The Silent Struggle of Women's Sexual Desire
In the past, Miss Wen enjoyed intimate moments with her husband three times a week. However, in the last two years, that alluring purple nightgown has been pushed to the back of her drawer. "Suddenly, all my desire disappeared—completely," she confides.
How many women, like Miss Wen, exist who silently endure a lack of sexual desire in marriage, treating intimacy as a mere duty? These women seldom seek help from medical professionals like Dr. Zhang Miao.
The Importance of Dual Participation in Treatment
Dr. Zhang's office, conveniently situated at the entrance of the gynecology ward, facilitates access for male patients. "Sexual dysfunction is a couple's issue. Treatment often requires the involvement of both partners," he emphasizes.
Traditionally, societal norms place the blame for infertility on women while attributing sexual challenges to men. Dr. Zhang Zhi-Chao notes, "Many patients suffering from erectile dysfunction find that the root cause lies within their wives, rather than themselves."
Statistics Reveal a Widespread Issue
A study conducted with 4,700 married women revealed that approximately 23% experience sexual dysfunction, while a staggering 59% reported facing sexual issues.
According to data from Tsinghua University’s Yuquan Hospital, the gender ratio of patients seeking help in the sexual medicine department is about 17:1, starkly contrasting overseas reports which indicate a ratio closer to 4:3, often skewed toward female patients.
"For every man with erectile dysfunction, there is a corresponding woman experiencing sexual dysfunction," says Dr. Zhang. Unfortunately, too few women are willing to acknowledge and address their sexual problems.
The Challenge of Treating Female Sexual Dysfunction
The research and treatment of female sexual dysfunction lag behind that of male-related issues, both in China and globally. An article published on January 4, 2003, in the British Medical Journal, criticized the pharmaceutical industry for perpetuating the idea of female sexual dysfunction as a fabricated condition. This sparked significant debate, with 70 letters sent to the journal, including sharp criticisms from women who felt overlooked and invalidated.
"You won't find discussions about female sexual dysfunction in textbooks on obstetrics and gynecology, while urology texts certainly address male sexual issues," Dr. Zhang Miao points out.
A Lack of Therapeutic Options
Men enjoy access to medications like Viagra, effectively addressing their "hardness" issues, which often resolves about 80% of their sexual concerns. In contrast, Dr. Zhang lacks equivalent "tools" to assist women.
Currently, aside from hormonal treatments that may benefit menopausal women, there are no equivalent medications for female sexual dysfunction akin to Viagra. Following the FDA’s approval of Viagra for men, pharmaceutical companies have sought to develop a female counterpart. However, their recent efforts were thwarted when the FDA rejected the approval of "Female Viagra" on June 18.
The Path Forward
In light of these challenges, it is crucial to advocate for greater awareness and dialogue around women's sexual health. Recognizing the prevalence of these issues and encouraging women to seek help can pave the way for more effective treatments and a healthier, more fulfilling intimacy for couples.