Female Frigidity: Signs and Solutions

Frigidity is the inability of a woman to derive pleasure from sex and a complete lack of interest in it. However, this term has become outdated and discredited due to its misuse.

For a long time, this word in colloquial speech implied "undesirable" female behavior in a patriarchal world. For example, it could be associated with excessive coldness (the root "frigid" comes from the Latin word "cold"), indifference towards men, or a constant refusal of physical intimacy with a husband or partner. Sometimes it even implied "unfeminine" behavior, such as a woman's preference for comfortable but non-sexy clothing over beautiful dresses or elegant skirts.

As a result, this term lost its scientific significance. Scientists replaced it with another term - "female sexual dysfunction." Alternative terms with the same meaning also exist, such as "hypo-sexuality," "hypoactive sexual desire disorder," and "sexual apathy."

The signs of frigidity can vary depending on the type of sexual dysfunction a woman experiences. These include:

Reduced libido: This is the most common form of female sexual dysfunction and is characterized by a complete lack of interest in sex.

Sexual arousal disorder: In this case, a woman desires sex but experiences difficulty becoming sexually aroused. Sometimes arousal is very brief and insufficient for achieving an orgasm.

Orgasmic disorder (anorgasmia): In this situation, there are no issues with libido or arousal, but, despite efforts, an orgasm does not occur.

Sexual pain disorder: A woman experiences pain during vaginal intercourse. In some cases, unpleasant sensations can occur even from a partner's sexual touching of her genital organs.

However, it is essential not to make a diagnosis based solely on symptoms.

Any form of sexual dysfunction is considered a problem only if it troubles the woman and reduces the quality of her life. For instance, if a woman has no desire for sex but this does not bother her and may even make her happy, it does not indicate frigidity.

There are three main groups of reasons that contribute to sexual dysfunction, and they are often interconnected:

Physical causes: These can include various medical conditions, such as diseases of the urogenital system, heart and vascular problems, neurological disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury), some types of cancer, and many others. Medications, including antidepressants, antihypertensive drugs, antihistamines, and chemotherapy drugs, can also reduce sexual desire and affect the ability to achieve an orgasm.

Hormonal causes: Sexual dysfunction can result from a reduction in estrogen levels, one of the key female hormones. When estrogen is insufficient, blood circulation in the pelvic organs slows down, reducing sensitivity in the genital organs. Estrogen also affects the condition of the vaginal mucosa, making it thinner and decreasing natural lubrication. As a result, sexual intercourse becomes uncomfortable, and a woman loses the desire for it. Fluctuations in estrogen levels occur during different life stages, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, and perimenopause.

Psychological and social causes: Reduced libido can be caused by prolonged stress, such as financial problems, unemployment, job search difficulties, anxiety about infertility, monotonous life, developing depression, resentment towards a partner, unresolved conflicts with a partner, and past psychological trauma related to sexual violence.

As mentioned earlier, frigidity is not a medical problem and does not require treatment if a woman is content with her life without sex or orgasms.

Sexual dysfunction only requires correction if it causes distress to a woman. In such cases, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional, such as a general practitioner, gynecologist, or sex therapist. Any of these specialists can provide guidance and advice on what to do. If the cause of frigidity is beyond their expertise, they can recommend where to seek help.