What is a Sexual Dysfunction?
Any stage of the sexual response cycle is susceptible to sexual dysfunction, which happens when you are unable to enjoy sexual activities to your delight. The classic stages of the sexual response cycle are anticipation, plateau, climax, and resolution. Both arousal and desire are a part of the sexual response’s excitement phase.
Even though evidence indicates that sexual dysfunction is common, many people find it uncomfortable to discuss. But you should discuss your worries with your partner and your doctor because there are therapeutic choices. Keep reading and find out more about sexual dysfunction. Here is the Complete Guide to Sexual Disorders:
What Are The Types of Sexual Dysfunction?
Sexual dysfunction can be divided into the following groups:
Desire Disorders & Arousal
The absence of a desire for or interest in sexual activity is a symptom of this condition. Some examples are:
Females Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder (FSIAD)
FSIAD, also known as female sexual interest/arousal disorder, is a very typical syndrome in which the body does not react to sexual stimuli.
Male Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (MHSDD)
According to the DSM-5, a man, is considered to have MHSDD if he suffers from a persistent or recurrent lack of sexual or erotic thoughts, fantasies, or desires.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
In ED, the male has trouble getting or maintaining a firm erection that lasts long enough for sexual activity.
Orgasm Disorders
This means the culmination of sexual arousal is postponed or completely missing (climax). Some examples are:
Female Orgasmic Disorder (FOD)
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders classifies female orgasmic disorder (FOD) as a pattern of delayed or absent orgasm following a ‘normal’ sexual excitation phase.
Premature Ejaculation (PE)
Ejaculating quicker than preferred is called “premature ejaculation,” and it occurs in men when semen is expelled from the body before it’s desired. There’s also delayed ejaculation.
Delayed Ejaculation (DE)
Delayed ejaculation (DE) is characterized by a significant delay in ejaculation or the inability to accomplish ejaculation and is a poorly defined and infrequent form of male sexual dysfunction.
Pain Disorders
It provokes pain during intercourse. Some examples are:
Dyspareunia
Dyspareunia refers to genital pain that lasts longer than a few hours and happens before, during, or immediately after sexual activity.
Vaginismus
The physiological reaction of vaginismus is an aversion to any and all vaginal penetration.
Other Disorders
Other disorders include:
Paraphiliac Disorders
Paraphilic disorders are characterized by recurrent, intense, and sexually arousing fantasies, urges, and behaviors that are distressing or disabling and that involve inanimate objects, children, or nonconsenting adults, or the potential for harm to the sufferer or the partner through suffering or humiliation.
Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD)
Unwanted genital arousal that isn’t alleviated by an orgasmic release is a symptom of a rare syndrome called persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD).
Hypersexuality Disorder
Hypersexuality condition, and sexual addiction, are other terms used to describe compulsive sexual activity.
Who is Affected By Sexual Dysfunctions?
Research has made it known that approximately 43% of women and 31% of men experience sexual dysfunction. There is a wide range of physical and psychological factors that have been linked to hypoactive sexual desire disorder, for example.
Risk Factors of Sexual Dysfunction
Individual general health status, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, other genitourinary diseases, psychiatric/psychological disorders, other chronic diseases, and sociodemographic factors are all common risk categories related to sexual dysfunction in both men and women.
What Are The Symptoms of a Sexual Dysfunction?
Depending on the root of the issue, sexual dysfunction can present itself in a variety of ways. Sexual dysfunction symptoms consist primarily of:
In Men
- Having trouble getting or keeping an erection (a firm penis) that lasts long enough to have sexual relations with another person (erectile dysfunction).
- A failure to ejaculate or a delay in doing so despite adequate sexual excitement (delayed ejaculation).
- Inability to regulate ejaculatory time (early or premature ejaculation).
In Women
- Having trouble getting an orgasmic sensation.
- Vaginal dryness prior to and during sexual activity.
- Vaginal muscular tension that prevents sexual activity.
In Both Men and Women
- Absence of sex-related interest or desire.
- Inability to stir one’s emotions.
- Intercourse pain.
What Causes Sexual Dysfunction?
The causes of sexual dysfunction can be divided into two main categories:
Physical Causes of Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction can be brought on by a wide variety of physiological and medical issues. Diabetes, cardiovascular illness, neurological abnormalities, hormonal imbalances, chronic diseases including kidney or liver failure, and substance abuse are all examples of such situations. Some antidepressants, among others, have negative effects that can impair sexual performance.
Psychological Causes of Sexual Dysfunction
Work-related stress and anxiety, sexual performance anxiety, marriage or relationship difficulties, depression, guilt, body image worries, and the after-effects of sexual trauma are all examples.
Can Medications Cause Sexual Dysfunction?
Sexual performance may be affected by some prescription and over-the-counter substances. A person’s libido (desire) and arousal levels may be negatively impacted by the medications they take. When many drugs are being used, sexual dysfunction is a greater possibility.
Medications Known To Cause Sexual Side-Effects
The following are some medications to look out for because they may cause sexual side-effects:
Non-Prescription Medications
Over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants have been linked to erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory dysfunction in some men.
Antidepressants
- Depression medications known as tricyclics (Elavil, Sinequan, Tofranil, Aventyl, Pamelor).
- MAOIs, which include phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine, are drugs used to treat depression (Parnate).
- Thioridazine (Mellaril), thiothixene (Navane), and haloperidol are some examples of antipsychotic drugs (Haldol).
- Medications like lithium carbonate are used to treat manic episodes (Eskalith, Lithobid).
- Antidepressants that work by blocking serotonin from being reabsorbed are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (Paxil).
Blood Pressure Medications
- Spironolactone (Aldactone) and the thiazides are examples of diuretics (Diuril, Naturetin, and others).
- Agents that operate centrally, such as reserpine and methyldopa (Aldomet) (Serpasil, Raudixin).
- A-Adrenergic blockers, such as terazosin and prazosin (Minipress) (Hytrin)
- B-adrenergic (beta) blockers, such as metoprolol and propranolol (Inderal) (Lopressor).
Hormones
- Goserelin hormones (Zoladex).
- Leuprolide hormones (Lupron).
Diagnosis and Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction
You usually know when something is getting in the way of your sexual pleasure (or your partner’s). First, your doctor will probably take a detailed medical history and perform a full physical examination. They might arrange testing to rule out any possible underlying medical conditions that could be causing the malfunction. Most of the time, diagnostic laboratory testing has a negligible impact on identifying sexual dysfunction.
How is Sexual Dysfunction Diagnosed?
The clinician can better diagnose the root of the problem and prescribe the appropriate treatment after taking into account the patient’s sexual orientation and any other contributing factors, such as the patient’s level of fear or anxiety, the patient’s history of sexual trauma or abuse, the patient’s relationship concerns, the patient’s use of medications, alcohol or drug abuse, etc.
How is Sexual Dysfunction Treated?
Treatment of the underlying medical or psychological issues can usually resolve sexual dysfunction. Methods besides these are also used in treatment.
Pharmacological
Medication
In men, boosting blood flow to the penis may improve sexual function, and several medications, including sildenafil (Viagra®), tadalafil (Cialis®), vardenafil (Levitra®, Staxyn®, and avanafil (Stendra®), have been approved for this purpose. Switching drugs can help when one is creating dysfunction.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
If a man or woman’s body is deficient in any hormone, then hormone replacement treatment in the form of injections, pills, or creams may be beneficial.
Hormone therapies, including estrogen and testosterone, are available for women (although these medications are not approved for this purpose). Both flibanserin (Addyi®) and bremelanotide (Vyleesi®) are FDA-approved drugs for treating low desire in premenopausal women.
Mechanical Aids
Vacuum devices and penile implants are two possible methods that can aid erectile-dysfunctioning men (the inability to achieve or maintain an erection). Also safe for females to use is the vacuum gadget EROS-CTD, which comes with a hefty price tag. Some women who have vaginal tightening may benefit from using a dilator. Some people find that using a vibrating device like a massager increases their sexual pleasure and climax.
Sex Therapy
When patients’ primary care physicians are unable to resolve their sexual health issues, they may seek help from a specialized therapist. Marriage counseling is another area in which therapists excel. The time and energy invested in working with a qualified professional are well worth it for the couple that wants to start enjoying their sexual relationship.
Behavioral Treatments
These include methods like self-stimulation for treating issues with arousal or orgasm and other methods, such as gaining insight into damaging habits in the relationship.
Psychotherapy
You can overcome psychological sexual trauma, anxiety, fear, guilt, and a negative body image with the help of a qualified counselor and therapist. Possible impairment of sexual function due to all of the above.
Education and Communication
You may be able to get past your fears of sexual function with some study of sex and sexual behaviors and responses. Many obstacles in your sex life can be removed via honest communication with one’s partner regarding wants, needs, and worries.
Can Sexual Dysfunction Be Cured?
Successful treatment of sexual dysfunction requires the identification of its root cause. When dysfunction is caused by an illness that can be remedied, the prognosis is optimistic.
Please know that counseling, education, and better communication between couples often prove effective in treating moderate dysfunction due to stress, fear, or anxiety. Motivation and participation in your own healthcare, in conjunction with your medical professional, may do wonders for your sexual health.
Do you have any more questions about Sexual Disorders? You can contact our team of experts and let them guide you through the benefits of treating it. Don’t let any sexual disorder take the best of you. Call Clinic For Him and start taking care of your health today.
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