Female Sexual Dysfunction FAQ

Why don’t I feel like having sex anymore?

You may have the most common type of female sexual dysfunction which is Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)

  1. What is it? It is an ongoing decrease or lack of spontaneous sexual desire and/or loss of desire to initiate sex that a woman may find frustrating. There is an imbalance of chemical messenger activity in the brain that results in low sexual desire
  2. Symptoms can include? Having a negative body image, find that you are avoiding intimacy, and having low self -esteem
  3. Who does it affect? Any woman
  4. How can we help you with this? Medications, treat low testosterone if appropriate

Why do I have pain with sex?

You may have Female Genital Arousal Disorder (FGAD)

  1. What is it? Trouble with being able to have an adequate genital response for sex
  2. Symptoms can include? Physical vaginal concerns or pain, Vaginal dryness and lack of lubrication for sex, find yourself avoiding intimacy, and having low self-esteem
  3. Who does it affect? Any woman
  4. How can we help you with this? Medications, Lubrication, increase blood flow with devices, treat low testosterone if appropriate

Why can’t I have an orgasm?

You may have Female Cognitive Arousal Disorder (FCAD)

  1. What is it? Trouble with being able to feel mental excitement about sex
  2. Symptoms can include? Cannot feel aroused mentally, negative body image, find you are avoiding intimacy, and having low self-esteem
  3. Who does it affect? Any woman
  4. How can we help you with this? Medications, lubrication, treat low testosterone if appropriate

Potomac Urology is one of the only practices in Northern Virginia with providers who have clinical interest and specialized training in helping women with sexual dysfunction. Katie Cage, NP is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner who is also one of the few Certified Urology Nurse Practitioners in Northern Virginia, and she can help you with any of these concerns. Katie has over 10 years of experience in female urology and she works closely with our Urogynecologist, Dr. Alok Desai.

If you feel any of these describes how you are feeling, then please take this questionnaire below. Please click on the “make appointment” tab and make an appointment with Katie Cage, NP so that she can work with you to develop a personalized plan to help address your sexual issues. Potomac Urology is excited to be able to offer this type of care to members of our community.


The Decreased Sexual Desire Screener (DSDS) is a simple, validated diagnostic tool to help you identify and discuss HSDD

Please choose YES or NO

  1. In the past, was your level of sexual desire or interest good and satisfying to you? YES NO
  2. Has there been a decrease in thy or level of sexual desire or interest? YES NO
  3. Are you bothered by the decreased level of sexual desire or interest? YES NO
  4. Would you like your level of sexual desire or interest to increase? YES NO

CHOOSE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING FACTORS THAT MAY APPLY:

5. What factors do you feel may be contributing to your current decrease in sexual desire or interest?

  1. an operation, depression, injuries, or other medical conditions
  2. medications, drugs, or alcohol you are currently taking
  3. pregnancy, recent childbirth, menopausal symptoms
  4. other sexual issues you may be having (pain, decreased arousal or orgasm)
  5. your partner’s sexual problems
  6. dissatisfaction with your relationship or partner
  7. stress or fatigue