Understanding Female Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction can be divided into three general categories: problems of desire (libido), excitement (arousal), and orgasm. Unfortunately, the majority of research about sexual dysfunction revolves around males and most of the knowledge on female sexuality is also based on male-centric studies.
Hypoactive Sexual Dysfunction: This manifests as a low desire or libido, essentially a lack of interest in sex and/or sexual activity. This may place unnecessary tension on a relationship as one partner may feel unattractive or neglected.
Problems with libido can be attributed to many things. Common causes include hormonal changes, inadequate stimulation, negative previous experiences, and physical or emotional health. The complexity of this dysfunction makes it difficult to treat, but studies show that simply having positive sexual experiences can help revive libido.
Females Sexual Arousal Disorder: During female sexual arousal, increased blood flow to the genital area causes swelling of the labia and clitoris and triggers the secretion of natural lubricant. When an arousal disorder is present, this response may not happen, or may simply not be maintained long enough to achieve orgasm.
Potential causes for this disorder include inadequate stimulation or foreplay, focusing too much on the needs of one’s partner, depression, stress, as well as intrusive thoughts of potential consequences (like pregnancy or STIs).
Female Orgasmic Disorder: This disorder involves the inability to reach orgasm and may lead to “faking” orgasms and can affect self-esteem. The inability to reach orgasm is often attributed to a lack of good communication between partners, not enough stimulation, or foreplay (1). Negative experiences with sex may also contribute to this disorder. The inability to orgasm may affect a partner’s confidence in their ability to provide sexual satisfaction and strain the relationship.
The O-Shot
The O-shot involves injecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in specific sites of the vaginal wall, labia, and clitoris. PRP is a solution derived from the patient’s blood. PRP contains platelets and plasma fragments that, when injected, trigger the body’s natural signals for growth and repair. Healing mechanisms activated in the genital areas replenish blood flow, lubrication, sensation, and orgasmic capacity.
PRP injections, also known as regenerative medicine, can be applied to all areas of the body to treat a wide variety of health problems. It shows tremendous promise in cosmetic rejuvenation (for example the popular “vampire facial”) and tendon/ligament repair. The platelets injected secrete growth factors and stimulate local fibroblasts to synthesize collagen, thus reinforcing the integrity of the target tissue.
How Can The O-Shot Help?
Advocates of the O-Shot treatment report increased libido and orgasmic capacity. This may raise the frequency of positive sexual experiences and lower the incidence of negative ones. Some women have even reported “extreme sexual desire” and “continuous arousal (2).”
Due to the complexity of etiology, female sexual dysfunction may be difficult to treat. Luckily, promising studies dealing with PRP may provide some solutions and even enhance an already healthy sexual response. Consult your gynecologist
References:
- Carlson, Karen J., et al. The New Harvard Guide to Women’s Health. Harvard University Press, 2004.
- Runels C, Melnick H, Debourbon E, Roy L (2014) A Pilot Study of the Effect of Localized Injections of Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) for the Treatment of Female Sexual Dysfunction. J Women’s Health Care 3: 169. DOI:10.4172/2167-0420.1000169