Sexual dysfunctions refers to set of problems occurring during the sexual response cycle that interferes the individual or couple from enjoying satisfactory sexual activity. The sexual response cycle comprises a number of phases including sexual desire and arousal (part of excitement phase), orgasm and resolution.
Mind and body are are both involved of sexual function. Apart from sex organs, physical and mental health play an important role. Therefore, the reasons for sexual dysfunction can be complex. It is normal to have some hiccups but often or regular hiccups in sexual satisfaction can rise to the level of sexual dysfunction or disorder.
It is relatively a common problem and both men and women of any age group can experience sexual dysfunction.
Causes of sexual Dysfunction
As there are a number of sexual disorders, the causes of sexual dysfunction are also many. Main causes falls under to broad categories:
Physical Causes
These causes are due to physical health of individual or couple. Physical health diseases and conditions can lead to sexual dysfunction:
- Urological infections
- Chemo- Cancer treatment
- High Diabetes
- Kidney or liver failure
- heart disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Hormonal imbalances
- Brain Chemistry or Brain disorder
- Alcoholism and Drug abuse
- Pelvic injury
- Sleep disorders
- Nerve damage
Apart from above many medications, medical treatment and surgical procedure can affect sexual function.
Psychological Causes
Sexual dysfunction is due to psychological factors also. These includes:
- Depression
- Work related stress
- Anxiety related to sexual performance
- Feelings of guilt for sexual activity or desire
- Effects of past sexual trauma
- Issues due to body image
- Low self esteem
- Relationship problems
Types of Sexual Dysfunction
As mentioned above it is a common problem for both men and women and can be caused because of physical and medical problems. Sexual dysfunction generally fits into one of four categories mentioned below:
Desire disorders
Factors such as stress, medical conditions, hormonal changes, relationship issues, fear, depression, sexual inhibitions can also affect desire in mean and women. This disorder is also known as libido disorder (Low estrogen and testosterone levels can cause decreased libido) and affects sexual desire or lack of sexual thoughts.
Arousal disorders
Arousal disorder is characterized as lack of mental, emotional or physical response to sexual stimulation. These disorders make it difficult or impossible for both men and women to become physically aroused during sexual activity. The most common type sexual dysfunction which tends to increase with age in men is erectile dysfunction. On the other hand women may experience vaginal dryness and no genital sensation and is called as genital arousal disorder. This type of disorder can be intense and unbearable and can lead to work and personal life imbalance and can be associated with increased risk of suicide.
Orgasm disorders
This disorder is common in men and women but mainly it is a significant concern for women. These involve the inability to have orgasm, absence of orgasm or delayed orgasm. This is because of premature ejaculation which happens sooner than the partner.
Painful disorders
These can affect both men and women but women report pain much more frequently than men during intercourse. When sexual intercourse causes pain then it is referred as painful disorder or dyspareunia. In women, pain may be because of vaginal dryness, urinary infections, menopause, and several other conditions. In men, pain may be because of Peyronie’s disease, urinary tract infections, fungal infections, genital herpes and other skin related conditions.
Symptoms of Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction symptoms can vary depending on the type of disorder and also it differs for men and women. The symptoms of sexual dysfunction include:
For men and women
- Lack of desire for sex
- Difficulty becoming aroused
- Pain while intercourse
For men
- Inability to achieve suitable erection for intercourse
- Delayed or absent ejaculation on stimulation
- Early or Premature ejaculation
For women
- Inability to achieve orgasm
- Inadequate lubrication or Vaginal dryness
- Pain while sexual intercourse
- Inflammation of the vulva
If you have notice symptoms of sexual dysfunction, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor. You may get proper cure with the help of treatments available.
Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction
If sexual issues are often, both partners can have anxiety and things can go wrong if not discussed at right time. If you are facing sexual dysfunction, consider consulting with doctor as there is help. For both physical and psychological causes treatment are available. .
If this is because of physical cause or psychological, medication is always one of the treatment. If it is psychological, treatments such as sex therapies, counselling, lifestyle changes, behavior modification, practicing communication and guidance may work.
Remember, sexual dysfunction is common and there is nothing to be embarrassed about and with proper consultation and treatment it can be cured almost 100% of the times.
If your suffering from Sexual problems consult our experts online.
