What is Sexual Dysfunction?
Sexual dysfunction is defined as a complication developed during a phase of the sexual response cycle that inhibits an individual or couple from attaining satisfaction through sexual activity.
Sexual response cycle basically refers to the sequence of emotional and physical changes that occurs as an individual becomes sexually aroused and takes part in sexually stimulating activities. Men and women of all ages experience sexual dysfunction, although women outnumber men.
What are the Types of Sexual Dysfunction?
Sexual dysfunction is generally categorized into 4 types such as:
- Arousal disorders - inability to get physically aroused or excited during sexual action
- Desire disorders – absence of desire or interest in sexual activity
- Pain disorders – pain during sexual intercourse
- Orgasm disorders – absence or delay of orgasm (climax)
What are the Symptoms of Sexual Dysfunction?
Some of the symptoms that are commonly associated with sexual dysfunction include:
- Inability to maintain or attain an erection
- Premature or delayed ejaculation
- Inability to manage ejaculation timing
- Poor libido
- Pain with intercourse
- Inability to get aroused
What are the Causes of Sexual Dysfunction?
Some of the common causes of sexual dysfunction that are both physiological and psychological in nature include:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Hormonal imbalance
- Urological infections
- Drug abuse
- Alcoholism
- Erectile dysfunction
- Neurological disorders
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
How is Sexual Dysfunction Diagnosed?
In most cases, the individual can self-recognize the problem by their lack of interest in enjoying sexual activity or by lack of achieving erection or arousal to engage in sexual activity despite a strong sexual desire.
Your doctor will also go through your complete history and physical, symptoms, and other factors to diagnose the root cause of sexual dysfunction. Your doctor may further order diagnostic tests to exclude any medical problems that may be causing the dysfunction.
How is Sexual Dysfunction Treated?
Most cases of sexual dysfunction can be managed by addressing the underlying psychological or physical problems. Some of the methods employed for treating sexual dysfunction include:
- Medications: Men suffering from arousal disorder, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and other disorders can be best treated with the use of medications such as Viagra, Cialis, Promescent, etc. When medication is the cause of dysfunction, then a change in medication could help in treating the dysfunction.
- Medical Treatment: This method involves treatment of a physical problem that may be causing sexual dysfunction.
- Psychotherapy: A sex therapist who is a trained counsellor can help in addressing feelings of anxiety, past trauma, fear, etc
- Mechanical Aids: Aids such as penile implants and vacuum devices may help men with erectile dysfunction
- Hormonal Treatment: Men and women with hormonal issues may benefit from hormonal replacement therapy.
- Sex Education: Counseling may be beneficial to overcome anxieties about sexual performance as well as to clarify any other queries related to sex.
