Title: Frigidity: A Growing Sexual Health Concern Among Women Word Count: 544 Summary: This article summarizes basic information on a sexual health condition in women called Female Sexual Arousal Disorder. This condition only affects women and is caused by several factors including medications, underlying medical conditions, or psychological factors. Keywords: woman's sexual health Article Body: Having female sexual dysfunction can be bothersome, a terrible condition similar to erectile dysfunction in men. Inadequate sexual function in women can be a complex problem that can have many different causes. An estimated 40% of women suffer from sexual dysfunction, and might be caused by any physical illness, or may be linked to psychological factors. This condition mainly affects a woman's sexual health, and has symptoms including lack of sexual desire, inability to enjoy sex, insufficient vaginal lubrication, and even failure to have an orgasm. Also known as Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD), this condition still makes women psychologically desire for sex, but their genital area fails to respond normally, making it painful or impossible to have sex. When men and women normally get aroused, their genitals become engorged with blood. For women, this results in the enlargement of the clitoris and surrounding tissues (comparable to a male erection), secretion of vaginal lubrication, and relaxation and widening of the vaginal opening for intercourse. A woman's sexual health is affected by a number of other health conditions. In this case, FSAD can result from an underlying medical condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes. This can also be caused by certain irritations, infections, and growth in the vaginal area. It can also be a negative physiological reaction to certain birth control methods. This condition may also be caused by medications used to treat high blood pressure, peptic ulcers, depression, anxiety, or cancer. Another reason may be due to a combination of physical, hormonal, or emotional changes that occur during or after pregnancy, or while breast feeding. In addition, FSAD can also be linked to several psychological causes including depression, poor self-esteem, sexual abuse, fear of pregnancy, inadequate or ineffective foreplay, feelings of shame or guilt about sex, or stress and fatigue. For treatment of FSAD, on going research has suggested that the use of Viagra for treating sexual disorders in women helps increase blood flow, thereby increasing physical stimulation in the genital area. However, researchers are still waiting for evidence that Viagra could actually work on women. For now, physicians concentrate on eliminating medications that might have a negative impact on a woman's sexual health. Doctors also review the effects of certain contraceptive methods that can be a possible factor for FSAD. For women who suffer from vaginal dryness, it is recommended for them to use lubricants before having sexual intercourse in order to prevent pain. On the other hand, some physicians recommend women to practice Kegel Exercises, a form of exercise that helps in developing the muscles around the outer part of the vagina. These muscles are involved in the production of pleasurable sensations. Adding to this, psychological counseling can also play an integral role in treating women with sexual problems, including FSAD. Coaching in sexual foreplay as well as stimulation techniques can also contribute to the wellness of a woman who suffers from FSAD. Upon knowing all these, women can now become more aware of this sexual health condition that might be experienced by many, but is often misunderstood. Consulting one's physician may be the best way to know more about FSAD. Constant check-up sessions with the physician or gynecologist will also help women prevent or address such a frustrating sexual condition.