Sexual dysfunction is the persistent difficulty engaging in sexual activities.
Oftentimes, multiple factors are involved.
The article describes the different types of sexual dysfunction a person might experience and the underlying causes.
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It also explains how sexual dysfunction is diagnosed and treated.
Sexual pain is also a distinct category listed in the DSM-5.
The symptoms can vary by a person’s sex.
In females, the lack of sexual arousal is typically regarded as a facet of FSIAD.
This includes the ability toejaculate(ejectsemenfrom thepenis) in males.
Orgasm disorder may occur independently or along with a sexual desire or sexual arousal disorder.
Aging can also cause changes in the body that diminish thesexual response, as can certain drugs and alcohol.
Sexual dysfunction often involves multiple factors, some of which perpetuate others.
For instance, erectile dysfunction can trigger anxiety, decreasing libido.
Similarly, ananxiety disordercan cause erectile dysfunction even if no underlying physical cause exists.
Chief among the precipitating factors aredepression and anxiety, both of which have a cause-and-effect relationship with sexual dysfunction.
The physical causes can be broadly described in five categories:
How Common Is Sexual Dysfunction?
The most common in females were FSIAD (6.9%) and orgasm disorders (5.8%).
Medications
Certain medications can also cause sexual dysfunction.
Some influence the hormones likeserotoninanddopaminethat regulate moods and sexual desire.
Others affect sex hormones liketestosterone,estrogen, andprogesteronethat direct the sexual response.
Illicit drugs likeheroin,cocaine,methamphetamine, and ecstasy (MDMA) are also associated with sexual dysfunction.
A physical exam will be done.
Adigital rectal exam (DRE)may be used to check for an enlarged prostate.
Some studies suggest these may be useful in supporting the diagnosis of FSIAD.
Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction
The treatment of sexual dysfunction varies by the cause.
The treatment of HSDD can vary between sexes, given that the underlying causes and features differ.
This may involve:
Different medications may also be prescribed.
Although treatments can help, it may take time for them to work.
Moreover, the response to treatment can vary from one person to the next.
it’s possible for you to also bring your partner in with you to speak with your healthcare provider.
The cause may be physical or psychological, or a combination of both.
Aging plays a role in sexual dysfunction in older females due to changes in hormones during menopause.
Sexual dysfunction, not triggered by organic disorder or disease.
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