Female sexual dysfunction refers to a range of symptoms that hinder a woman from engaging or enjoying sexual activities. It is a complex condition that can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalance, medical conditions, stress, and past trauma. Some of the best exercises to treat female sexual dysfunction are cardiovascular exercises [walking, swimming, jogging], pelvic floor exercises, and mind-body practices.
A Quick Overview on Female Sexual Dysfunction [FSD]
Female sexual dysfunction or FSD is an umbrella term that includes a range of persistent and distressing problems associated with a woman’s sexual response, desire, arousal, orgasm, and pain that may hinder her from engaging in or enjoying sexual activities.
In other words, the World Health Organization [WHO] defines female sexual dysfunction as “the various ways in which a woman is unable to participate in a sexual relationship as she would wish.”
Female sexual dysfunction is categorized into four types. They are:
- Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder [HSDD]: HSDD is characterized by the lack or absence of sexual interest or desire to engage in sexual activities. Common causes of HSDD are psychological factors, hormonal imbalances, and other medical conditions.
- Arousal Disorders: Arousal disorders refer to the difficulty of being physically arousal or maintaining arousal during sexual activities leading to insufficient lubrication and discomfort. Common causes of arousal disorders are hormonal changes [menopause], psychological factors, and medical conditions like diabetes.
- Orgasmic Disorders: Orgasm disorders refer to difficulty achieving orgasm or experiencing a reduced or delayed intensity of orgasm despite adequate sexual stimulation. Some of the common causes of orgasmic disorders are performance anxiety, and medical conditions like diabetes and neurological disorders.
Related: Orgasmic Disorder 101 - Pain Disorders: As the name suggests, this type of FSD refers to painful intercourse, which can be associated with conditions like vaginismus and dyspareunia.
Related: Vaginismus
It’s important to mention that FSD is a complex and multifaceted condition, therefore the root cause can vary according to individuals. Some of the common factors that contribute to female sexual dysfunction include stress, anxiety, past trauma, hormonal imbalances, and medical conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular diseases.
Additionally, relationship issues or lack of emotional intimacy can also play a crucial role in facilitating FSD.
Related: Everything You Need to Know About Female Sexual Dysfunction
How Exercise Helps Treat Female Sexual Dysfunction – Understanding its Role
For countless years, we have heard the tremendous benefits of regular exercise. From boosting the immune system to improving our emotional health, exercise offers a wide spectrum of benefits. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that, regular exercise also plays a key role in maintaining and promoting sexual health in women [and men].
A quick glance at how exercise boosts female sexual health:
- Physical and psychological benefits: Regular exercise has been shown to improve circulation which is essential for arousal in women. It also helps in maintaining a healthy body and weight, which can also positively influence sexual health.
- Cardiovascular health: Exercising regularly indirectly helps improve sexual satisfaction by preserving autonomic flexibility [the ability of the autonomic nervous system to adapt to environment or stressors], which in turn enhances cardiovascular health and mood.
- Hormone regulation and stress reduction: Recent studies have found that regular exercise has a positive impact on sexual function and quality of life in peri and postmenopausal women. Studies found that regular exercise helped women address specific sexual concerns such as antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction.
Incorporating regular exercise into one’s routine can bring numerous physical and psychological benefits. Whether it’s strength training or mind-body exercises, the holistic impact of exercise on sexual health and other aspects of life is certainly invaluable.
Specific Benefits of Exercise for Female Sexual Dysfunction
A closer look at the specific benefits of regular exercise for sexual function.
- Improved blood circulation and arousal: As exercise improves blood flow and promotes better circulation throughout the body, including the pelvic region, it can enhance arousal and responsiveness in women.
- Hormonal balance and its impact on libido: Regular exercise helps strike a hormonal balance, including the regulation of estrogen and testosterone, which play a crucial role in sexual function.
- Stress reduction: Certainly, exercise is a powerful stress buster, as it helps reduce cortisol levels and improve mental health. Lowered stress levels and enhanced mood can help improve sexual desire and pleasure.
Related: How Stress and FSD are Connected - Self-confidence: Exercising regularly can help improve the physical image, thus fostering confidence and comfort in one’s body.
Best Exercises to Treat Female Sexual Dysfunction
Some of the exercises that have been shown to positively influence sexual health are:
- Cardiovascular Exercises: Cardiovascular exercises like jogging, swimming, and other aerobic activities [brisk walking, cycling, dancing] help improve blood flow throughout the body, including the pelvic region. Research shows that incorporating cardiovascular exercises can increase pleasure in women, by increasing arousal.
- Pelvic Floor Exercises: Adding regular and consistent sets of pelvic floor exercises like Kegels can support pelvic floor muscles by improving the muscle tone, and increasing the sensation, thus leading to better orgasmic function in women.
- Mind-Body Exercises: Mind-body exercises like yoga and meditation can be effective in reducing stress and promoting relaxation, which can positively impact sexual health. Additionally, practicing mindfulness can also enhance one’s body awareness, thus promoting a beneficial connection between mind and body during intimate moments.
Related: Aromatherapy for Female Sexual Dysfunction
Incorporating these exercises into one’s daily routine can certainly improve sexual health and overall well-being. However, remember to choose exercises that align with your personal interest and fitness level to achieve optimal results.
Get Help with Dr. Mozhgan
As you can see, incorporating regular exercise brings tremendous benefits to sexual and overall health. If you are experiencing symptoms of sexual dysfunction, it’s essential to find a qualified healthcare professional. Consider Dr. Mozhgan, one of the best gynecologists in Dubai. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Mozhgan is at the forefront of treating female sexual dysfunction in the UAE.
Book an appointment today & take control of your sexual health!
