4 Types of Sexual Dysfunctions & How to Cope
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What is sexual dysfunction?
Sexual dysfunction is any issue that hinders someone from experiencing satisfaction during sexual activity. Sexual dysfunction affects people of all gender identities and sexual orientations. These issues are categorized into 4 areas:
Arousal Issues: Something that impairs one’s ability to become aroused or maintain arousal.
Desire Disorders: Lack of sexual desire or interest.
Pain Disorders: Pain related to sexual activity.
Orgasm Disorders: Inability to experience orgasm or a delay in orgasm.
How common is sexual dysfunction?
Sexual issues are very common. Roughly 43% of women and 31% of men report some version of sexual dysfunction. The well-known issues include erectile dysfunction, lack of desire, ejaculation that is delayed or premature & premature or delayed orgasm.
What’s the cause of sexual dysfunction?
The causes can range from medical, hormonal, medication-induced to psychological. When these issues impact one’s emotional well-being or relationship, a sex therapist may be able to help.
What to do about sexual dysfunction
Embracing your support system or your tribe is an important first step in dealing with sexual dysfunction. Support can present via your family, friends, partner(s), medical doctor, sex therapist, etc. Talking about our issues can be therapeutic.
What prevents our from talking to our support system? Sadly, there is immense stigma surrounding sexual dysfunction. With that said, silence perpetuates the issue. People do not like to discuss their problems in general. Once you layer in the sexual component, many people find it even more difficult to discuss.
Disclosing sexual dysfunctions to your partner(s) provides them with the opportunity to be there in a supportive role & help navigate the issue effectively. While the dysfunction may only be happening to one partner, it undoubtedly affects everyone within the relationship.
Without talking about it, many people may attempt to engage in sexual activity only to end up frustrated when the dysfunction makes it difficult to perform or enjoy sex. Another common outcome is that people stop engaging in sex as often or even all together as a form of avoidance. Forced abstinence for the sake of avoiding disclosing sexual dysfunction is the antithesis of living life authentically and with joy.
Consult a Medical Doctor
Medical or psychological treatment is usually necessary for sexual dysfunctions. Consulting with your medical doctor (primary care physician, OBGYN or urologist) to assess for physical or homonal causes that should be treated medically would be the first step. In cases where medication or medical intervention is not necessary or not an option, seeing a therapist who is knowledgeable in this area can be beneficial.
Talk Therapy with a Sex Therapist
Once medical issues are ruled out after a physical examination with a physician, then therapy is a logical next step. However, if a medical condition is identified, therapy can still be beneficial as it may assist you to learn how to cope with the identified issue. Individual therapy for the person experiencing the difficulty with a trained sex therapist can be key.
The idea of working with a therapist may be intimidating, but it has the potential to be incredibly helpful. A sex therapist provides a safe space to discuss the issue and how it affects you. You will also learn techniques to help you manage it.
Couples therapy with a sex therapist can help the couple navigate the problem more effectively as a team. You and your partner can learn ways to improve the issue or how to work with the issue in ways that still promote healthy sexuality. Communication is key.
Sexual dysfunction does not have to dictate your sexual future. Men with erectile issues can still have amazing sexual connection & women who experience pain during intercourse can embrace their sexual selves.
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