Sexual dysfunction-Sexual health

16 Jun

Posted by Admin as Uncategorized

Sexual dysfunction disorders are generally classified into 4 categories:

Sexual desire disorders (decreased libido) may be caused by a decrease in the normal production of estrogen (in women) or testosterone (in both men and women). Other causes may be aging, fatigue, pregnancy, and medications - the SSRI anti-depressants which include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil) are well known for reducing desire in both men and women. Psychiatric conditions, such as depression and anxiety, can also cause decreased libido.

Sexual arousal disorders were previously known as frigidity in women and impotence in men. These have now been replaced with less judgmental terms. Impotence is now known as erectile dysfunction, and frigidity is now described as any of several specific problems with desire, arousal, or anxiety.

For both men and women, these conditions may appear as an aversion to, and avoidance of, sexual contact with a partner. In men, there may be partial or complete failure to attain or maintain an erection, or a lack of sexual excitement and pleasure in sexual activity.

Orgasm disorders are a persistent delay or absence of orgasm following a normal sexual excitement phase. The disorder occurs in both women and men. Again, the SSRI antidepressants are frequent culprits -these may delay the achievement of orgasm or eliminate it entirely.

Sexual pain disorders affect women almost exclusively, and are known as dyspareunia (painful intercourse) and vaginismus (an involuntary spasm of the muscles of the vaginal wall, which interferes with intercourse). Dyspareunia may be caused by insufficient lubrication (vaginal dryness) in women.

What causes sexual dysfunction?

Many things can cause problems in your sex life. Certain medicines (such as oral contraceptives and chemotherapy drugs), diseases (such as diabetes or high blood pressure), excessive alcohol use or vaginal infections can cause sexual problems. Depression, relationship problems or abuse (current or past abuse) can also cause sexual dysfunction.

Treatment:

Women with sexual concerns benefit from a combined treatment approach that addresses medical as well as emotional issues. Occasionally, there’s a specific medical solution — using vaginal estrogen cream, for example, or switching from one antidepressant medication to another. More often, behavioral treatments such as couple’s therapy and stress management are needed to address the roots of female sexual dysfunction.

Male sexual dysfunction: is a problem with 1 of the 4 main components of male sexual function (libido, erection, ejaculation, orgasm) that interferes with interest in or ability to engage in sexual intercourse. Many drugs and numerous physical and psycho logic disorders affect sexual function.

Libido: Libido is the conscious component of sexual function. Decreased libido manifests as a lack of sexual interest or a decrease in the frequency and intensity of sexual thoughts, either spontaneous or in response to erotic stimuli. Erection occurs as the result of a complex neuro psychologic process. Higher cortical input and a sac rally mediated parasympathetic reflex arc combine to stimulate erection. Orgasm is the highly pleasurable sensation that occurs in the brain generally simultaneously with ejaculation. Anorgasmia may be a physical phenomenon due to decreased penile sensation (eg, from neuropathy) or a neuro psychologic phenomenon due to psychiatric disorders or psychoactive drugs.

Female Sexual Dysfunction: There are many problems that can keep a woman from enjoying sex. They include Lack of sexual desire, Inability to become aroused, Lack of orgasm, or sexual climax, Painful intercourse.