SEXUAL DYSFUNCTIONS

Sexual Dysfunctions

Sexual Dysfunctions

Introduction Sexual dysfunction is defined as and impairment of the normal physiological processes of arousal and orgasm. There are many forms of sexual dysfunction, or difficulty in sexual functioning and their causes is complex. In some cases men may develop performance anxiety which is a fear that one will be unable to meet the expectations of oneself or one's partner for sexual 'performance.' This is only one example of a sexual dysfunction, there are six main types. There are physiological and psychological causes that may be contributing factors to any sexual dysfunction.

Sexual dysfunctions are disorders related to a particular phase of the sexual response cycle. For example, sexual dysfunctions include sexual desire disorders, sexual arousal disorders, orgasm disorders, and sexual pain disorders. If a person has difficulty with some phase of the sexual response cycle or a person experiences pain with sexual intercourse, he/she may have a sexual dysfunction(Landen et al, 1999).

Discussion

Types of Sexual dysfunctions

Sexual dysfunctions are an important public health concern, to which general health and emotional problems contribute. What is a sexual dysfunction? A sexual dysfunction is any condition that inhibits someone's ability to enjoy sex. Some common sexual dysfunctions are: hypoactive desire disorder (low sex drive), hyperactive sexual disorder (high sex drive), sexual aversion disorder, lack of lubrication (females), impotence (male erectile disorder), premature ejaculation, vaginismus (prolonged contractions of the vaginal wall that cause painful intercourse), or failure to orgasm during sex (Woodrum & Brown, 2000).

Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder

This disorder may be present when a person has decreased sexual fantasies and a decreased or absent desire for sexual activity. In order to be considered a sexual disorder the decreased desire must cause a problem for the individual. In this situation the person usually does not initiate sexual activity and may be slow to respond to his/her partner's sexual advances. This disorder can be present in adolescents and can persist throughout a person's life. Many times, however, the lowered sexual desire occurs during adulthood, often times following a period of stress (Stahl, 2000).

Sexual Aversion Disorder

A person who actively avoids and has a persistent or recurrent extreme aversion to genital sexual contact with a sexual partner may have sexual aversion disorder. In order to be considered a disorder, the aversion to sex must be a cause of difficulty in the person's sexual relationship. The individual with sexual aversion disorder usually reports anxiety, fear, or disgust when given the opportunity to be involved sexually. Touching and kissing may even be avoided. Extreme anxiety such as panic attacks may actually occur. It is not unusual for a person to feel nauseated, dizzy, or faint (Spector and Carey, 1999).

Female Sexual Arousal Disorder

Female sexual arousal disorder is described as the inability of a woman to complete sexual activity with adequate lubrication. Swelling of the external genitalia and vaginal lubrication are generally absent. These symptoms must cause problems in the interpersonal relationship to be considered a disorder. It is not unusual for the woman with female sexual arousal ...