Introduction

Sexual health is an essential part of our overall health and well-being. It links our physical and mental lives together.

A sexual disorder is a condition that impedes the ability to enjoy sexual pleasure.

Sexual disorders can affect men and women, causing problems in relationships and self-esteem beyond the bedroom.

Many people mistakenly believe that sexual dysfunction is limited to a physical inability to engage in sexual activity.

However, sexual dysfunction encompasses many conditions and disorders. 

Sexual disorders can be treated in many different ways, depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition.

In this blog, we will delve into different types of sexual disorders in men and women. 

We will understand the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for these disorders, which are crucial for promoting sexual health and overall well-being for individuals and couples alike.

What is a Sexual Disorder?

Sexual disorder is a condition that disrupts the sexual response cycle.

The sexual response cycle includes several stages, such as desire, excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.

It affects both men and women, with over 40% of women and 30% of men reporting some degree of dysfunction. 

Although sexual disorders can affect people of any age, they are most common in people aged 40 to 65.

Some causes are physical and medical, including heart disease and hormonal imbalances.

Others are psychological, such as anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Types of Sexual Disorders

Sexual disorders can be broken down into four main categories: sexual desire disorder, sexual arousal disorder, sexual orgasm disorder, and pain disorder 

Sexual desire disorder

Sexual desire disorder is a condition in which you have a reduced desire for sex, a low libido, or a lack of sexual imagination. Emotional, hormonal, or psychological factors can cause it. As we age, our desire for sex decreases.

Arousal disorder

Arousal disorders are conditions that make it hard or impossible for a person to become sexually excited, and can affect men and women alike. Erectile dysfunction is the most common type of arousal disorder in men. A person with arousal disorder may be sexually interested, but unable to achieve any physical pleasure from sexual activity.

Orgasm disorder

Orgasm disorders include premature ejaculation, delayed orgasm, or the inability to achieve orgasm after regular sexual activity. You may also experience particular symptoms after achieving an orgasm, such as anxiety, muscle pain, headaches, etc. 

Pain disorder

Pain disorders are related to sexual intercourse and can affect both men and women. In women, vaginal dryness, vaginal muscle weakness, urinary tract infections (UTIs), hormonal fluctuations (which can occur before, during, and after menopause), penetration pain (dyspareunia), and other conditions may cause vaginal pain.

For men, Peyronie’s disease (physical harm to the penis), dyspareunia, UTI, prostatitis, yeast infection, genital herpes, and other skin conditions may cause pain.

Symptoms of Sexual Disorders

Sexual disorder symptoms vary from person to person and depend on the type of disorder and the underlying cause. 

Some common sexual dysfunction symptoms include:

For men

• Decreased or absent sexual desire (low libido)
• Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction) 
• Delayed ejaculation (taking a prolonged time to reach orgasm)
• Pain during erection or sexual activity (penile pain) 
• Anxiety or fear related to sexual performance and satisfaction

For women

• Decreased or absent sexual desire (low libido) 
• Difficulty achieving or maintaining arousal 
• Reduced genital sensation or lubrication 
• Difficulty reaching orgasm (anorgasmia) 
• Delayed orgasm Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia) 6. Genital or pelvic pain unrelated to intercourse
• Painful spasms of the vaginal muscles (vaginismus) 
• Anxiety or fear related to sexual performance 
• Avoidance of sexual encounters due to negative emotions or trauma
• Distress or dissatisfaction related to sexual experiences

Causes of Sexual Disorders

The main causes of sexual disorders are mainly grouped into two categories: physical causes and psychosocial cultural causes.

Physical Causes

There are numerous physical causes of sexual dysfunction.

For instance, the following illnesses and conditions may result in issues with sexual function:

• Urological infections or cancer
• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease (heart disease and blood vessel disease)
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Hormonal imbalances
• Alcoholism
• Drug abuse
• Neurological disorders
• Chronic diseases, such as kidney failure
• Nerve damage

Medications such as blood pressure medications, antidepressants, alcohol, and recreational drugs can all affect sexual function.

Medical treatments can also affect sexual function. For example, certain surgical procedures can lead to nerve damage that affects sexual function.

Psychosociocultural Causes

Psychologically induced sexual disorders affect many people, stemming from factors like sexual performance anxiety, guilt, relationship issues, depression, stress, self-esteem, body image problems, and past traumas.

Psychotherapy and sex therapy help address these issues, aiding individuals in overcoming barriers to a satisfying sexual experience.

Understanding sociocultural factors—such as cultural norms, religious beliefs, gender roles, media influence, education, social support, economic factors, and societal stigma—is crucial for promoting sexual health.

Effective treatment for sexual disorders requires a comprehensive approach that considers the interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, tailored to individual needs.

How Sexual Disorders are Diagnosed?

Sexual disorders can often be diagnosed through a physical examination.

If you’re experiencing sexual disorder symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor. 

Your doctor may work closely with you to identify the underlying cause(s) of the sexual disorder so that it can be managed effectively.

Your doctor may also ask questions to assess things such as your ideas and beliefs about sex and sexuality.

You may also be asked if you have any fears, anxieties, or past traumas that could cause the sexual disorders.

A lot of people find it difficult to talk about their sex life or sexual past with anyone, much less a doctor. That’s true, but there’s nothing to be ashamed of. 

Sexual disorders are very common, and with proper treatment, most forms of sexual disorders are treatable.

Treatment for Sexual Disorders

Treatments for sexual disorders can help you with both the physical and psychological causes of your disorder.

Sexual disorder can be treated by fixing or addressing the underlying problems or issues that are causing it.

If the underlying problems are physical, treatment usually involves medication or mechanical devices. 

If the underlying issues are psychological, treatment may involve counseling, therapy, behavioural modification, and psychosexual education.

Some people with sexual disorders have both the physical and psychological causes of their disorder. If this is the case, treatment for both will be necessary.

Prevention of Sexual Disorders

Adopting certain healthy habits may reduce your risk of developing sexual disorders for example:

• Stop smoking
• Get regular exercise, including aerobic exercise
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Eat a well-balanced diet
• Limit alcohol intake to a maximum of two drinks per day
• Avoid the use of illegal drugs
• If you have chronic diseases, like heart disease or diabetes, take steps to control your condition and improve your overall health

Conclusion

It’s important to remember that sexual disorders don’t mean you’re “bad at sex” or “bad at life.”

They’re complex, multi-faceted illnesses that deserve compassion, understanding, and treatment. These issues can be difficult to discuss, but there's no need to be embarrassed.

Whether you choose to get help or not, it's up to you to decide if you want to be successful or suffer forever.

The journey ahead may not be easy, and it may take therapy and medication to find the right answers to get your sexual life back on track. But there's hope and help available.

If you're starting your sexual wellness journey, get advice from a healthcare professional on what to do next.

FAQs

How can sexual problems be avoided?

There are many things that people can do to prevent sexual dysfunction, both physically and mentally. These include: eating a healthy diet; exercising regularly; managing stress; and maintaining health conditions

How do I know if I have a sexual disorder?

Medically, sexual disorder refers to long-term, recurring issues with sexual reactions, desires, orgasms, or pain, which can make you feel anxious or make it difficult to be with your partner.

Are sexual problems curable?

Erectile dysfunction is not a lifelong condition. Nearly all EDs can be treated, and treatment results in improved physical and emotional well-being for almost all patients and improved intimacy for couples.

Is sexual disorder hereditary?

A variety of factors, including biology, psychology, and the environment, can cause sexual disorders. Although some sexual disorders, such as erectile dysfunction or specific aspects of hypoactive sexual disorders, may have genetic roots, they typically result from a combination of genetics, culture, experience, and other factors.

References

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• NEWS Medical Life Sciences (2019).Types of Sexual Dysfunction. Available at https://www.news-medical.net/health/Types-of-Sexual-Dysfunction.aspx. (Accessed at 30/03/2024).
• Cleveland Clinic (2020). Sexual Dysfunction. Available at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9121-sexual-dysfunction (Accessed on 30/03/2024).
• Science Direct.com (2015). Risk Factors for Sexual Dysfunction Among Women and Men. Available at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1743609515000508 (Accessed at 30/03/2024).
• Mayo Clinic (2022). Female Sexual Dysfunction. Available at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/female-sexual-dysfunction/symptoms-causes/syc-20372549 (Accessed at 30/03/2024).
• National Library of Medicine (2022) Prevalence of sexual dysfunctions and associated risk factors in Poland. Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9266947/ (Accessed at 30/03/2024).
• Psychotherapeutic Treatments for Male and Female Sexual Dysfunction Disorders: The State of the Science and Practice (2017). Available at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322097875_Psychotherapeutic_Treatments_for_Male_and_Female_Sexual_Dysfunction_Disorders_The_State_of_the_Science_and_Practice (Accessed at 30/03/2024).