What is Sexual Dysfunction?

Sexual dysfunction is a condition that can affect a male libido just as much as it can a female libido. The condition manifests itself in different ways and at different stages of sexual activity for different people. Experts and medical practitioners have determined that there are four distinct categories when it comes to sexual dysfunction.

• Sexual desire disorders deal with decreased male libidos (caused by a decrease in the production of testosterone) as well as female libidos (caused by a decrease in the production of testosterone and estrogen). Sexual desire disorders can also be caused by aging, pregnancy, constant fatigue and so on.
• Sexual arousal disorders have been taboo in the past. The most publicised sexual arousal disorder being erectile dysfunction, known in the past as impotence, this is understandable. However, with advancements in the world of medicine and legitimate treatments now being available to men and women with sexual arousal disorders, the subject has been brought to the attention of the world. Besides erectile dysfunction when it comes to male libidos, female libidos can be equally affected with problems of a similar nature.
• Orgasm disorders can occur in relation to the delay in experiencing or not experiencing orgasm at the culmination of sexual activity. Once again, as with sexual desire and sexual arousal disorders, orgasm disorders can affect both male libidos and female libidos.
• Sexual pain disorders on the other hand almost never affect male libidos. Women are predominantly susceptible to sexual pain disorders. Vaginal pain and/or muscle spasms during intercourse come under the umbrella of sexual pain disorders and can be caused by emotional and well as physical factors.

What causes Sexual Dysfunction?

Sexual dysfunction can be the caused by emotional, physical or medical factors. Emotional causes of sexual dysfunction can include any psychological problems being faced by the individual or any emotional tension that exists with the couple. This tension could be a result of career related stress, an argument or even just the pressures of managing a family with all its needs.

Another major psychological element known to be responsible for a large percentage of sexual dysfunction caused by emotional factors is sexual trauma. If the individual has been sexually abused as a child or has at some point in time been raped, this could play a major psychological role in whether or not the individual experiences sexual dysfunction later in life.

Physically, the intake of certain medication, drugs, alchohol and even nicotine can be a determinant when it comes to sexual dysfunction. Existing physical injuries to the back or to the spinal cord can also play a role. With men specifically, an enlarged prostrate gland can be the source of sexual dysfunction.

Medically, some of the more common causes of sexual dysfunction, both in relation to the male libido and the female libido, are decreased blood flow, and when it comes to women, minimal vaginal lubrication. Experiencing painful intercourse is for many women a result of vaginal dryness. This could very well be caused by physical abnormalities in the pelvic region and the ovaries.

What are the symptoms?

The male libido exhibits symptoms of sexual dysfunction like the inability to get or maintain an erection, the inability to ejaculate or control the process of ejaculation and so on. Women on the other hand experience a lot of pain in and around the area surrounding the vagina, feel unable to relax vaginal muscles, are unable to have an orgasm and experience a loss of libido.

Both genders experience a lack of interest in sex and feel a tangible degree of pain in the course of sexual activity.

How can it be prevented?

Besides talking to your doctor and getting his or her advice on how to handle sexual dysfunction and loss of libido, there are quite a few things you can do to minimise risk.

Firstly, check the fine print on all the medication that you purchase to ensure that the side-effects do not include potential sexual dysfunction. Secondly, talk to your partner openly about any and all symptoms you are experiencing and work through it together.

Finally, if you are experiencing sexual dysfunction for no reason other than the fact that you have undergone some form of sexual trauma at some point, it is highly recommended that you seek psychiatric help as soon as possible.