Sexual Dysfunctions Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Sex is one of the most basic human impulses. Almost everyone wishes to engage in sexual behavior, and many others fantasize about doing so. The majority of people have regular sexual relations with their wives, boyfriends/girlfriends, or others.

Regular sexual activity usually entails a desire for sex, becoming aroused in the early phases of sexual intimacy, and then experiencing sexual pleasure. As a result, sexual desire and sexual intercourse are normal and natural human behaviors.

This regular sexual cycle can lead to the emergence of issues. However. Sexual dysfunctions are caused by problems that emerge during sexual activity. Non-traditional sexual habits are not the source of the problem. The need for sexual pleasure, arousal, orgasm, or pain that happens during an intimate relationship is the most common sexual dysfunction.

We need to understand the typical cycle of sexual stimulation before we can look at the numerous ways that sexual dysfunction might appear. The majority of experts and physicians agree that human sexual response includes four distinct phases.

• The desire phase is characterized by sexual fantasies or a strong desire to engage in sexual activities.
• The arousal phase is marked by a subjective experience of sexual pleasure as well as physiological changes that accompany this subjective pleasure, such as male penile erection and female vaginal lubrication and clitoral enlargement.
• Orgasm is the third phase when sexual tension is released and sexual pleasure is at its peak.
• The final stage is resolution, during which the person feels relaxed and at ease.

Sexual dysfunction is a word that refers to a decrease in the desire for or ability to obtain sexual fulfillment. The severity of the impairment varies, but regardless of who is affected, the pleasure of sex for both parties in relationships may be negatively impacted.

Both same-sex and opposite-sex couples can have sexual issues. In some circumstances, problems with sexuality are primarily caused by interpersonal or psychological concerns, and in others, physical factors are the most important, such as many cases of sexual dysfunction caused by medicine taken for a variety of medical diseases that are not directly related.

Sexual difficulties can affect almost all sexual experiences or be limited to specific situations or people. Sexual difficulties are classified according to their causes, which might be psychological, medical, or a combination of both.

Features of the main Psychosexual Dysfunctions

Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder

A lack of fantasies or a desire for sexual relationships characterizes sexual desire hypoactivity condition. As a result, the disease involves both cognitive and motivational components. A diagnosis will not be necessary if the patient is not affected in any way.

Clinicians should evaluate a variety of factors that may influence a patient’s sexual desire, including the patient’s age, living situation, cultural background, and stress level.

When someone is unable to have sexual intercourse or has other difficulties that prevent sexual activities, a diagnosis is rarely given. The disorder refers to someone who does not desire to engage in sexual activity and may cause problems for their spouse.

Sexual Aversion Disorder

For some people, sexual intimacy is a repellent or unpleasant sensation. Sexual aversion disorder refers to persons who avoid having sexual interactions with their partners, as well as behaviors such as kissing or any other physical touch. When considerable anxiety or interpersonal connection issues arise, a diagnosis can be made.

This diagnosis could be given because of marital issues that occur as a result of a lack of intimacy. The severity of sexual aversion disorder can range from mild anxiety or a lack of desire in a sexual relationship to acute aversion.

Female Sexual Arousal Disorder

Sexual issues can sometimes cause chaos in the excitement stage of a relationship. Sexual arousal in women disease is characterized by a lack of arousal in women during sexual relationships, which is most commonly demonstrated by a lack of vaginal fluidity.

Females may want to have a sex experience, but in actual interactions, they show very little sexual excitement. If marital intimacy is harmed, sexual arousal in women’s disorder can be particularly problematic. When there is a chemical or medical concern, such as pregnancy or restricted blood flow, or changes in the level of sexual desire, this illness does not count as a problem.

Male Erectile Disorder

Impotence, or difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection during sexual interactions, is a condition that affects some males. Some men can’t get an erection at all, even during masturbation or rapid eye movement sleep, while others can get an erection with or without a spouse.

Others can get an erection for a partner but can’t keep it for long or before penetration, and still, others can only get a partial erection or can’t get a full erection all of the time.

Male erectile disorder is only diagnosed when the person is extremely bothered by the disease or if there are major interpersonal issues. If the dysfunction is caused by a medical disease or a substance, male erectile disorder is not identified.

Orgasmic Female Disorder

Sexual problems can also have an impact on the sexual phase of a relationship. The absence or delay of orgasm when sexually involved is referred to as female orgasmic dysfunction. The sensation of orgasm is very subjective, which means it cannot be properly quantified. Women with orgasmic problems will have lesser intensity than what is considered normal for a woman.

Female orgasmic dysfunction must cause significant distress or interpersonal problems and be unrelated to a medical illness or substance. Unless the woman is severely concerned about the situation, an orgasm that can be attained occasionally by intercourse or masturbation is usually adequate to rule out a diagnosis of female orgasmic dysfunction.

Male Orgasmic Disorder

Male orgasmic dysfunction is a term used to describe the lack of orgasm following normal sexual satisfaction. Orgasm is a subjective sensation, and it’s important to be able to tell if someone is under psychological pressure or has other conditions that interfere with orgasm.

Being diagnosed with the male orgasmic disorder can lead to a lot of stress and marital problems. It can’t be caused by a medical condition or a chemical.

Masturbation can cause an orgasm in men, but it does so without a partner, therefore subtypes of the condition may occur. During the actual encounter, there is a modest amount of sexual arousal. When marital intimacy is harmed, sexual arousal in women is a specific problem.

Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation refers to an orgasm that occurs with very little stimulation or before the person intends, such as before penetration, in men with orgasmic issues. However, there is no precise definition of premature ejaculation, such as a time range. When a sexual partner is unhappy with the man’s response, premature ejaculation is frequently detected.

A man’s environment, as well as his sexual history and experience, must be taken into account. Premature ejaculation is uncommon during masturbation, although it is common during intercourse.

A diagnosis is not required if the problem does not interfere with sexual relations. If the male is frustrated by the circumstance, assistance may be required. A medical condition or a drug cannot cause premature ejaculation.

Dyspareunia

Pain during intercourse is another symptom of sexual dysfunction. Genital pain during foreplay or penetration is known as dyspareunia. This can happen to both men and women, but it is more common in women. The intensity of the pain varies; some people may have intercourse with little discomfort, while others must avoid it entirely.

If there is a basic absence of vaginal lubrication or if the problem is caused by a medical condition or a substance, no diagnosis is given. It’s still up for debate whether this is a sexual dysfunction or a pain disorder.

Vaginismus

When a penetration occurs, vaginismus is defined as “recurrent or persistent pain in the perineal muscles surrounding the outer part of the vagina.” Muscles around the anus and sexual organs make up the perineal region. Vaginismus can happen during intercourse or when devices like tampons or a speculum are inserted during gynecological tests.

Even the anticipation or fear of penetration can be distressing, thus many women with the illness avoid sexual relations or limit themselves to oral sex. The disorder must create significant distress or interpersonal issues, such as when a woman wants to become pregnant but is unable to do so, and it must not be caused by a medical condition or a substance.

Causes of Sexual Dysfunctions

Biological Factor

Environmental and biological factors have a stronger impact on sexual dysfunction than biological factors. Lower testosterone levels, on the other hand, have been linked to decreased sexual attraction in both men and women, as well as erectile dysfunction in men.

In contrast, the use of androgens (hormones like testosterone that promote male sexual traits) has been linked to increased sexual desire in both men and women.

However, the link between hormones and sexual behavior is complicated and difficult to grasp. Many people who experience low sexual desire actually have normal testosterone levels.

Medical conditions such as ulcers, hypertension, and glaucoma, as well as allergies and seizures, can all affect sexual desire. Alcohol, sex, and antidepressant medications, as well as some medical disorders, have all been related to sexual dysfunction.

In fact, several studies suggest that alcohol consumption is the primary cause of sexual dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation.

Psychology Factor

Sexual problems can be caused solely by psychological problems or by a combination of biological and psychological factors.

In addition to the more current challenges and worries, the reasons of sexual dysfunction might be predisposing or the outcome of previous or pre-existing illnesses. In both men and women, stressful situations and anxiety disorders can affect sexual responsiveness and function.

When compared to individuals without the disorder, Iraqi and Afghan combat veterans suffering from Post-traumatic anxiety disorder (PTSD) are more than three times more likely to experience sexual dysfunction.

Remorse or anger against your spouse can all affect your sexual performance. The presence of one partner with sexual dysfunction can raise the likelihood of the other partner developing sexual problems.

When it comes to sexual experiences, people with psychological erectile dysfunction frequently suffer anxiety, such as thoughts of being perceived as sexually undesirable or inferior, and concerns about the size of their sexual organs.

Erectile dysfunction can be exacerbated by performance anxiety and taking the “spectator position.”  For instance, if someone is having trouble attaining or retaining an erection.

He might be concerned that it will happen again. He examines or watches his own reaction (“Am I experiencing an erection?”) and becomes an uninvolved observer and detached from the event, rather than finding pleasure in every sexual experience and subsequently becoming stimulated.

This could lead to failed sexual relationships in the future, as well as increased anxiety when he has sexual experiences.

Recent and prior sexual experiences may have a variety of effects on men’s sexual preferences and emotions. Guys who have early ejaculation, for example, are said to have more sexual encounters than men who do not have this condition.

Sexual performance in women might be hampered by emotional or psychological variables brought on by sexual trauma or other poor sexual experiences throughout childhood.

Other factors include: being in a sexually inexperienced or problematic relationship; fear of becoming an unsuitable sexual partner and the fear of never being able to achieve orgasm; anxiety about the possibility of pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases; inability to accept the other person, whether physically or emotionally; and misinformation or inexperience about sexuality and sexual practices.

Social Factor

Sexual behavior can be influenced by family and social interactions. Parents’ attitudes on sexual activity and gestures of affection toward one another can have an impact on their children’s behavior.

Male and female sexual dysfunction is linked to orthodox religious education. Other factors to consider include traumatic sexual encounters such as sexual assault or rape as a teenager or adult.

Women who have been sexually abused or molested as children may find it difficult to trust and build closeness, as well as suffer from a number of sexual difficulties.

Relationship problems are typically at the forefront of sexual disorders. For example, higher levels of sexual excitement and sexual activity between couples are associated to marital pleasure, whereas relationship uncertainty can lead to sexual interest and arousal concerns.

Sexual behavior satisfaction rises in particular when relationships are loving, warm, affectionate, and friendly, and when couples discuss sexual activity and sex openly. It’s important to note that men and women have distinct perspectives on sexual fulfillment.

Many women believe that intimacy with another person is more important than sexual orgasms or the degree of sexual excitement.

Sociocultural Factor

Many sociocultural factors can influence sexual preferences and behavior. Women have distinct thoughts of sexual closeness than men, are more sensitive to sexual relationships within a relationship, and are more likely to get sexually stimulated than men, despite the fact that the human sexual reaction cycle is similar for both genders.

Sexual dysfunction can also be influenced by gender differences and biological variables. As a result, sexual arousal and desire concerns are more common among women. It’s important to remember that sexual therapists and academics who ignore these biological distinctions may mislead women into believing they have an insemination problem.

We are taught cultural rules about sex, including cultural and social attitudes and practices about sexual behavior, as part of gender-based socialization. Men are encouraged to be bold and sexually confident, whereas women are educated not to initiate sexual encounters directly in today’s society.

“Sexual power in guys is a symbol of male sexiness,” “the bigger the sex organ is, the more powerful,” and “strong and healthy men are not prone to exhibiting emotions” are among the cultural value for men in the United States.

“Nice ladies don’t start sex,” “women should be restrained and appropriate in lovemaking,” “guys are only after one thing,” and “it is the woman’s obligation to take care of contraceptives” are among the rules for women. These norm and values can have a significant impact on sexual functioning since they often govern our sexual attitudes and behaviors.

Sexual orientation can have an impact on the social environment, affecting sexual sensitivity and dysfunction among gay men and lesbians. While there are no physiological differences in sexual desire or responsiveness between gay and heterosexual men, their sexual problems and issues may be significantly different.

For example, heterosexual concerns are frequently associated with sexual encounters, whereas homosexual and lesbian sexual concerns may center on distinct activities (e.g. the aversion towards sexual eroticism, or cunnilingus).

Homophobia, whether externalized or internalized, may prevent gay and lesbian people from openly expressing their feelings for their sexual partners.

Treatments of Sexual Dysfunctions

Anxiety Reduction

Many clients with sexual dysfunctions required gradual and systematic exposure to anxiety-provoking aspects of the sexual situation, which behavior therapists recognized. Systematic desensitization and in vivo (real-life) desensitization have both been used successfully, particularly when combined with skills training.

A woman suffering from genito-pelvic discomfort or a penetration disorder, for example, could be given psychoeducation about her body, relaxation techniques, and then practice inserting their fingers or dilation devices into her vagina.

This could begin with minor insertions and progress to larger ones. These programs have been shown to assist women who are experiencing sexual pain.

Simple sexuality psychoeducational programs can dramatically lessen anxiety. As a result, multiple studies have found that psychoeducation is equally as helpful as systematic desensitization for men with erectile dysfunction and women with low arousal or orgasmic disorders.

Anxiety-reduction approaches for the treatment of early ejaculation can have a different focus. Anxiety over ejaculating too soon could be a natural consequence of a focus on intercourse as the main focus of sexual conduct.

Couples should broaden their repertory of actions to include techniques that do not require an erect penis, such as oral or manual manipulation so that the partner can be satisfied after the man has orgasmed. When the only focus on penile penetration is eliminated, a couple’s sex concerns frequently decrease, allowing for more ejaculatory control.

Directed Masturbation

LoPiccolo and Lobitz developed directed masturbation to help women feel more relaxed with and enjoy their sexuality. The first step is for the lady to examine her nude body, including her genitals, and use diagrams to identify specific locations.

She is then advised to touch her genitals and locate pleasurable spots. Then she uses erotic fantasies to boost the intensity of masturbating. She is to use a vibrator in her masturbation if orgasm is not attained.

Finally, her partner appears, first watching her masturbate, then doing for her what she has been doing for herself, and finally having intercourse in a position that allows him to manually or with a vibrator stimulate the woman’s genitals.

Directed masturbation has been demonstrated to be effective in the therapy of orgasmic dysfunction, especially in women who have had a lifelong inability to reach orgasm, with 90 percent success rates in that subgroup. It can also aid with sexual desire disorder treatment.

Methods to Change Attitudes and Thinking

Clients are advised to pay attention to the pleasures linked with the start of sexual arousal in one way. For example, they can assist clients in being more aware of and comfortable with sexual desires. The detrimental tendency to focus on one’s performance or sexual appeal can be overcome by focusing on physical sensations.

Cognitive therapies have been developed to combat the self-deprecating and perfectionistic beliefs that can cause problems in people with sexual troubles.

Therapists might help a man with erectile dysfunction feel less stressed by challenging his views that intercourse is the only true form of sexual relationship. Clients are encouraged to indulge in sexual fantasies and are given courtship and dating activities, such as going away for a weekend.

Skills and Communication Training

Communication and Skills Training Therapists assign written materials and show clients explicit videos showcasing sexual approaches to increase sexual skills and communication. It’s been proven that encouraging partners to discuss their likes and dislikes with each other can help with a variety of sexual issues.

When skills and communication training are combined, partners are exposed to potentially anxiety-provoking information, such as expressing sexual preferences, which helps to desensitize them. Telling a partner about one’s sexual preferences might be challenging due to conflicts that extend beyond the sexual connection.

Couples Therapy

Couples Counseling A disturbed relationship is often riddled with sexual dysfunctions. Sex therapists frequently take a systems approach, in which a sexual problem is seen as one component of a larger network of relational factors.

Nonsexual communication skills training is generally required for troubled marriages. Nonsexual issues, such as problems with in-laws or child-raising, are addressed by some therapists in addition to or instead of sex-related interventions.

Behavioral couples therapy has been shown to enhance several elements of sexual functioning in women with sexual dysfunctions that arise in the setting of relationship distress.

Medications and Physical Treatment

When considering medical therapies, it’s important to remember that some say that many sexual issues are intrinsically interpersonal and hence should not be treated only medically.

Sexuality is highly linked to relationship satisfaction, especially for women. Despite these limits, sexual dysfunction therapy alternatives are becoming more popular.

The use of pharmaceutical therapies for sexual issues has increased dramatically. In circumstances where depression is connected to a decrease in sex drive, antidepressant medications have been demonstrated to be beneficial.

However, several of these psychotropic drugs might interfere with sexual sensitivity, which is one of the difficulties to consider while using these drugs. A different medicine may be used to counteract the sexual adverse effects of the first medicine. Buproprion, for example, has been shown to help with sexual problems caused by SSRI medicines.