Medical students often assume sexual function sits outside most specialties. It doesn’t. Fatigue, anxiety, pain or insomnia can accompany almost any condition and each can disrupt desire, arousal and orgasm.
Hormone shifts from hypothyroidism, diabetes or menopause can be problematic. Hormones and neurotransmitters must reach the right tissues, so illnesses that reduce blood flow can blunt arousal and orgasm.
Nerves need to respond and muscles need to contract and relax, which is why neurological problems such as herniated discs and multiple sclerosis can have an impact. Some medicines may also create bigger sexual side effects than the illnesses being treated.
Below are a few common culprits that quietly sabotage sexual wellbeing.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women and a major threat to sexual function. The good news: sex with a regular partner at home raises heart rate only modestly, so it’s unlikely to trigger another cardiac event. Fewer worries can mean fewer libido-lowering barriers.
Depression and Antidepressants
Depression can profoundly affect desire and arousal. In some people a drop in libido is an early warning sign. Medicines used for mood and psychotic disorders can also dampen sexual function. Women living with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or psychosis commonly report issues linked to treatment.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis damages the protective coating around nerves, which can disrupt sensation and arousal. In research, 62% of women with MS reported reduced genital sensation and 32% reported difficulty reaching orgasm. Nerve changes may also affect lubrication and pelvic floor coordination.
Diabetes
Diabetes can injure small blood vessels and nerves. That raises the risk of low libido, reduced arousal, vaginal dryness, pain with sex and difficulty achieving orgasm. The tiny capillaries that support natural lubrication are especially vulnerable, so dryness is common.
Arthritis
Joint pain and limited mobility can make positioning hard. For some women with severe arthritis, even comfortable leg abduction is difficult, which turns intercourse into a mechanical and ergonomic challenge.
How to Get Help
These problems are treatable. If sex has changed since a diagnosis or medicine start, bring it up with a GP or specialist. Ask about:
- Medicine side effects, dose timing or alternatives
- Blood sugar, thyroid or menopause factors that may be contributing
- Pelvic floor physiotherapy, pain management or gentle mobility work
- Vaginal moisturisers or local oestrogen under medical guidance
- Referral to a gynaecologist, endocrinologist, cardiologist or a qualified sex therapist
With the right team and tailored adjustments, most women can restore comfort and confidence in their sex life.
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