11.1 Common sexual dysfunctions in men and women

Sexual dysfunctions can disrupt the pleasure and intimacy of sexual experiences. These issues affect both men and women, ranging from difficulties with desire and arousal to problems with orgasm and pain during sex.

Understanding sexual dysfunctions is crucial for addressing common sexual health concerns. This topic explores the types, symptoms, and impacts of these conditions, shedding light on their psychological and physiological components.

Sexual Dysfunctions: Prevalence and Types

Common Sexual Dysfunctions in Men and Women

Top images from around the web for Common Sexual Dysfunctions in Men and Women

• 

  Female Sexual Dysfunction among Contraceptive User in Malaysia | Madridge Publishers View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Sexual Health – Good Health and Well-Being View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Reproductive medicine journals | Reproductive medicine impact factor View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Female Sexual Dysfunction among Contraceptive User in Malaysia | Madridge Publishers View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Sexual Health – Good Health and Well-Being View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Common Sexual Dysfunctions in Men and Women

• 

  Female Sexual Dysfunction among Contraceptive User in Malaysia | Madridge Publishers View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Sexual Health – Good Health and Well-Being View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Reproductive medicine journals | Reproductive medicine impact factor View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Female Sexual Dysfunction among Contraceptive User in Malaysia | Madridge Publishers View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Sexual Health – Good Health and Well-Being View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Sexual dysfunctions are persistent or recurrent difficulties during one or more stages of the sexual response cycle that cause distress or interpersonal difficulties
• The most common sexual dysfunctions in men include erectile disorder, premature ejaculation, and hypoactive sexual desire disorder
• The most prevalent sexual dysfunctions in women encompass female orgasmic disorder, genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, and female sexual interest/arousal disorder

Classifications of Sexual Dysfunctions

• Sexual dysfunctions can be lifelong (primary) or acquired (secondary)
• They may be generalized, occurring in all sexual situations, or situational, occurring only in specific contexts
• Sexual dysfunctions can result from psychological factors, physiological factors, or a combination of both

Symptoms and Diagnostic Criteria for Sexual Dysfunctions

Male Sexual Dysfunctions

• Erectile disorder is characterized by the persistent or recurrent inability to attain or maintain an adequate erection during partnered sexual activity
  • It must occur on 75-100% of occasions and persist for at least 6 months
• Premature ejaculation involves ejaculation that occurs prior to or within about 1 minute of vaginal penetration
  • It is marked by the inability to delay ejaculation on all or nearly all vaginal penetrations
  • It causes negative personal consequences and occurs 75-100% of the time for at least 6 months
• Male hypoactive sexual desire disorder is defined by persistently deficient sexual thoughts, fantasies, and desire for sexual activity
  • The lack of interest is not better explained by a nonsexual mental disorder, severe relationship distress, or stressors
  • Symptoms have persisted for at least 6 months

Female Sexual Dysfunctions

• Female orgasmic disorder involves marked delay in, marked infrequency of, or absence of orgasm
  • It may also involve markedly reduced intensity of orgasmic sensations
  • Symptoms occur in 75-100% of occasions for at least 6 months and cause clinically significant distress
• Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder is characterized by persistent difficulties with vaginal penetration during intercourse
  • It involves marked vulvovaginal or pelvic pain during intercourse or penetration attempts
  • There is fear or anxiety about vulvovaginal or pelvic pain in anticipation of penetration
  • It is marked by tensing of pelvic floor muscles during attempted penetration
  • Symptoms persist for at least 6 months and cause clinically significant distress
• Female sexual interest/arousal disorder involves the absence or significant reduction of sexual interest/arousal
  • It is manifested by at least three of the following: reduced interest in sexual activity, reduced erotic thoughts or fantasies, reduced initiation and receptivity to sexual activity, reduced sexual excitement/pleasure, reduced sexual sensations, or reduced genital or nongenital sensations
  • Symptoms persist for at least 6 months and cause clinically significant distress

Sexual Dysfunctions: Differentiation and Impact

Types of Sexual Dysfunctions and Their Effects

• Desire phase disorders (male hypoactive sexual desire disorder, female sexual interest/arousal disorder) involve an absence of or deficiency in sexual fantasies, thoughts, and desire for sexual activity
  • This can lead to avoidance of sexual encounters
• Arousal phase disorders (erectile disorder, aspects of female sexual interest/arousal disorder) are characterized by an inability to become physically aroused or maintain arousal during sexual activity
  • This may result in unsatisfying sexual experiences and difficulty engaging in intercourse
• Orgasm phase disorders (premature ejaculation, female orgasmic disorder) involve the persistent delay, infrequency, or absence of orgasm following sufficient stimulation
  • These can lead to frustration, embarrassment, and reduced sexual satisfaction
• Pain disorders (genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder) involve genital pain associated with intercourse that is not better accounted for by another condition
  • Pain can lead to fear and avoidance of sexual activity

Impact on Individuals and Relationships

• Sexual dysfunctions can have a profound impact on an individual's self-esteem, body image, and overall quality of life
• They can also affect the dynamics and satisfaction within romantic relationships, causing distress for both partners

Psychological and Physiological Components of Sexual Dysfunctions

Psychological Factors

• Anxiety, depression, stress, and poor body image can contribute to the development or maintenance of sexual dysfunctions
• A history of sexual abuse, relationship conflicts, and restrictive upbringing may also play a role in sexual difficulties

Physiological Factors

• Hormonal imbalances, such as low testosterone, estrogen, or prolactin levels, can impact sexual functioning
• Neurological conditions, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and genitourinary conditions may also contribute to sexual dysfunctions
• Certain medications, including SSRIs and beta-blockers, can have adverse effects on sexual function

Multifactorial Etiology and Treatment Approaches

• The etiology of sexual dysfunctions is often multifactorial, involving a complex interplay between psychological, biological, interpersonal, and sociocultural factors
• Treatment for sexual dysfunctions may include psychotherapy (cognitive-behavioral therapy, sex therapy), medication (PDE5 inhibitors, hormonal therapy), lifestyle modifications, and addressing underlying medical or psychological conditions