Almost all men and women have faced lack of sexual desire or sexual response problems at some time or the other. In most cases such problems are simply a temporary phenomenon and you don’t really need to worry about your sexual prowess! However, in the event that such problems occur on a persistent or recurrent basis, then you probably suffer from a sexual disorder. Before you hit the panic button and jump to unpleasant conclusions, keep in mind that most sexual disorders are simply temporary and can be resolved quite easily with treatment.
Also known as sexual dysfunction, sexual disorders can be described as the inability to experience a state of arousal or to achieve sexual satisfaction, under normal circumstances. Medical experts explain a sexual disorder as any problem that affects a man or a woman’s sexual desire, functioning or performance. There could be several different types of sexual disorders that affect people of both genders.
Some of the most common sexual problems that affect men include impotence or erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorders (premature, retarded or retrograde) and inhibited sexual desire. The types of sexual disorders that are observed in women include a lack of desire or arousal, difficulty achieving an orgasm and dyspareunia (pain during intercourse). Types of sexual disorders could also include vaginismus or gender identity disorder, to name a few, in case they interfere with a person’s ability to engage in normal acts of sexual intercourse.
Some of these sexual disorders last only for a short period of time and get resolved without any medical treatment. However, in many instances, these problems are a lifelong occurrence. It is necessary to consult a health care provider and undergo proper treatment, in order to get over a sexual disorder. There are many sexual disorders that do not get resolved at all, if left unchecked and untreated. So although it may not help to worry about your libido, some concern would be reasonable.
Although anyone can be affected by sexual dysfunction, it is more prevalent in older people, as compared to others. There are many individuals, who develop a sexual disorder later in life, - after they have experienced a long phase of satisfactory functioning. However, it is also possible for a person to suffer from sexual dysfunction problems right from the time they become sexually active.
Some of the factors that could trigger off sexual disorders include a history of sexual abuse, use of certain drugs, excess stress or depression, or even medical conditions. Many women have been known to suffer from sexual disorders after having a baby, or going through some major changes in life.
Because this problem is quite sensitive and perhaps even embarrassing in nature, most people shy away from discussing it with others and refuse to even seek help. Overcoming your inhibitions and approaching your doctor could actually save you a great deal of embarrassment in the bedroom. Sexual disorders are quite common in both men and women and your health care providers have in all likelihood dealt with hundreds of cases like yours. In most cases, the problem is not really serious and can be treated quite easily. However, at times, sexual disorders could actually be symptoms of other underlying medical conditions. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor as soon as the symptoms of any type of sexual disorder begin to arise.
Having Sexual Problems? Worried you may be suffering from some type of sexual disorder? Check here for the symptoms you should look for before consulting a physician or mental health professional.
Persistent or recurrent inability to attain, or to maintain until completion of the sexual activity, an adequate lubrication-swelling response of sexual excitement.
The disturbance causes marked distress or interpersonal difficulty.
The sexual dysfunction is not better accounted for by another mental disorder (except another sexual dysfunction) and is not due exclusively to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition.
Male Erectile Disorder
Persistent or recurrent inability to attain, or to maintain until completion of the sexual activity, an adequate erection.
The disturbance causes marked distress or interpersonal difficulty.
The erectile dysfunction is not better accounted for by another mental disorder (other than a sexual dysfunction) and is not due exclusively to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition.
Premature Ejaculation
Persistent or recurrent ejaculation with minimal sexual stimulation before, on, or shortly after penetration and before the person wishes it. The clinician must take into account factors that affect duration of the excitement phase, such as age, novelty of the sexual partner or situation, and recent frequency of sexual activity.
The disturbance causes marked distress or interpersonal difficulty.
The premature ejaculation is not due exclusively to the direct effects of a substance (e.g., withdrawal from opioids).
Female Orgasmic Disorder:
Persistent or recurrent delay in, or absence of, orgasm following a normal sexual excitement phase. Women exhibit wide variability in the type or intensity of stimulation that triggers orgasm. The diagnosis of Female Orgasmic Disorder should be based on the clinician's judgment that the woman's orgasmic capacity is less than would be reasonable for her age, sexual experience, and the adequacy of sexual stimulation she receives.
The disturbance causes marked distress or interpersonal difficulty.
The orgasmic dysfunction is not better accounted for by another mental disorder (except another sexual dysfunction) and is not due exclusively to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition.
Male Orgasmic Disorder:
Persistent or recurrent delay in, or absence of, orgasm following a normal sexual excitement phase during sexual activity that the clinician, taking into account the person's age, judges to be adequate in focus, intensity, and duration.
The disturbance causes marked distress or interpersonal difficulty.
The orgasmic dysfunction is not better accounted for by another mental disorder (except another sexual dysfunction) and is not due exclusively to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition.
Vaginismus
Recurrent or persistent involuntary spasm of the musculature of the outer third of the vagina that interferes with sexual intercourse.
The disturbance causes marked distress or interpersonal difficulty.
The disturbance is not better accounted for by another Axis I disorder (e.g., Somatization Disorder) and is not due exclusively to the direct physiological effects of a general medical condition.
Dyspareunia
Recurrent or persistent genital pain associated with sexual intercourse in either a male or a female.
The disturbance causes marked distress or interpersonal difficulty.
The disturbance is not caused exclusively by Vaginismus or lack of lubrication, is not better accounted for by another Axis I disorder (except another Sexual Dysfunction), and is not due exclusively to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition.
Exhibitionism
Over a period of at least 6 months, recurrent, intense sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors involving the exposure of one's genitals to an unsuspecting stranger.
The fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
Voyeurism
Over a period of at least 6 months, recurrent, intense sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors involving the act of observing an unsuspecting person who is naked, in the process of disrobing, or engaging in sexual activity.
The fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
Fetishism
Over a period of at least 6 months, recurrent, intense sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors involving the use of nonliving objects (e.g., female undergarments).
The fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
The fetish objects are not limited to articles of female clothing used in cross-dressing (as in Transvestic Fetishism) or devices designed for the purpose of tactile genital stimulation (e.g., a vibrator).
Frotteurism
Over a period of at least 6 months, recurrent, intense sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors involving touching and rubbing against a nonconsenting person.
The fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
Gender Identity Disorder
A strong and persistent cross-gender identification (not merely a desire for any perceived cultural advantages of being the other sex). In children, the disturbance is manifested by four (or more) of the following:
repeatedly stated desire to be, or insistence that he or she is, the other sex
in boys, preference for cross-dressing or simulating female attire; in girls, insistence on wearing only stereotypical masculine clothing
strong and persistent preferences for cross-sex roles in make-believe play or persistent fantasies of being the other sex
intense desire to participate in the stereotypical games and pastimes of the other sex
strong preference for playmates of the other sex
In adolescents and adults, the disturbance is manifested by symptoms such as a stated desire to be the other sex, frequent passing as the other sex, desire to live or be treated as the other sex, or the conviction that he or she has the typical feelings and reactions of the other sex.
Persistent discomfort with his or her sex or sense of inappropriateness in the gender role of that sex.
In children, the disturbance is manifested by any of the following: in boys, assertion that his penis or testes are disgusting or will disappear or assertion that it would be better not to have a penis, or aversion toward rough- and-tumble play and rejection of male stereotypical toys, games, and activities; in girls, rejection of urinating in a sitting position, assertion that she has or will grow a penis, or assertion that she does not want to grow breasts or menstruate, or marked aversion toward normative feminine clothing.
In adolescents and adults, the disturbance is manifested by symptoms such as preoccupation with getting rid of primary and secondary sex characteristics (e.g., request for hormones, surgery, or other procedures to physically alter sexual characteristics to simulate the other sex) or belief that he or she was born the wrong sex.
The disturbance is not concurrent with a physical intersex condition.
The disturbance causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
Transvestic Fetishism
Over a period of at least 6 months, in a heterosexual male, recurrent, intense sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors involving cross-dressing.
The fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
Sexual Masochism:
Over a period of at least 6 months, recurrent, intense sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors involving the act (real, not simulated) of being humiliated, beaten, bound, or otherwise made to suffer.
The fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
Sexual Sadism:
Over a period of at least 6 months, recurrent, intense sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors involving acts (real, not simulated) in which the psychological or physical suffering (including humiliation) of the victim is sexually exciting to the person.
The fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
Symptoms for Sexual Disorders
There are different warning signs and symptoms that indicate the presence of a sexual disorder or dysfunction. There are many men and women who develop the symptoms of sexual disorders suddenly, after enjoying a normal and healthy life. This usually occurs in case of women who have just been through a pregnancy. Men and women could also develop sexual disorder symptoms after being in an accident, undergoing a major life change or being diagnosed with an illness. Some of the most common symptoms for sexual disorders include:
• Total absence of sexual desire or a low sex drive
• An inability to get aroused or maintain an arousal for the duration of sexual activity
• Recurrent ejaculation with minimal sexual stimulation,
• Inadequate lubrication in spite of sexual excitement
• Not achieving an orgasm, after going through the normal excitement phase
• Pain while having intercourse
Most people tend to overlook the symptoms of sexual disorders in the initial phases, chalking it down to stress, being overworked, fatigue, and so on. However, if these symptoms are present during most sexual acts or perhaps even interfere with a relationship, then it is best to consult a doctor and seek medical treatment. Make an appointment with your doctor, without any delay to identify what the possible causes can be and how the problem can be overcome.
At first, the doctor may ask you questions, to identify the possible causes of sexual disorders. You may also need to go through a pelvic exam, just to ensure that the symptoms you are facing are not a result of any physical or structural problems. Counselors or therapists specializing in relationships may also need to be involved to identify the main cause of the problem.
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