SEXUAL CONDITIONS

TYPES

Sexual dysfunction generally is classified into four categories:

• Desire disorders —lack of sexual desire or interest in sex
• Arousal disorders —inability to become physically aroused or excited during sexual activity
• Orgasm disorders — delay or absence of orgasm (climax)
• Pain disorders — pain during intercourse

SYMPTOMS

In men:

• Inability to achieve or maintain an erection that is suitable for intercourse (erectile dysfunction)
• Absent or delayed ejaculation despite adequate sexual stimulation (retarded ejaculation)
• Inability to control the timing of ejaculation (early or premature ejaculation)

In women:

• Inability to achieve orgasm
• Inadequate vaginal lubrication before and during intercourse
• Inability to relax the vaginal muscles enough to allow intercourse

In men and women:

• • Lack of interest in or desire for sex
  • Inability to become aroused
  • Pain with intercourse

DIAGNOSIS

In typical cases, the person may find out that problems are interrupting his or her sexual pleasure. The doctor will check you and your medical history and conduct a diagnostic test to eliminate any medical issues that may be related to the dysfunction.

Assessment of the person may also be done with regards to other possible factors. This will help the doctor determine the cause of the problem. Appropriate treatment will be recommended.

TREATMENT

Medications

If a medication causes the dysfunction, changing medications can help. People with hormonal deficiencies may benefit from hormone shots, pills, or creams.

For men, drugs including sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, and avanafil may help improve sexual function by increasing blood flow to the penis.

Mechanical aids

These aids can help men with erectile dysfunction. They may include vacuum devices and penile implants.

Sex therapy

Sex therapists can treat partners experiencing sexual problems that cannot be addressed by their primary doctor.

Behavioral treatment

This includes different strategies, including insights into harmful behaviors in the relationship, or techniques such as self-stimulation for treatment of problems with arousal and/or orgasm.

Psychotherapy

This therapy addresses sexual trauma from the past, feelings of anxiety, fear, or guilt, and poor body image, all of which may have an impact on current sexual function.

Education and communication

Knowledge about sex and sexual attitudes and reactions may help a person overcome his or her anxieties about sexual function.