Beyond the Bedroom A Look at Sexual Culture
Related Articles
Understanding and Treating Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction is a physical or psychological problem that affects a person’s ability to experience sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, or satisfaction. This can happen during any stage of a sexual cycle. It can be triggered by physical, psychological, or a combination of both factors.
Types of Sexual Dysfunction
The most common types of sexual dysfunction are:
- Low libido: loss or decrease of sexual desire.
- Erectile dysfunction: difficulty for a man to get or maintain an erection.
- Female orgasmic disorder: difficulty for a woman to reach orgasm.
- Premature ejaculation: ejaculation that occurs before or too soon after penetration.
- Painful intercourse: difficulty for a person to experience sexual pleasure due to pain.
Causes of Sexual Dysfunction
Any physical or psychological condition can cause sexual dysfunction.
- Physical causes: hormone imbalances (testosterone, estrogen); chronic diseases (diabetes, heart disease); certain medications.
- Psychological causes: depression, anxiety, stress, unresolved relationship issues.
Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction
Treatment of sexual dysfunction must be based on identifying and treating the underlying cause.
- For physical causes, medical treatment (hormone replacement, lifestyle changes, medications) might be necessary.
- Psychological causes may require counseling from a mental health professional.
- Sometimes a combination of both physical and psychological treatments might be recommended.
It is important to talk to your doctor and partner about the issue, in order to create an appropriate treatment plan and to learn helpful coping strategies. Living with sexual dysfunction can be very difficult and it is important to stay healthy, both mentally and physically.
