Is Female Sexual Dysfunction a Pandemic?
Ian Y.H. Chua
1, 2, 3, 4
21 December 2024
Abstract
Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) is a prevalent and multifaceted condition aecting
women worldwide, with implications for their physical, emotional, and relational well-
being. This paper examines FSD’s global prevalence, its association with menopause,
and its broader impact on intimacy and quality of life. Drawing on studies from Singapore
and other parts of the world, we discuss the various dimensions of FSD, including
hypoactive sexual desire, arousal disorders, dyspareunia, and orgasmic challenges. We
argue that FSD exhibits characteristics of a pandemic due to its high prevalence, global
distribution, and signicant health and social impact.
Introduction
Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) encompasses a range of issues that impair women’s
sexual health and satisfaction, including diminished sexual desire, arousal disorders,
pain during intercourse, and orgasmic dysfunction [1]. Although often underreported,
FSD signicantly aects quality of life and intimate relationships. This paper evaluates
whether FSD can be considered a pandemic by exploring its prevalence, underlying
causes, and social consequences.
Categories of Female Sexual Dysfunction
FSD is classied into the following categories:
1. Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
o Dened as a persistent or recurrent lack of interest in sexual activity,
accompanied by distress [2].
o Prevalence estimates range from 10% to 40% among women worldwide
[3].
2. Arousal Disorders
o Involves diiculty achieving or maintaining sexual excitement, often linked
to insuicient genital lubrication [4].
3. Orgasmic Disorders
o The inability to achieve orgasm despite adequate sexual stimulation [5].
4. Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia)
o Pain during sexual activity, often caused by vaginal dryness or medical
conditions such as endometriosis [6].
Prevalence of FSD in Singapore and Globally
Singapore
• A study by KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) reported that 58.6% of
women in the reproductive age group (18-45 years) are at risk of FSD, with low
sexual desire being the most commonly reported issue [7].
• Among middle-aged women (45-69 years), 70% of those sexually active
experience sexual dysfunction [8].
Global Data
• In the United States, approximately 33% of women aged 18-59 reported low sexual
desire [3].
• Australian studies found that 69.3% of midlife women reported low sexual desire,
and 32.2% met the criteria for HSDD [9].
• European data shows prevalence rates of FSD at 33% in the UK and 22% in Iceland
[10].
FSD and Menopause
Menopause is strongly associated with FSD due to hormonal, physiological, and
psychological changes:
• Hormonal Changes: Declines in estrogen and testosterone contribute to vaginal
atrophy, dryness, and reduced libido [11].
• Psychological Factors: Mood swings, depression, and body image concerns
exacerbate sexual dysfunction [12].
• Prevalence: Up to 85% of postmenopausal women report at least one form of
sexual dysfunction [13].
FSD and Loss of Intimacy
While FSD primarily aects sexual function, it has broader implications for emotional
intimacy:
• Emotional Distance: Loss of sexual satisfaction can lead to relationship
dissatisfaction and reduced emotional closeness [14].
• Non-Sexual Intimacy: Women with FSD may struggle to maintain a physical and
emotional connection with their partners, even in non-sexual contexts [15].
Comparison with Male Sexual Dysfunction
Men also experience sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction and hypoactive
sexual desire disorder. However, societal and cultural factors often lead to greater
recognition and treatment of male conditions [16]. This disparity underscores the need
for better awareness and support for FSD.
Is FSD a Pandemic?
FSD meets several criteria for a pandemic:
• High Prevalence: Aects over 40% of women globally in some form [3, 4].
• Global Distribution: Documented in diverse cultural and geographic contexts.
• Impact on Quality of Life: Aects physical, emotional, and relational well-being.
• Underdiagnosis and Stigma: Cultural and societal taboos often prevent women
from seeking help [17].
Treatment and Interventions
1. Medical Therapies
o Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for postmenopausal women.
o Medications such as ibanserin (Addyi) for HSDD [18].
2. Lifestyle Modications
o Regular exercise and stress management techniques [19].
3. Counseling and Education
o Cognitive-behavioral therapy and couples therapy to address relational
aspects [20].
Conclusion
Female Sexual Dysfunction is a widespread and impactful condition that deserves
recognition as a signicant global health issue. Its high prevalence, association with
menopause, and impact on intimacy underscore the need for increased awareness,
research, and intervention.
Acknowledgments
This paper was developed with the assistance of ChatGPT 4.0, which provided insights and renements in articulating
philosophical and scientic concepts.
1
Founder/CEO, ACE-Learning Systems Pte Ltd.
2
M.Eng. Candidate, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX.
3
M.S. (Anatomical Sciences Education) Candidate, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL.
4
M.S. (Medical Physiology) Candidate, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH.
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