The New Female Sexuality:
Will the future bring “Viagra” for women?

by
Dr. Amy Demner, LMHC
Licensed Psychotherapist and Sexologist

Viagra has become the male wonder drug. So, what about the equivalent for women?

Trial runs of the use of Viagra to improve female sexual problems did not produce convincing results. Therefore, women’s curiosity and hope for increased sexual interest and gratification was not satisfied by Viagra.

However, the medical view of female sexuality has become a topic of research and current focus in the field of clinical sexology, where a cry for more emphasis on a re-thinking of the diagnosis and treatment of female sexual problems is growing. The trend is to be more inclusive in the view of each woman’s problem, including the consideration of such factors as relationships, financial and family pressures, and emotional and mental well-being.

Unfortunately, the traditional medical view of female sexuality is somewhat mechanical and limited and does not take into account these critical complexities. Historically, therapeutic results have been poor.

The medical community has not been able to identify -- or even agree about -- the female hormone of desire. Current treatment options, including medication and devices, are still being tested. Yet, nothing has been proven conclusively, and the primary question remains.

The majority of my female sex therapy patients seek help for their lack of sexual desire. Very often, the situation is identified by a partner, who cannot understand how a once passionate lover has lost her sex drive. These women are searching for an explanation and help in regaining their desire for sex. Often they fear the loss of their marriages, because, for many, sex has become a chore, much like the laundry, going to work and feeding the kids.

In most cases, the root of the problem tends to be one or a combination of the following factors:

• lack of correct information about sexual functioning
• cultural factors and the changing role of women as working inside(household and childcare) as well as outside of the home
• overtired and overstressed
• problems in the relationship, such as power struggles, resentments, jealousy
• medical factors, such as depression and certain medications
• sexual abuse and/or exploitation
• goal-focused sex for orgasm, rather than sex for pleasure and enjoyment

For the past nearly 40 years, treatments for female sexual problems have been very limited and stagnant. Thanks in part to Viagra for men, a new view of female sexuality is opening up the range, scope and complexity of this vital identifying issue for women. Researchers are trying to unlock the mysteries of female sexuality. The current focus is on discovering the key to desire. In short, new hope for treatment options now exists.

If you find that your once active sex drive has diminished, and you are experiencing one or more of these factors, you’ll want to seek professional help. Look for a physician and/or counselor who is familiar with the new view of female sexuality and is willing and qualified to listen to and address your specific concerns. Treating both the mind and body often is the most effective approach.

© 2003 All rights reserved. Dr. Amy Demner, Ph.D., P.A. reserves the right to determine which submissions may be published. All submissions will become the exclusive property of Dr. Amy Demner, Ph.D., P.A. No part of these submissions may be copied or reproduced in any way shape or form by any mechanical, photographic, or electronic process, nor may it be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, or otherwise copied for public or private use without the written permission of Dr. Amy Demner, Ph.D., P.A.