Sexual dysfunctions, also called sexual disorders, include all those problems that prevent a person or a couple from achieving satisfaction during intimacy. They can occur at any stage of the sexual response: arousal, desire, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. While many people hesitate to discuss these problems with their doctor, it is actually a much more common problem than one might imagine; about 31% of men and 43% of women suffer from it. If you are concerned that you have a sexual disorder, talk to a doctor to get a diagnosis and receive appropriate treatment.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Getting a Diagnosis
Step 1. Examine the categories of sexual dysfunction
Although most people go through "no nights", the disorder can be considered a problem when it occurs regularly and interferes with sexual life. Think about when the negative episode occurred and how it affects the sexual experience. The four different types of dysfunctions are listed below:
- Disorder of desire: Occurs when you have no constant or very little sexual interest. For women, factors such as contraceptives can reduce or completely eliminate desire;
- Disorder of arousal: in this case you would like to have sex, but the body does not respond;
- Orgasmic disorder: the body and the emotional sphere are engaged in sexual activity, but you are not able to reach the apex, experiencing a state of frustration;
- Pain disorder: it manifests itself as some phase of sexual activity is painful, especially penetration.
Step 2. Identify difficulties in reaching orgasm
Its absence is termed anorgasmia. The doctor may ask questions about the psychological and emotional factors that cause this disorder, such as sexual inhibition, lack of experience, guilt, anxiety, or some sexual trauma or abuse. There are some drugs or chronic diseases that can create problems of this kind.
Sometimes, it is possible to reduce anorgasmia simply with sufficient stimulation
Step 3. Identify the medical causes of sexual dysfunction
Stress is often the main cause of these disorders; however, there may also be psychological or clinical factors that play an important role. Diseases such as diabetes, heart or neurological disorders and hormonal imbalances can also cause sexual disturbances, as can the side effects of certain medications, drugs and alcohol.
If you are over 65, your chances of experiencing a reduced sexual response increase
Step 4. Examine the psychological causes
Some problems of a sexual nature can have psychological origins, such as poor consideration of one's body, mood disorders, relationship problems or previous sexual trauma.
Psychological factors can lead to decreased libido, reduced desire or arousal, inability to reach orgasm, or loss of sensation in the genitals
Step 5. Take socio-cultural and economic factors into account
Aspects such as inadequate sex education, religious beliefs, cultural shame towards sex, fatigue from family or work life can all contribute to dissatisfaction. Beliefs instilled from childhood, cultural norms and gender roles play an equally important role.
Think about how the cultural beliefs you have been taught can affect your intimate life. Have you been taught that sex is "a bad thing" or that you need to be ashamed of your body? These are aspects that can affect the satisfaction in couple relationships
Step 6. Discuss the problems with your doctor
If your sexual problems are distressing you, your partner, or putting your relationship in jeopardy, make an appointment with your doctor. Tell him about your difficulties and remember that he is there to help you; try to be as specific as possible, describing what is causing the problems, when and how often they occur and if you are also experiencing pain.
You may feel embarrassed to address these issues, but remember that you are seeking help and that treatment is available
Part 2 of 3: Diagnosing Sexual Dysfunction in Women
Step 1. Make an appointment with your gynecologist
During your visit, he or she may have you take some tests, undergo a physical check-up, and ask certain questions. While physically examining you, the doctor performs a pelvic exam, as well as a Pap smear to check for cancer or a precancerous situation.
It can also ask you questions about your approach to sex, if you have experienced traumatic experiences in the past, if you have problems with relationships, alcohol or drugs
Step 2. Get tested to check hormone levels
There are many factors that affect female sexual desire; ask your gynecologist to perform tests to evaluate possible medical causes or dysfunctions. If you have low libido, it is important to understand if estrogen and testosterone concentrations are low; furthermore, tests for hypertension, possible thyroid dysfunctions and diabetes may be appropriate.
Other elements that can have a specific impact are breastfeeding, hormonal changes after childbirth and menopause
Step 3. Look for medical causes
Women can have various problems, such as impaired blood circulation in the genitals, weakness of the pelvic floor muscles, vaginal trauma, spinal cord injury, or even genital mutilation that can interfere with sexual satisfaction. These disorders can lead to vaginal dryness, decreased libido and severe pain during intercourse.
- The gynecologist can examine and consider many of these aspects.
- If you are taking any medications, ask your doctor if they may be responsible for the lack of sexual desire and satisfaction.
Step 4. Pay attention to the pain
If the sexual act is painful, you may be suffering from vaginismus or dyspareunia. In the first case, involuntary spasms occur which interfere with penetration; this disorder can result from fear, inexperience or even from a traumatic event experienced in the past. The second problem is pain during sexual intercourse and can be the consequence of endometriosis, ovarian cyst, vaginal inflammation or the presence of scar tissue.
Step 5. Identify the symptoms associated with vaginal dryness
Some women have difficulty lubricating the vagina; this phenomenon can undergo alterations following breastfeeding or menopause. If you are anxious about having sex or are concerned that it will be painful, know that these thoughts can affect dryness.
Think about when difficulties occur. What do you think or feel about the lack of lubrication? How do you react (and how does your partner react) to this disorder?
Part 3 of 3: Diagnosing Sexual Dysfunction in Men
Step 1. Make a doctor's appointment
When you are diagnosed with sexual dysfunction, the doctor performs a visit and asks you several questions to better understand the problem that ails you. He may prescribe a test to check your testosterone levels, which is usually the first step in assessing sexual health in men.
- They may also inquire about the medications you are currently taking, ask if you use alcohol or drugs, and if you have made any lifestyle changes that may affect your sexual satisfaction.
- Among the various tests he may prescribe are blood counts, urine, blood sugar, serum creatinine, lipid profile, testosterone and / or prolactin levels.
Step 2. Assess your erectile dysfunction problems
It is a disorder that affects many men, especially those over 40; it is defined as the inability to maintain an erection during intercourse. Some possible causes are limited blood circulation in the genital area, a neurological disorder, penile injury, some chronic diseases, and certain medications. Over time, this dysfunction can cause stress and anxiety.
This problem is associated with certain conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, spinal cord compression and pituitary tumors
Step 3. Identify ejaculation problems
Some men suffer from premature ejaculation, which occurs before or soon after penetration; stress, a past of sexual repression and lack of self-confidence are among the main factors responsible for this disorder. Some men are unable to ejaculate at all; some possible causes are medications (certain types of antidepressants), performance anxiety, or a previous sexual trauma. Sometimes, even deep religious beliefs can interfere with sexual satisfaction.
Step 4. Address the problems of a lack of libido
Both men and women can experience this problem. Among the main factors responsible for men are low testosterone levels, physical illnesses or side effects of certain drugs; however, stress, depression, performance anxiety or anxiety triggered by the idea of having an intimate relationship can also cause problems with desire. Relationship difficulties can also affect a lack of libido.
