Sexual Dysfunction - An Overview

Introduction

Sexual dysfunction is an issue that prevents a person from experiencing satisfaction from sexual activity. Sexual dysfunction is an issue that can occur during any phase of the sexual response cycle. The sexual response cycle includes excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. The excitement part includes arousal and desire. Sexual dysfunction is a very common condition, but many people feel hesitant to open up about it. Treatment modalities exist, but people should be ready to open up with their partners and the doctor.

What Are the Different Types of Sexual Dysfunction?

Sexual dysfunction can be classified into four categories, which are

• Desire Disorder: The person can lack sexual desire or may not have an interest in sex.

• Arousal Disorder: The person will not be able to get physically aroused during a sexual act.

• Orgasm Disorder: The person will not be able to experience the climax (the orgasm).

• Pain Disorder: Presence of pain during intercourse.

What Are the Causative Factors Related to Sexual Dysfunction?

Stress is seen to be the common cause of this condition. Other causes are:

• Diabetes.

• Heart conditions.

• Neurological disorders.

• Hormonal imbalance.

• Chronic conditions such as kidney or liver failure.

• Alcohol consumption disorders.

• Substance abuse disorders.

• Side effects caused by some medications.

• Stress and anxiety.

• Worries about sexual performance.

• Relationship issues.

• Depression.

• Sense of guilt.

• Thoughts of the past sexual trauma.

What Are the Symptoms Associated With Sexual Dysfunction?

Some common symptoms include a lack of interest in sex, pain at the time of intercourse, or the person is not able to get aroused.

Symptoms of Sexual Dysfunction in Males Include

• Unable to maintain an erection required for intercourse.

• Retarded ejaculation which causes delayed ejaculation even after proper sexual stimulation.

• Unable to keep control over the timing of ejaculation.

• A low level of testosterone can also impact the sexual activity of a person.

Symptoms of Sexual Dysfunction in Females Include

• Unable to reach orgasm.

• No proper vaginal lubrication before or during the time of intercourse.

• Not able to relax the muscles of the vagina, which is required for intercourse.

• Low levels of estrogen can affect sexual desire.

How Is Sexual Dysfunction Condition Diagnosed?

Initially, the doctor will have an open talk with the couple and review their complete history of symptoms. The doctor may recommend some diagnostic tests to rule out the presence of other conditions that can interfere with sexual activity. The cause of this condition can be diagnosed only through an open talk with the doctor.

• Thoughts about sex.

• Fear.

• Anxiety.

• Past sexual trauma.

• Medications.

• Alcohol.

• Relationship concerns.

• Drug abuse.

How Is Sexual Dysfunction Managed?

Usually, sexual dysfunction can be managed by treating the underlying physical and psychological condition. Some other treatment methods are

• Medication: When some of the medications result in sexual dysfunction, then a change of such medication can help. At the same time, men or women who are affected by hormone deficiency may benefit from hormonal pills, shots, or creams.

• Sex Therapy: Sex therapists can help people to open up about certain issues that cannot be opened with the doctor. These sex therapists act as counselors and help to manage sexual dysfunction.

• Psychotherapy: Attending therapy can help the person to overcome the past sexual experience, anxiety, guilt, or fear. All these factors play a role in affecting a person's sexual life.

Other treatments include

• If desire is the underlying issue, then a change in the routine act can help solve the problem. This can be handled by trying different positions or having sex at various times of the day. Open talk about the likes and dislikes with the partner can help.

• Arousal issues seen in women can be handled by using vaginal cream or lubricant or dryness. If the woman is in their menopause phase, estrogen supplements can be used.

• Women who experience pain during intercourse can be treated using hormonal therapy, vaginal lubricant, or various positions. Emptying the bladder before having a sexual act can help. Hot water baths can also help to manage this condition.

Can Men and Women Live with Sexual Dysfunction?

Depending on the cause of the sexual dysfunction, the person may or may not live with it. The person should talk openly with the doctor regarding the treatment methods present. Counseling with a therapist would also help.

Can Sexual Dysfunction Be Prevented?

The aging process cannot be prevented, but there are many ways how men and women can decrease the impact of sexual dysfunction. This can include

• Knowing a lot more about one’s own body.

• Consultation with the doctor regarding the medicines taken should be done. Treating the underlying conditions such as diabetes can help.

• Counseling sessions with a therapist can help if the person has been affected by stress, depression, or relationship problems.

• Reducing alcohol consumption, eating a healthy diet, and exercising properly can help.

• Open conversation about likes and dislikes can help.

• For women, kegel exercise, which helps to relax the muscles of the vagina, can help to enhance arousal.

• Other sexual activities other than intercourse can be tried.

• The use of recreational drugs or opioids needs to be avoided.

When to Visit the Doctor?

When there is some sexual dysfunction, both partners will have anxiety about what is wrong. If this is not discussed with the partners, then things may escalate. If the condition does not improve, consultation with the doctor is necessary. The partners should submit the entire medical history, the drugs taken, and any over-the-counter medications used. The specifics of the issue need to be discussed with the doctor. The doctor will initially start with a physical examination and some diagnostic testing.

Conclusion

Sexual dysfunction can be caused due to various reasons. This is an issue that does not allow the person to be satisfied by their sexual activity. Usually, this condition can be treated through open talk with partners and doctors, medications, or counseling with a therapist. If this condition is caused due to stress, anxiety, or depression, which is the common cause, counseling with a therapist can help. Better life quality can also help with sexual health.