[Disorders of libido from the gynecological view point]

Sexual dysfunctions are differentiated according to the following symptoms: libido dysfunction, orgasmic dysfunction, vaginism, algopareunia and polysymptomatic dysfunction. In the out-patient service for sexual and other psychosomatic disorders of the University of Heidelberg's Women's Hospital 90 women with libido dysfunction were treated with conflict-centered psychotherapy after exclusion of organic diseases which could explain the reduction of libido and after exclusion of a depression where the loss of libido is a regular symptom. The success-rate was 63%. It was attempted to reinforce the ego of the patient which enables him to experience his surroundings with less conflicts. Neurotic anxieties and symptoms are decreased and loos their importance so that the patient is able to handle his sexual disturbance. Among the psychosocial factors, i.e. focal causes, responsible for the libido dysfunction we found: In 48% of the cases the relationship between parents and children had been disturbed, which caused difficulties in the identification process (lack of father or mother, cool mother, divorce, borken home). Problems with the partners were found in 42%. 2/3 of these women had not grown up in intact families, which seems to predestinate difficulties in communication later on. Psychodynamically the loss of libido means sexual resistance which can lead to aversion or disgust. When there is no excitement the vasocongestion and lubrication do not take place: cohabitation pain (algopareunia) results. On the other hand the reduction of libido can also be a result of chronic algopareunia, i.e. secondary. Psychogenic bleedings ("aversion-bleeding") during or after intercourse occasionally occur in combination with algopareunia and lack of libido.