Understanding and Overcoming Sexual Dysfunction: A Comprehensive Guide
Sexual Dysfunction can prevent pleasurable sexual encounters and even diminish the desire for intimacy.
According to a 2020 study, one-half of women participants have sexually related personal distress.
Not only that, in every five women, one has at least one Female Sexual Dysfunction.
It being such a prevalent issue affecting both genders raises concerns.
This article presents a detailed analysis of Sexual Dysfunction, including its symptoms, types, and causes.
These will help manage and treat Sexual Dysfunction for increased sexual satisfaction.
What is Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual Dysfunction is not a particular disease but rather includes a wide range of disorders.
They reduce the sexual satisfaction or desire of a person.
It can affect any stage of the sexual response cycle, which includes sex drive, arousal, orgasm, and resolution.
It is not the same as asexuality, which is little to no sexual attraction towards anyone.
Not being in the mood sometimes or having a bad experience is not Sexual Dysfunction.
When sexual problems like low libido and painful intercourse persist for a long time, it becomes Sexual Dysfunction.
Sexual Dysfunction in women
Female Sexual Dysfunction encompasses several problems that prevent a woman from having a pleasurable sexual experience for a long period.
It can happen at any time but progresses as women age.
Some of the problems that come under Female Sexual Dysfunction are:
Vaginal, Urinary, and Bowel Dysfunction
These sexual dysfunctions include problems like:
- Vaginismus (vaginal muscles spasm when something enters it)
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse (vaginal and surrounding organs bulge)
- Urinary Incontinence (leakage)
- Constipation or Fecal Incontinence (leakage)
Pain
Some Female Sexual Dysfunctions related to pain are:
- Dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
- Vulvodynia (chronic pain affecting the labia, vagina, and clitoris)
- Vulvar Inflammatory Conditions
- Vaginal burning
Hormonal Concerns
Some sexual dysfunctions in women are also related to hormonal changes or imbalances like:
- Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) with symptoms like burning and discomfort
- Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder(persistent absence of sexual desires)
- Hyperactive Sexual Desire Disorder (intense focus or urge of sexual fantasies)
- Female orgasmic disorder (absence or delay of orgasm)
Sexual Dysfunction in men
Male Sexual Dysfunction also involves numerous conditions that affect intimacy and sexual satisfaction.
It has physiologic and psychological components, which makes it a complex issue.
Conditions that come under Male Sexual Dysfunction are:
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED): the inability to get an erection or maintain it
- Peyronie’s Disease (PD): Scar tissue grows under the skin of the penis. It can cause curved or painful erections
- Low sexual desire
- Premature Ejaculation (PE): ejaculation which occurs too early during an intercourse
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Valif 20 mgPenegra 100mgSymptoms of Sexual Dysfunction
Some symptoms of Sexual Dysfunction can be gender specific, and some of them are common for all.
Male Sexual Dysfunction symptoms
Some symptoms observed in males due to Sexual Dysfunction include:
- Inability to get or maintain an erection
- Absent or delayed ejaculation
- Inability to control the timing of ejaculation
Female Sexual Dysfunction symptoms
Symptoms specific to Female Sexual Dysfunction include:
- No orgasm
- Lack of vaginal lubrication before and during intercourse
- Inability to relax the vaginal muscles or muscle spasms
Common symptoms
Some of the Sexual Dysfunction symptoms common in both gender include:
- Lack of interest (low sex drive)
- Difficulty in arousal
- Painful intercourse
Types of Sexual Dysfunction
There are four main types into which Sexual Dysfunction can be classified as:
Desire disorders
They are also called libido disorders. It is the loss of sex drive which causes disinterest in intercourse.
Reasons like low Estrogen or Testosterone, Depression, and Anxiety can result in desire disorders.
Arousal disorders
These involve the desire for sexual pleasure but not attaining it.
This can happen due to a lack of arousal during intercourse.
One of its examples is Erectile Dysfunction.
Orgasm disorders
These disorders disrupt the ability to get an orgasm or delay it.
This can result in a lack of sexual satisfaction.
Pain disorders
It incorporates problems that lead to painful sex.
In females, it can occur from Vaginismus and Urinary Tract infections.
In men, it can happen due to Prostatitis and Peyronie’s Disease
Causes of Sexual Dysfunction
There are several causes of Sexual Dysfunction that result in different disorders.
These can include:
- Stress: Stress is a psychological factor that can affect sexual function in many ways. It can cause or worsen ED, loss of libido, and even fatigue, causing low stamina
- Bad lifestyle: Bad habits like smoking, consuming alcohol, or tobacco can significantly impact sexual function
- Low hormone levels: Lack of sex hormones like Testosterone or Estrogen affect libido. It can result in difficulty in arousal or orgasm
- Menopause: It significantly impacts female sexual health as reproductive hormones lower. Several body changes occur, which result in a lack of arousal, libido, and orgasm
- Pregnancy: Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and postpartum also involve hormonal fluctuations. They can result in Sexual Dysfunction
- Psychological issues: Depression and trauma from past or current relationships can also add to the problem
- Medical problems: Cancer, Diabetes, heart problems, or bladder problems can affect Sexual function
- Some medications: Some medicines can cause problems that come under Sexual Dysfunction. Antihistamines, Anti-androgens, Anticholinergics, and some anticancer drugs can cause Erectile Dysfunction
Sexual Dysfunction treatment
The treatment of Sexual Dysfunction depends upon the type of problem or disorder.
Some of them are:
Medications
If the problem arises due to a lack of hormones, certain pills, shots, and creams may help.
A doctor may prescribe drugs like Sildenafil, Tadalafil, and Avanafil to improve sexual function in men.
Premenopausal women may be given Flibanserin and Bremelanotide to improve sex drive.
Sex Therapy
A specialist can help couples navigate through this lack of pleasure and intimacy.
It can guide them with a plan to improve sexual relations
Communication and sex education
It involves understanding sexual behaviors. Communicating with the partner about their needs is also a part of this treatment.
Better responses can help overcome the friction between partners due to Sexual Dysfunction
Mechanical aids
Devices like penile implants can improve sexual performance in males.
Vibrators can improve stimulation and pleasure in females
Conclusion
Sexual Dysfunction includes problems like ED and painful sex, which reduce sexual pleasure.
It can happen at any of the four stages of the sexual response cycle. This can affect sex drive, arousal, orgasm, and resolution.
These can be caused by stress, medications, poor lifestyle, and other medical issues.
Symptoms of Sexual Dysfunction can include low sex drive and premature ejaculation in men. It can be observed as a lack of vaginal lubrication and painful sex in women.
Most of these can be managed through treatment options like therapy, medications like Sildenafil and Tadalafil, and mechanical aids.
With open communication and a healthy lifestyle, it is possible to improve Sexual Dysfunction while enjoying intimacy and attaining pleasure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are 4 Sexual Dysfunctions?
The four main types or categories of Sexual Dysfunction are disorders of sexual desire/interest, arousal, sexual pain, and orgasm. These prevent orgasm and complete satisfaction during sex. For some, it even makes one reluctant to seek intimacy. Sometimes, it can also cause additional issues like infertility.
What are symptoms of Sexual Dysfunction?
Symptoms of Sexual Dysfunction depend upon the type of disorder. In males, it can be premature or no ejaculation, not getting an erection, or difficulty in maintaining one. In females, it can be absence or difficulty in orgasm, lack of vaginal lubrication, and not being able to relax vaginal muscles.
How do you deal with Sexual Dysfunction?
The first step after diagnosing the problem is to communicate with your partner. Then, one can choose the right treatment out of the available options after discussing it with a medical professional. Moreover, practicing a healthy lifestyle and seeking sex therapy can also help in dealing with Sexual Dysfunction.
Is Sexual Dysfunction in the DSM-5?
Yes, out of the three divisions of DSM-5, one is Sexual Dysfunction. It includes female sexual arousal/interest disorder, female orgasmic disorder, and genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder. In males, it can be seen as male hypoactive sexual desire disorder, erectile disorder, and premature or delayed ejaculation.
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