What are Sexual Disorders?

Sexual Disorders are issues that prevent an individual from enjoying the sexual activity and attaining sexual satisfaction. Both men and women of all ages can be affected, but the chances increase with age.

What are the types of Sexual Disorders?

There are four types of Sexual Disorders and they are;

• Desire disorders: Desire disorders or low libido affects an individual’s interest in sex. Hormonal changes, low levels of estrogen or testosterone, relationship issues, fatigue, medical conditions like diabetes, and depression can cause decreased libido.
• Arousal disorders: Arousal disorders affect an individual’s ability to become physically aroused during sexual activity. In men, the most common arousal disorder is erectile dysfunction. A person with arousal disorder will be interested in sexual activity but will have difficulty getting physical satisfaction from it.
• Orgasm disorders: Orgasm disorders involve delayed orgasm or absence of orgasm. They are common problems with women, but also affect men. Pain or discomfort during sexual activity, fatigue, stress, hormonal changes, and low libido are factors that contribute to delayed or absent orgasm.
• Pain disorders: Pain during intercourse affects both men and women. In women, pain may be due to vaginal dryness, urinary tract infections, vaginismus, hormonal changes, or other conditions. In men, it may be due to physical injury to the penis, infections, skin conditions, or sexually transmitted diseases.

What are the causes of Sexual Disorders?

Sexual Disorders can be either due to physical causes or psychological causes.

• Physical causes: Many physical and medical conditions such as heart and vascular disease, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, neurological disorders, chronic liver or kidney diseases, drug abuse, and alcoholism can cause problems with sexual function. Additionally, the side effects of certain medications like antidepressant drugs can also affect sexual function.
• Psychological causes: Psychological causes include stress and anxiety related to work, depression, concerns about one’s sexual performance, relationship and marital issues, feelings of guilt, body image and self-esteem issues, and past sexual trauma or negative experiences.

What are the symptoms of Sexual Disorders?

Symptoms of sexual disorders in men are:

• Absent or delayed ejaculation
• Inability to achieve or maintain an erection
• Premature ejaculation

Symptoms of sexual disorders in women are:

• Inability to orgasm
• Inability to relax enough to allow intercourse
• Inadequate vaginal lubrication

Common symptoms in men and women:

• Reduced interest in sexual activity
• Inability to be aroused
• Pain during intercourse

What are the treatment options for Sexual Disorders?

Most sexual disorders are addressed by treating the primary physical or psychological issues. Further treatment methods are:

• Medication like hormone shots, pills, or creams
• Mechanical aids like vacuum devices and implants
• Sex therapy
• Education and communication about sexual behaviors
• Behavioral treatment
• Psychotherapy with a trained counselor