SEXUAL
DYSFUNCTION
ABARRI GREG LORENZ S
DELOS SANTOS PAOLO
SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION
• What is sexual dysfunction?
• Sexual dysfunction is a problem that can happen during any phase of the
sexual response cycle. It prevents you from experiencing satisfaction from sexual activity.
• The sexual response cycle traditionally includes excitement, plateau, orgasm and
resolution. Desire and arousal are both part of the excitement phase of the sexual
response. It’s important to know women don’t always go through these phases in order.
SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION
• What are the types of sexual dysfunction?
• Sexual dysfunction generally is classified into four categories:
• Desire disorders: lack of sexual desire or interest in sex.
• Arousal disorders: inability to become physically aroused or excited during sexual
activity.
• Orgasm disorders: delay or absence of orgasm (climax).
• Pain disorders: pain during intercourse.
• Who is affected by sexual dysfunction?
• Sexual dysfunction can affect any age, although it is more common in those over 40
because it’s often related to a decline in health associated with aging
SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION SYMPTOMS
• What are the symptoms of sexual dysfunction?
• In men:
• Inability to achieve or maintain an erection (hard penis) suitable for intercourse (
erectile dysfunction).
• Absent or delayed ejaculation despite enough sexual stimulation (retarded ejaculation).
• Inability to control the timing of ejaculation (early, or premature, ejaculation).
SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION SYMPTOMS
• In women:
• Inability to achieve orgasm.
• Inadequate vaginal lubrication before and during intercourse.
• Inability to relax the vaginal muscles enough to allow intercourse.
• In men and women:
• Lack of interest in or desire for sex.
• Inability to become aroused.
• Pain with intercourse.
WHAT CAUSES SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION?
• Physical causes: Many physical and/or medical conditions can cause problems with
sexual function. These conditions include diabetes,
heart and vascular (blood vessel) disease, neurological disorders, hormonal imbalances,
chronic diseases such as kidney or liver failure, and alcoholism and drug abuse. In
addition, the side effects of some medications, including some antidepressant drugs, can
affect sexual function.
WHAT CAUSES SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION?
• Psychological causes: These include work-related stress and anxiety, concern about
sexual performance, marital or relationship problems, depression, feelings of guilt,
concerns about body image and the effects of a past sexual trauma.
HOW IS SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION DIAGNOSED?
• Your provider usually begins with a complete history of symptoms and a physical. They
may order diagnostic tests to rule out medical problems that may be contributing to the
dysfunction
• An evaluation of attitudes about sex, as well as other possible contributing factors —fear,
anxiety, past sexual trauma/abuse, relationship concerns, medications, alcohol or drug
abuse, etc.
MEDICATION
• For men:
• sildenafil (Viagra®), tadalafil (Cialis®), vardenafil (Levitra®, Staxyn®) and avanafil
(Stendra®) may help improve sexual function by increasing blood flow to the penis.
• For women:
• to treat low desire, including flibanserin (Addyi®) and bremelanotide (Vyleesi®
OTHER TREATMENT
• Education and communication: Education about sex and sexual behaviors and responses
may help you overcome anxieties about sexual function. Open dialogue with your partner
about your needs and concerns also helps overcome many barriers to a healthy sex life.
• Behavioral treatments: These involve various techniques, including insights into harmful
behaviors in the relationship, or techniques such as self-stimulation for treatment of
problems with arousal and/or orgasm.
• Psychotherapy: Therapy with a trained counselor can help you address sexual trauma from
the past, feelings of anxiety, fear, guilt and poor body image
CAN SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION BE CURED?
• The success of treatment for sexual dysfunction depends on the underlying cause of the
problem. The outlook is good for dysfunction that is related to a condition that can be
treated or reversed.
