What are treatments for sexual arousal disorder?

Vaginal dryness is a common cause of female sexual arousal disorder. Decreased lubrication or lack of lubrication and loss of elasticity can make intercourse uncomfortable. Several different treatments are available, ranging from over-the-counter lubricants to prescription hormone treatments. For many women, lubricants and vaginal moisturizers will do the trick, so they're a good place to start. If these products aren't helpful, low-dose estrogen products -- available as creams, tablets, or rings inserted into the vagina -- can raise estrogen levels in the vagina, making the tissue thicker and more elastic. For women who experience other uncomfortable symptoms during menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and insomnia in addition to vaginal symptoms, another option is higher-dose estrogen therapy -- available as pills, patches, gels, sprays, or rings -- which boosts estrogen levels throughout the body. Sex therapy also may be effective.