Chapter 17 – Female Sexual Interest and Arousal Disorder (FSIAD)

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Factors to consider for Sexual dysfunction related to ageing and chronic illness

As women age, they may experience a marked decrease in sexual activity and interest in sex than men. They may also experience less distress than men or younger women with the same symptoms, which may well reflect various psychosocial factors. For women, life stressors, contextual factors, and past sexuality and mental health problems are more significant predictors of older women maintaining their sexual interest than physiological status alone.(21, 22, 23) These include the presence or absence of a partner, their health, and their relationship and life satisfaction.

The clinician’s role is to evaluate both psychosocial factors and the physical status of patients. Questions you might ask to explore any difficulties being experienced in sexual functioning include:

“Some people find their sexual functioning has changed as they age. Has this happened for you?” “Many people explore intimacy in their relationships in other ways if they experience any sexual problems or difficulties with intercourse. Is this something you have considered?”

Normal changes in sexual function in older women can include:

decreased clitoral engorgement decreased vaginal lubrication decreased breast swelling decreased vasovaginal congestion diminished preorgasmic sweating diminished orgasm intensity vulvovaginal atrophy related to diminished oestrogen levels

Common diseases in ageing and their treatments may also impact on sexual ... Buy now