Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Silent Burden

Obstetrician gynecologist Dr. Ditas Decena

Women all over the world are suffering from a health condition that they themselves may not even be aware of.

This silent burden is called female sexual dysfunction (FSD), which pertains to a persistent, recurrent problem with sexual response, desire or orgasm.

FSD is often overlooked or ignored, largely because society still frowns upon the idea of women being in tune and in touch with their own bodies, especially regarding reproductive and sexual health.

AJRP senior product manager Pinky Ferrer

“The reality is that FSD not only affects the individual physically, but emotionally and socially. It strains her relationship with her partner, and a dissatisfied disposition negatively impacts interactions at home and at work in general,” explains Pinky Ferrer, senior product manager at AJ Research & Pharma.

AJ Research & Pharma is an innovative Malaysia-based pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical and nutraceutical company. It seeks to address unmet needs in the healthcare market, and FSD is one of those concerns that the company has identified as a top priority especially within the emerging ASEAN market.

According to data, as much as 43% of adult women have experienced at least one manifestation of FSD at one point in their lives. Symptoms of FSD include the inability to achieve orgasm; low desire to engage in sex; difficulty with sexual response or arousal; and physical conditions such as poor vaginal lubrication and pain.

While it may be true that such conditions as vaginal dryness and lack of sexual interest are often associated with menopause among more mature women, FSD can occur at any age or stage in life, according to Ferrer.

Women who encounter these symptoms often simply ignore them, leading to more serious physical symptoms, and deeper emotional and social dissatisfaction.

The good news is that FSD is easy to address, given the proper support system and guidance from a health professional.

AJRP business unit director Paul Reyes, Dr. Ditas Decena, AJRP president Eric Domagas, Dr. Margie Holmes, AJRP CEO Javed Mohammad and AJRP senior product manager Pinky Ferrer

Psychologist and sex therapist Dr. Margie Holmes

To help spread awareness and education about FSD, AJ Research & Pharma recently organized a media briefing featuring one of the most renowned and trusted Filipino medical resources in the field of sexual education, Dr. Margarita Holmes.

Medical treatment involving hormone therapy can be prescribed especially for patients with underlying medical conditions. However, these may come with some risks and undesirable side effects, and must be undertaken only under the guidance of a doctor.

There are also numerous nonmedical treatments and lifestyle strategies to overcome FSD. These include:

• Open communication. Dialogue with one’s sexual partner or significant other is key to understanding one’s own body and sexual needs as well. Learn or develop a system of communication to enhance intimacy not just physically but emotionally as well.

• Counselling. The professional guidance of a psychologist or medical professional may provide more effective and efficient communication and self-awareness exercises, techniques and tools.

• Healthy living. An overall lifestyle of health and wellness greatly enhances one’s   sexual well-being. Experts advise, for instance, to limit alcohol intake as it can dampen sexual responsiveness. Regular physical activity and exercise can also increase stamina, elevate mood and eliminate stress.

• Devices and topical gel. Women should learn to utilize devices to increase sexual stimulation and arousal. Lubricants and other types of topical products are also helpful especially during intercourse to treat dryness or pain, but this offers temporary solution especially in dealing with vaginal dryness.

An innovative feminine intimacy product that AJ Research & Pharma has introduced, the first in the Philippine market, an intimate gel that restores natural moisture in the female intimate area, it intensifies vaginal sensitivity and help women reach pleasurable orgasm, thus addressing symptoms of FSD. It is a special patented formulation developed in Italy and uses only natural ingredients derived from plants such as visnadine.

AJ Research & Pharma Inc. CEO Javed Mohammad

“With VSENSE, we aim to encourage women to make it a habit to take care of their intimate health and well-being,” says Javed Ghulam Mohammad, CEO of AJ Research & Pharma, who flew in to Manila exclusively for the event.

AJ Research & Pharma has launched VSENSE intimate gel in the Philippine market eyeing an untapped segment of feminine intimate products that are therapeutic in nature.

“It is high time that women get over the stigma of being sexually aware or in touch with their intimate needs,” adds Ferrer. “VSENSE helps empower women to address FSD and improve their overall well-being by improving their sexual health.”

Now, women can take charge of their pleasure and satisfaction and TURN LIFE ON by overcoming female sexual dysfunction (FSD).

For more information, visit www.vsense.ph and www.ajrph.com