Taboo topics—like those about sex—are known to mingle with a lot of misconceptions. Case in point, there are a lot of myths about female sexual health and dysfunction—and that’s a problem. These myths and misconceptions spread harmful misinformation and increase feelings of shame, creating barriers to healthy sexual expression, care, and support. Dispelling these sexual health myths and focusing on the facts are important steps in promoting healthy attitudes toward sexuality, as well as in improving sexual health and well-being.

It’s time to bust these sexual myths:

Fact: Between 30 and 50 percent of sexually active women experience sexual dysfunction, including the following:

These conditions can affect women of all ages and backgrounds.

Tip: Seek professional help. If sexual problems are causing distress or impacting your quality of life, seek support from your primary care physician (PCP), obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN), or mental health professional. Your PCP or OB/GYN can help identify an underlying medical condition or hormonal imbalances, while a sex therapist can help with strategies that may be contributing to low desire or pain.

Fact: Sexual health is influenced by physical, emotional, social, and environmental factors. Some medical conditions or medications can contribute to sexual dysfunction. Mental health conditions, like anxiety and depression, as well as their treatment, can also impact sexual functioning. Furthermore, relationship issues and a history of trauma or abuse can lead to sexual dysfunction, and these experiences can affect each person differently.

Tip: Always see a health care provider to rule out any physiological problems—but........

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