What Is Sexual Disorders ?

Sexuality is an integral part of human intimacy and the sexual experiences are embedded in the larger biological, psychological and social processes. The prevalence of sexual dysfunctions in general population is high, however due to the stigma surrounding the discourses pertaining to human sexual functioning most of such dysfunctions remain under-diagnosed and under-treated. The embarrassment that is unfairly attached to the conversations related to sexual dysfunctions is another major roadblock in the process of receiving adequate treatment.

 

Healthy sexual activity

Healthy sexual activity can include a wide range of desires and activities, which, when fantasized about or experienced between consenting adults as part of a fulfilling relationship, bring people pleasure, even if others may prefer to live their sex lives in a different way.

Some sexual behavior, however, indicates the presence of sexual disorder, because the practice leads to significant personal distress, involves harming others, or becomes compulsive.

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Sexual disorder

  • Delayed ejaculation  Delayed ejaculation occurs when people with a penis have trouble reaching ejaculation or take a longer time than they would like to ejaculate.There are physical and psychological factors that may cause delayed ejaculation, such as a medical condition or fear of intimacy.
  • Erectile disorder  Erectile disorder is also known as erectile dysfunction. You might have this condition if you have trouble maintaining an erection throughout sexual intercourse
  • Female orgasmic disorder  Female orgasmic disorder happens when people with a vulva have difficulty reaching orgasm. There may be biological or psychological factors influencing this, or both.
  • Female sexual interest/arousal disorder This condition involves a low level of — or a lack of — sexual excitement or pleasure. People also have trouble feeling physically aroused during sex.
  • Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder This occurs when people with a vagina feel pain during vaginal intercourse. You might have this disorder if you experience one of the following symptoms:pelvic pain during intercourse pain during penetrationrecurring fear or anxiety of possible pain during sexpelvic muscles that tend to become tense during penetration
  • Male hypoactive sexual desire disorderA  diagnosis of this disorder means you have little to no interest in thinking about or having sex.
  • Premature or early ejaculation  Premature or early ejaculation is a disorder where a person with a penis orgasms and releases semen much sooner than they expect or want during sex.
  • Substance/medication-induced sexual dysfunction :  If you’re on medication and having problems with having sex, you may be experiencing substance/medication-induced sexual dysfunction.
  • Pedophilic disorder Pedophilic disorder is a condition where you feel a persistent sexual attraction toward a minor
  • Exhibitionistic disorder Exhibitionistic disorder is a sexual disorder where you get sexually aroused by exposing your genitals or acting out sexual acts for a stranger to see.
  • Voyeuristic disorder  Voyeuristic disorder is the chronic urge to observe a person naked, undressing, or engaging in sexual activity without their consent.
  • Sexual sadism disorder Sexual sadism disorder is when you enjoy sexual activities involving the extreme pain, suffering, or humiliation of another person.
  • Sexual masochism disorder  This is when you receive sexual pleasure from experiencing extreme pain or suffering
  • Frotteuristic disorder Frotteuristic disorder is when you get sexual pleasure from rubbing your genitals on an unsuspecting person without their consent.
  • Fetishism Fetishism is a condition where your sexual fantasies or activities depend on using inanimate objects, such as shoes, or nonsexual body parts, such as feet or hair.

What causes sexual dysfunction

Lots of things can lead to sexual dysfunction, and for many people there’s more than one cause. Common causes for sexual dysfunction include things like:

  • stress

  • fear and anxiety about sex

  • alcohol, tobacco, and drug use

  • hormone levels

  • mental health issues (like depression) 

  • sexual assault or trauma in your past

  • problems in your relationship

  • certain medicines and treatments

  • menopause

  • recently being pregnant, giving birth, or breastfeeding

  • medical problems like cancer, diabetes, heart problems, multiple sclerosis, or bladder problems

How is sexual dysfunction treated?

  • Sex therapy: Sex therapists can people experiencing sexual problems that can’t be addressed by their primary clinician. Therapists are often good marital counselors, as well. For the couple who wants to begin enjoying their sexual relationship, it’s well worth the time and effort to work with a trained professional.
  • Behavioral treatments: These involve various techniques, including insights into harmful behaviors in the relationship, or techniques such as self-stimulation for treatment of problems with arousal and/or orgasm.
  • Psychotherapy: Therapy with a trained counselor can help you address sexual trauma from the past, feelings of anxiety, fear, guilt and poor body image. All of these factors may affect sexual function.
  • Education and communication: Education about sex and sexual behaviors and responses may help you overcome anxieties about sexual function. Open dialogue with your partner about your needs and concerns also helps overcome many barriers to a healthy sex life.