We've come a long way since and it is time to celebrate women and their achievements. Twenty years after countries signed pledges in the Beijing Declaration and Platform of Action, women still face many health problems and we must re-commit to addressing them. Here are ten of the main issues regarding women's health that keep me awake at night:. Cancer : Two of the most common cancers affecting women are breast and cervical cancers.

Sexual dysfunction includes painful intercourse, painful contraction spasm of the vaginal muscles, and problems with sexual desire, arousal, or orgasm that cause distress. Depression or anxiety, other psychologic factors, disorders, and drugs can contribute to sexual dysfunction, as can the woman's situation, including relationship difficulties. To identify a problem, doctors often talk to both partners separately and together, and a pelvic examination is often necessary when the woman has pain or problems with orgasm. Improving the relationship, communicating more clearly and openly, and arranging the best circumstances for sexual activities can often help, regardless of the cause of sexual dysfunction. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, or a combination of the two, can also help, as can psychotherapy. If the problems are severe enough to cause distress, they may be considered sexual dysfunction.

Being a woman has implications for health. Health needs of women can be broadly classified under four categories Fathalla, First, women have specific health needs related to the sexual and reproductive function. Second, women have an elaborate reproductive system that is vulnerable to dysfunction or disease, even before it is put to function or after it has been put out of function.

Error: This is required. Error: Not a valid value. It's not uncommon for a woman to never have experienced an orgasm during sexual activity. Experiencing pain or discomfort during sex is fairly common, but in some cases there is an underlying cause. Sex is part of a healthy relationship, but can carry risks.