Diseases and Conditions

Female sexual dysfunction

Diagnosis

To diagnose female sexual dysfunction, your doctor may:

  • Discuss your sexual and medical history. You might be uneasy talking with your doctor about such personal matters, but your sexuality is a key part of your well-being. The more upfront you can be about your sexual history and current problems, the better your chances of finding an effective way to treat them.
  • Perform a pelvic exam. During the exam, your doctor checks for physical changes that affect your sexual enjoyment, such as thinning of your genital tissues, decreased skin elasticity, scarring or pain.
  • Order blood tests. Your doctor may recommend blood tests to check for underlying health conditions that might contribute to sexual dysfunction.

Your doctor may also refer you to a counselor or therapist specializing in sexual and relationship problems.