sexual dysfunction. Often they are interconnected, so they should be considered as a whole.
1. Physical causes
These can include, for example, various diseases: urinary tract infections, cardiovascular problems, neurological disorders (multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury), certain types of cancer, and many others.
Medications, including antidepressants, antihypertensives, antihistamines, and chemotherapy drugs, can also reduce sexual desire and affect the ability to achieve orgasm.
2. Hormonal causes
Sexual dysfunction may arise due to a decrease in the level of estrogen — one of the key female hormones. When it is lacking, blood circulation in the pelvic organs slows down. As a result, sensitivity in the genitals decreases, and a woman cannot become aroused even after the longest and gentlest foreplay.
In addition, estrogen affects the condition of the vaginal mucosa. It becomes thinner, and the female body stops producing the necessary amount of natural lubrication. As a result, intercourse causes discomfort, and the woman loses the desire to engage in sex.
Fluctuations in estrogen levels occur at different periods of life: during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, and also during menopause and postmenopause.
3. Psychological and social causes
Low libido can be caused by:
- prolonged stress, for example, worries about financial difficulties and debts, difficulties in finding a job, anxiety about the inability to conceive;
- the monotony of life;
- developing depression;
- resentment towards a partner or unresolved conflicts with him;
- psychological trauma related to past sexual violence.
How to treat frigidity
As we have already said, frigidity is not a medical problem and does not require treatment if a woman's life without sex in general or without orgasms in particular is quite acceptable to her.
Sexual dysfunction requires correction only if the woman suffers. In that case, it makes sense to consult a doctor—a therapist, gynecologist, or sexologist. Any of these specialists can suggest what to do. Or, if the state causing frigidity is outside of their expertise, will recommend where to seek help.
To start, the doctor will ask you about symptoms, lifestyle, relationships, and medications you are taking. If frigidity is associated with painful sensations, additional examinations may be needed:
- Gynecological examination. This is how thinning of the tissues in the genitals, scars, or irritated areas is detected.
- Blood tests. Complete, biochemical, and thyroid hormone tests. The results will inform the doctor about your overall health status.
- Ultrasound of the pelvic organs. This is necessary to rule out possible issues in the urogenital system.
If any physical or hormonal cause is found, the doctor will address it. For example, they may suggest an alternative to the medications being taken. Or prescribe antibiotics to treat a urinary tract infection. Or they may prescribe hormonal medications to stabilize estrogen levels.
If frigidity is related to psychological status, the doctor will recommend the following:
- Communicate more with your partner. Openness and trust in relationships are closely linked with sexual arousal.
- Increase physical activity. Among other benefits, physical activity improves blood flow to the pelvic organs. This, in turn, increases their sensitivity.
- Avoid alcohol consumption.
- Learn simple stress management techniques.
- Use more intimate lubrication during sex.
- Start masturbating. You can use your hands or a vibrator—either a regular one or one designed for clitoral stimulation.
- Consult a psychotherapist. This advice is relevant if there is a history of psychological trauma related to violence, or if you simply cannot cope with anxiety.
You may also be prescribed pills or injections that increase sexual desire. However, such medications have unpleasant side effects. So, deciding if you really need them should only be done together with a qualified doctor.
When you eliminate the causes of frigidity with the help of a doctor, sex will start to bring pleasure.
