Sexual dysfunction is a problem that can happen to anyone, of any age, and interferes with and prevents one from experiencing satisfaction and/or release from sexual and intimate activities.
Have you ever found yourself wondering why you couldn’t reach climax, even though you were ready and in the moment? Have you struggle to feel intimate connection or desire? Or maybe you have had to try REAL hard to get things going, so to speak.
If any of these things have occurred, you might be suffering from sexual dysfunction.
Phases of Sexual Response
The standard phases of sexual response typically include excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. Many people do not follow this path or the phases in “order.” Libido, desire, and arousal are under the ‘excitement phase’ portion of the sexual response map. The National Institute of Health states that, “nearly 43% of women and 35% of males face sexual dysfunction. While over 80% of cancer patients and those with long term illness face some form of sexual dysfunction” (NIH).
Sexual dysfunction is a global issue that is infrequently discussed because of it’s taboo nature of topic. There are many options available to help humans work through their dysfunction issues, from prescription options to holistic therapies, and surgical interventions.
Types of Sexual Dysfunction
There are four categories of sexual dysfunction. These are:
- Arousal disorder is the inability to become physically aroused or excited during sexual activity.
- Desire disorder is the lack of sexual desire or interest in sex.
- Orgasm disorder is the delay or absence or orgasm.
- Pain disorders can intensify pain during intimate activity and intercourse.
Any human can be affected by sexual dysfunction at any time in their life. It is a most common occurrence for those individuals over 40 years of age, those with heart conditions, or those who are going through cancer or other long-term illness and treatment. (CDC)
Dysfunction Symptoms & Causes
For Men:
- The inability to achieve or maintain an erection suitable for penetration or intercourse.
- Ejaculation dysfunction which occurs with a delayed, absent, or early ejaculation.
For Women:
- Inadequate natural vaginal lubrication before, during, and after sexual activity or intercourse.
- Inability to relax the vaginal muscles enough to allow penetration.
- Inability to achieve orgasm, or anorgasmia.
For Men & Women:
- Pain with intimacy and intercourse.
- Inability to become aroused.
- Lack of interest in or desire for sex.
Some of the physical causes of sexual dysfunction often link to diabetes, heart and vascular disease, neurological disorders, hormonal imbalances, cancer, chronic diseases like liver failure, alcoholism, & drug abuse.
The psychological causes of sexual dysfunction include stress, anxiety, concern about sexual performance, marital or relationship problems, depression, guilt, shame, poor body image, and possible past sexual trauma. (NIH)
Medications & Dysfunction
Some prescription and over-the-counter medications can have an impact on sexual function. Other medications directly impact libido and desire for intimacy. Here are some of the types of medications that could impact your function:
- Non-prescription medications: antihistamines, decongestants
- Antidepressants
- Anti-hypertensive medications
- Hormones
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
There are many more medications that can interfere with your sexual function. If you are concerned about the medication you take, do talk with your doctor or pharmacist to find out if your medications could be adding to the cause of your sexual dysfunction. (CDC)
How is Sexual Dysfunction Diagnosed?
In most all cases, the patient or their partner is the first person to bring up this topic with the doctor during a visit. Many others are not comfortable bringing up these topics at all and search for their information on online sources. Once they bring the issue to their medical team, they will begin with a complete history or your symptoms and complete a physical examination. If warranted, they may order further testing to prove or disprove other possible reasons for your dysfunction.
Your doctor may also suggest that you seek out a therapist to help you to work through past issues that may be blocking your ability to accept intimacy in your life.
The Management of Dysfunction
Most all types of sexual dysfunction have various options for treatment. Some will address the underlying causes to get to the root of the issue, while others need to be treated at a more surface level (due to medications, cancer or treatments they are on for other issues). Depending on your situation, some of the treatment methods could include:
- Prescription medications. There are a myriad of medications on the market today for males and females to help them to address their low libido and low sex drive. Males benefit from things like Viagra, Cialis; and females now have Addyi or Vyleesi. For some, taking more medications can cause more unwanted side effects in the body.
- Lubrication. Lubrication is a great place to begin when addressing fixes for dysfunction! & one of the easiest and most beneficial additions for those struggling! Certain treatments, aging, & body changes often cause dry, painful tissues. This is especially true of the genitalia for men and women during intimacy or sexual activity, where friction might cause pain. Using lubrication, silicone or water based, provides a thin or thick friction barrier, preventing & reducing pain, moisturizing the skin, and keeping the friction load low. Daily moisturizers can also be used for those experiencing daily dryness.
- Therapeutic Devices for Sexual Dysfunction. These devices are designed to offer up holistic therapies for men and women in regard to reclaiming their natural function and pleasure spots. For males, things like vacuum pumps, support & enhancement rings, or prostate massagers can help to restore lost function. For females, dilators used regularly, Kegel exercisers, or vibrators can help to bring pliability back to the vagina. These devices do not require prescriptions or medications and are safe to use during your treatment plans.
- Relationship & Sex Therapy. AASECT sex therapists and counselors can offer help and support to people who are struggling with addressing issues hindering their sexual abilities. This therapy can help immensely when reconnecting with the self or your partner. Sexual wellness experts & educators can help you to explore the options in the holistic therapy field and learn about devices and your body.
- Behavioral treatments and Psychotherapy. This is most often done with a therapist, as seeking insight into past memories or traumas can help you to work through your blocks on your path to restoring function.
- Education. Learning all you can about the human body, the options for finding pleasure, and the multitude of pleasure points around the body can help you to expand your horizons and accept your body’s new ways of finding and enjoying sexual activity once more. (NIH)
Life with Dysfunction
The success of the various treatments and options for sexual dysfunction depend much on the underlying cause, the willingness of the patient to participate actively in learning about, restoring, and working with their very own body. There are many options for bettering sexual dysfunction issues and it is often a matter of “trial and error” testing out different things, devices, and therapies to help you to regain the function you have lost.
Citations:
National Institute of Health, Sexual Dysfunction
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Websters Dictionary
Note: This article is for informational purposes only with information compiled form numerous major health sources listed in the citations. Please consult your medical team for your situation or concerns.