What is Female Impotence?

Female impotence is a rather broad condition that's related to women's lack of sexual desire and sexual fulfillment needs. It can mean a number of things about sexual dysfunction in women --- from lack of sexual desire, to how they enjoy (or not enjoy) sex, how they are or are not sexually aroused, or their inability to achieve orgasm.

But much like erectile dysfunction in men, impotence in women may also be characterized by inadequate blood flow to a woman's clitoris during sexual intercourse.

Sexual Dsyfunction in Women

In some cases, the inability to be sexually aroused or obtain sexual satisfaction may be directly related to pain during sexual intercourse. These pain disorders may themselves be the result of some other condition.

Or it may simply be because the technique of a woman's sexual partner may be inadequate to stimulate or arouse her.

Female impotence may also occur due to breast cancer or other gynecologic disorders.

Exhaustion and stress also are common causes for women to have reduced sexual desire.

Psychological Factors Can Cause Impotence in Women

Other factors that may contribute to female sexual dysfunction include psychological factors. Psychological factors may include excessive anxiety, feelings of guilt, depression, stress, or fear of sexual inadequacy.

Conflicts about a woman's sexual identity may also be an underlying cause of impotence in a woman. So is sexual or physical abuse.

Lack of Mental Stimulation

Women suffering from sexual dysfunction may just need more and greater mental, emotional and physical stimulation to get them interested in sex. Otherwise, decreased or weak libidos may progress into sexual dysfunction in women.

Impotence in a woman may also be due to her need for more clitoral stimulation to achieve orgasm. The inability to communicate this to a sexual partner may continue to raise those barriers that eventually lead to sexual dysfunction.

Intrinsa, A Sex-Drive Stimulant Patch for Women

Procter and Gamble introduced Intrinsa in the U.K. in March 2007. A hormone-based, prescription-only, sex stimulant used as a body patch, Intrinsa claims to improve women's libido.

In clinical trials, Intrinsa was shown to have produced a 74% increase in satisfying sex among 500 women participants.

It is placed on a woman's bottom or stomach, and releases testosterone through the skin into the blood stream. Intrinsa is supposed to stimulate a woman's thoughts about sex.

Experts say Intrinsa may become very popular and possibly reach the level of a lifestyle drug among women. They also say that women who had hysterectomy or menopause before age 50 may benefit from Intrinsa.

Bremelanotide, A Synthetic Aphrodisiac for Men and Women?

Currently undergoing Phase IIb clinical trial is an experimental drug called Bremelanotide, formerly known as PT-141.

While Viagra, Levitra and Cialis act on a person's vascular system to induce erection, Bremelanotide is claimed to increase the sexual drive and desire of both men and women by activating melanocortin receptors in the central nervous system.

Bremelanotide is to be used as a nasal spray, not as pills like Viagra, Cialis or Levitra. It is scheduled to begin Phase III trials in 2007.

Take the First Step to Find Treatment

When the underlying reason for impotence in a woman is identifiable, it should not pose any problem to get the right treatment.

Consulting a doctor may be all that's needed for a woman and her partner to identify the cause of the woman's impotence and find appropriate treatment.