Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD) Clinical Trials

Female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) refers to the persistent or recurrent inability of a woman to achieve or maintain an adequate lubrication-swelling response during sexual activity.

Female sexual arousal disorder is complex and not very well understood scientifically, as are the reasons for when desire/arousal decreases. Common causes of FSAD include a lack of vaginal estrogen, arterial insufficiency, tactile insensitivity, or relationship conflict. Managing female sexual arousal disorder isn’t always easy. Clinical trials, like those at CNS Healthcare, can help you explore new options. Interested in trying a new female sexual disorder treatment at no cost? Find out more about enrolling clinical trials available by selecting one of the below locations near you. Use the form on the page to schedule a free, in-office consultation to find out if an FSAD trial is right for you. 

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More About Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)

Risk factors for FSAD can include depression or anxiety, heart and blood vessel disease, neurological conditions, gynecological conditions, certain medications, and a history of sexual abuse.  While FSAD may be in part caused by a psychiatric condition, FSAD is not a mental health condition in and of itself. Instead, it is characterized by physiological findings/damage to the gynecological system.

There are a few treatment options for female sexual arousal disorder, with one being estrogen therapy. This therapy benefits sexual function by improving vaginal tone and elasticity, increasing vaginal blood flow and enhancing lubrication. Patients could also adjust other medications (such as anxiety or depression medications) that may have sexual side effects.

Medical factors that can cause low arousal or desire in women include:

• Side effects of medications, including antidepressants such as SSRIs and oral contraceptives

• Hormonal fluctuations, including perimenopause and menopause

• Vascular and neurological problems, such as multiple sclerosis

• Recent surgeries

• Co-occurring medical conditions causing pain, tension, or significant physiological issues

Psychological factors that contribute to low arousal/desire in women include:

• Stress

• Abuse or trauma history, sexual or otherwise

• History of negative sexual experiences

• Sexual shame or cultural messages of sex negativity

• Body image issues

• Relationship longevity

• Relationship conflict

• Lack of affection/emotional bonding with a partner

Signs & Symptoms

  • Low sexual desire
  • Difficulty with arousal
  • Difficulty achieving orgasm
  • Pain associated with sex