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Women today - whether married or single, young or old - are becoming more and more aware of their own sexual needs and choices. For most women, learning about sex is a lifelong process.
Women differ greatly in their sexual interest and response. Just as a woman's sexual function is not limited to intercourse, her sexuality is more than just her sexual practices. It is the way she thinks and feels about herself as a woman, including her feelings about sex and how she relates to others.
Sexuality
A woman's sexual responsiveness usually peaks in her late 30s and early 40s. A woman can have a full physical and emotional response to sex through her whole life. Many women have an active, pleasurable sex life well into their late years.
The Sexual Response Cycle
A woman's body follows a regular pattern of sexual response. A woman's sexual response cycle can be described in four stages:
- Desire - This is a feeling of sexual energy that prompts a woman to want to start sexual activity or respond to sexual advances.
- Arousal - During this stage, physical changes take place in response to being touched or to having thoughts and feelings that are sexually charged. As a woman becomes aroused, the tissues of the inner vagina and the vulva get moist from fluids secreted by the genital walls. The clitoris swells and enlarges. The vagina gets longer and expands. The uterus rises. The breasts' nipples may become erect.
- Orgasm - This is the peak of the cycle. The muscles of the vagina, uterus, and sometimes rectum contract in a rhythmic pattern. This creates a strong, pleasurable feeling.
- Resolution - The vagina, clitoris and uterus return to their unaroused states. This usually happens within seconds.
A woman's progress through the sexual response cycle varies greatly from one occasion to another. No one pattern is more "normal" than another. However, if any of the stages of the cycle does not occur, it may cause a sexual problem.
If You Think You Have a Problem
If you think there is a problem in your sex life, you are not alone. Nearly every couple has a problem with sex at some time in their lives. Some problems go away on their own or can be worked out with patience and a caring and informed partner. Others may take more effort and a change of approach.
If you think you may have a health condition that is stopping you from enjoying sex, see your healthcare provider. Any pain in the pelvic, genital or vaginal area is a sign that there may be a problem.
Your ability to express yourself sexually lasts a lifetime. It should be nurtured, because it is a key part of personal fulfillment. For all women, communicating about sexual needs and concerns is a process that should never end.
Sexual problems are common. If you are having a problem with sex, it is important to know there are many people with the skills and understanding to help.
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