Sexual Disorders
Definition
Sexual disorders refer to conditions that interfere with sexual response, desire, comfort, or satisfaction. These sexual disorders may arise from physical, hormonal, emotional, or relational factors — often a combination of all. In many women, sexual disorders are closely connected to pelvic floor dysfunction, which can either contribute to or result from pain, anxiety, and avoidance around intimacy.
Symptoms
Women experiencing sexual disorders may notice:
Low sexual desire (libido) – reduced interest in intimacy or avoidance of sexual activity
Arousal difficulties – challenges becoming or staying physically aroused
Orgasmic sexual disorders – difficulty reaching orgasm or decreased intensity
Sexual pain disorders – pain with penetration or sexual activity (dyspareunia, vaginismus, vulvodynia)
Emotional effects – stress, frustration, relationship strain, and withdrawal from intimacy
Who is Most Affected?
Sexual disorders can affect women of all ages. They are particularly common:
During perimenopause and menopause, when hormonal shifts influence tissue health and lubrication
After childbirth, due to pelvic floor trauma or changes in body image
Among individuals with chronic pelvic pain conditions such as endometriosis, vulvodynia, or pudendal neuralgia
In those with psychological or relational contributors such as trauma, anxiety, or low self-esteem
Common Causes
Sexual disorders are often multifactorial. Contributing factors include:
Pelvic floor dysfunction – muscle overactivity, tension, or weakness disrupting arousal, orgasm, and comfort
Hormonal changes – perimenopause, menopause, and postpartum fluctuations that reduce lubrication and elasticity
Chronic pelvic conditions – endometriosis, prolapse, vulvodynia, interstitial cystitis
Neurological or vascular factors – nerve irritation, pelvic congestion, or circulation issues
Psychological influences – trauma, depression, anxiety, or fear of pain worsening sexual disorders
Medication side effects – antidepressants, hormonal treatments, or certain pain medications
Management Approaches
Pelvic Floor Osteopathy can play a vital role in supporting women with sexual disorders by:
Assessing pelvic floor muscle tone and function to identify overactivity or weakness
Providing manual therapy (internal and external) to release tight tissues, improve blood flow, and ease discomfort
Guiding pelvic floor retraining to restore control, coordination, and comfort
Offering education on pain science, anatomy, and how pelvic floor function influences sexual disorders
Supporting recovery from sexual pain disorders such as vaginismus, dyspareunia, and vulvodynia
Encouraging open communication and supportive approaches to intimacy
Other Management Options
Medical management – hormone therapy (local oestrogen), nerve pain medication, or topical treatments
Sex therapy and psychological support – addressing emotional distress, trauma, and relational challenges related to sexual disorders
Lifestyle and holistic strategies – stress regulation, movement, breathwork, and balanced nutrition to support hormonal and vascular health
Multidisciplinary care – involving gynaecologists, pelvic health osteopaths, psychologists, and other allied health professionals for integrated treatment of sexual disorders
Key Point
Sexual disorders are common, complex, and highly individual. While they can cause significant distress, they are also highly treatable. With a holistic approach combining pelvic floor rehabilitation, medical support, and emotional care, many women find relief from sexual disorders and rediscover sexual comfort, confidence, and fulfilment.
