In this guide, we’ll be examining the different types of sexual dysfunction, possible causes of these hurdles, as well as known treatment methods for managing issues during sexual activity.
Symptoms of Sexual Dysfunction
While sexual dysfunctions are common in both men and women, intimacy challenges are experienced in ways that are unique to each sex.
In Men
An unexplainable lack of interest in sexual intercoursePersistent difficulty in producing or maintaining an erection suitable for sexThe inability to reach orgasm, or a lengthened delay in climaxingConstant difficulty with regulating moments when ejaculation occurs
In Women
A noticeable disinterest in sexual activityDifficulty getting arousedExperiencing pain during intercourseInadequate lubrication during sexDifficulty relaxing vaginal muscles to permit penetration
Because of the nature of these challenges, people who are experiencing sexual dysfunction often keep it to themselves. It is believed that an estimated 43% of women and 41% of men experience some kind of challenge during intimacy.
Types of Sexual Dysfunction
While men and women experience all forms of challenges associated with sexual contact, these difficulties usually fall into the following classifications:
Sexual desire disordersArousal disordersOrgasm challengesPain during intercourse
Sexual Desire Disorders
While it is perfectly normal to have periods where sex takes a back seat during weekly or even monthly activities—this lack of interest may qualify as a disorder when it persists for a long period of time and causes worry. Sexual desire disorders refer to a reduced or absent interest in sexual activity. In such cases, a person usually has little to no sexual fantasies or thoughts. This lack of interest may also cause a lack of responsiveness during intimate situations. Sexual desire disorders include:
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: This condition is marked by a persistent lack of interest in sexual activities. It is the absence of or reduction in sexual thoughts and fantasies. While men may experience this disorder, it is very commonly observed in women with around 40% of women self-reporting low interest in sex. This disorder causes considerable distress and difficulty with sexual partners. Sexual Aversion Disorder: There are cases where the mere thought of engaging in sexual activities can cause an almost physical recoil in disgust. Sexual aversion disorder is the persistent, and sometimes extreme avoidance of all or most forms of genital contact with a partner. The avoidant nature associated with this condition may cause distress to those living with it, and can cause some tension between sexual partners.
Arousal Disorders
Types of arousal dysfunctions include:
Erectile dysfunction: This condition may be considered an arousal disorder where men experience difficulty with forming and sustaining erections suitable for sexual activity. However, the first sign of difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection does not automatically make for a diagnosis of erectile dysfunction (ED). But where these difficulties persist for a period exceeding three months without external causes like surgery or physical trauma, symptoms may be indicative of an arousal disorder. Lack of vaginal lubrication: Vaginal dryness is a condition that can affect women of different ages. The absence of proper lubrication despite sexual excitement can cause pain and difficulties in intimate moments. Persistent genital arousal disorder: While continuous arousal is a welcome development in the bedroom, people living with this condition experience unwanted stimulation at work, in school, other public places, and even at home alone with no warning or trigger. These spontaneous and intrusive feelings may or may not produce orgasms, and can be incredibly distressing to those living with them.
Orgasm Challenges
Some types of sexual dysfunction include difficulties related to orgasm like the following:
Premature ejaculation (PE): Observed in men, PE occurs when ejaculation happens earlier than someone desires. This can occur before or during penetration. A person living with this condition usually has no control over the timing of their ejaculation. Delayed ejaculation: Delayed ejaculation can often feel distressing, not just to the person directly affected, but also their sexual partners. Delayed ejaculation refers to an unusually long wait time for achieving orgasm during intercourse. Orgasmic dysfunction: This refers to disruptions to the orgasmic experience. It may be the absence of orgasm following sexual activity, reduced intensity of orgasms despite adequate stimulation, or a noticeable delay in reaching orgasm. Anejaculation: The absence of ejaculate during orgasm.
Pain During Intercourse
Sexual dysfunction can also be related to pain during sexual activity:
Dyspareunia: People with a vagina who live with this condition experience continuous pain during sex or when attempts are made to initiate penis-vaginal intercourse.Vaginismus: Here, all forms of vaginal entry whether penile, or through the fingers, and sexual objects are met with difficulty. This occurs despite a genuine desire to engage in sex.
Causes of Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction typically does not occur overnight. For instance, pain during intercourse or ejaculatory/orgasmic challenges tend to have their roots in other conditions affecting the body. Listed below are likely causes of sexual dysfunction.
Health Changes
When the body endures major illnesses like diabetes, heart diseases, or challenges affecting the blood vessels, this can affect sexual functioning. This is seen in conditions such as erectile dysfunction, and women’s arousal disorders. Conditions such as hyperthyroidism or the excessive production of prolactin (hyperprolactinemia) may cause delayed ejaculation. Likewise, chronic health conditions like kidney or liver failure may affect performance during sexual activity.
Hormonal Imbalance
Hormones have a key role to play in sexual health and wellness. This is why changes in their production can affect performance and satisfaction during sexual activities. Low testosterone has been linked to low libido in men. Likewise, corresponding effects may be seen in women with low estrogen. This may explain why menopausal women with fluctuating hormone levels, tend to experience vaginal dryness and decreased interest in sex.
Gynecologic Conditions
Women with a vagina that experience conditions such as endometriosis, cysts, and fibroids may also find sex to be a painful activity.
Alcohol and Drug Use
As can be expected, alcohol and drug usage have many downsides including a negative impact on sexual performance. Decreased desire, pleasure, arousal, orgasm, and ejaculation difficultyare some of the sexual challenges experienced following drug or alcohol use.
Psychological Factors
In some cases, the pressures of a work deadline, school assignments, anxiety about upcoming obligations, or even performance during sex can contribute to challenges during intimate moments. Depression, worries about body image, and guilt over sexual encounters may also contribute to sexual dysfunction.
Treatment for Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual challenges can be difficult to maneuver. It doesn’t help that these conditions are often considered private affairs, making their management incredibly isolating. Despite the perceived challenges of living with sexual dysfunction, these conditions are manageable and may even be treated with the right care. Some ways to manage sexual dysfunction are discussed below.
Medication
Certain drugs and supplements can help to improve sexual function in men and women. In men, generic medications such as sildenafil, tadalafil, stendra, and vardenafil can act as vasodilators, helping to improve blood flow to the penis. They help to boost erectile function and stamina during intercourse. Hormonal supplements such as testosterone and estrogen may also help to mediate difficulties associated with hormone imbalances.
Therapy
Speaking with a professional about the anxiety, feelings of guilt, or shame associated with sexual acts may help with overcoming the difficulties these feelings produce during sex. A therapist may also help to guide healthier relations between couples. This may occur during online sex therapy or in-person meetings. These meetings can help to improve attitudes towards sex, and may also teach behavioral methods to assist with challenges like premature ejaculation.
Mechanical Assistance
For men that experience difficulties with forming and maintaining erections, a little outside help can make all the difference. Vacuum devices and penile implants can help with achieving and sustaining satisfactory erections for the duration of intercourse.
A Word From Verywell
If you think you might be dealing with a sexual dysfunction, it’s important to speak to a professional to get an accurate diagnosis. If you are having trouble dealing with the mental health effects that might accompany living with a sexual dysfunction, reach out to a mental health professional. They can remind you that you are not alone and will teach you healthy coping mechanisms to deal with any emotional distress you might be experiencing.
