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women's sexuality: an overview

director: Chris Steidle, MD

The three most common sexual issues reported by women are:

• Not being in the mood for sex
• Trouble becoming aroused (vaginal dryness) and having orgasms
• Pain during sex or sexual activity

As a woman ages, her vagina becomes shorter and narrower, and the walls of the vagina become thinner and a little stiffer. Most women will have less vaginal lubrication as they get older. These physical changes can affect sexual function. Other things that can affect sexual function include illness, disability, and some medicines. These factors can make achieving sexual pleasure more difficult.

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Posted March 2007
Last Updated July 2008

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