Sexual Dysfunction

When an individual or couple is prevented from enjoying sexual activity because of difficulty during any stage of the sexual act (which includes desire, arousal and resolution), that is sexual dysfunction.

Sexual difficulties can begin at any time. They may first occur early in a person's sex life or they may develop after an individual or couple has previously experienced enjoyable and satisfying sex. A problem may occur suddenly or it may develop gradually over time. The difficulties may be either a total or partial inability to participate in one or more stages of the sexual act. Sexual difficulties can be a result of either physical or psychological reasons, or both.

Sex can be affected by emotional factors (including interpersonal problems such as marital/relationship problems, lack of trust, and lack of open communication between partners) or individual psychological problems (including depression, sexual fears, sexual guilt, and past sexual trauma).

Physical factors that affect sex include drugs (alcohol, narcotics, nicotine, stimulants, antihistamines, antihypertensives, and some psychotherapeutic drugs); back injuries, enlarged prostate gland problems, blood supply problems, nerve damage (such as spinal cord injuries); or disease (multiple sclerosis, diabetic neuropathy, tumors, and, rarely, tertiary syphilis); organ system failure (such as the heart and lungs); endocrine disorders (thyroid, pituitary, or adrenal gland problems); hormonal deficiencies (low testosterone, estrogen, or androgens); and some birth defects.

Next Page:   Female Sexual Dysfunction