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Sexual Dysfunction

Sexual dysfunction occurs when you have a problem that prevents you from wanting or enjoying sexual activity. It can happen anytime. Men and women of all ages experience sexual dysfunction, although the chances increase as you age.

Stress is a common cause of sexual dysfunction. Other causes include:

  • sexual trauma

  • psychological issues

  • diabetes

  • heart disease or other medical conditions

  • drug use

  • alcohol use

  • certain medications

 

When does a bad night become a disorder?

Four categories of sexual dysfunction exist. It’s normal not to be in the mood sometimes. None of these should be considered a disorder unless it happens regularly and significantly affects your sexual life:

  • Desire disorder is when you have little or no interest in sexual relations on an ongoing basis.

  • Arousal disorder means you’re emotionally in the mood, but your body isn’t into it.

  • Orgasm disorder means you’re emotionally in the mood, but you have an inability to climax that leaves you frustrated.

  • Pain disorder involves having pain during intercourse.

 

Libido lowdown

In men, low levels of testosterone can cause a loss of libido, or sexual desire. In women, the following can affect desire:

  • low estrogen levels

  • low testosterone levels

  • hormonal changes following childbirth

  • breast-feeding

  • menopause

Other causes include:

  • high blood pressure

  • diabetes

  • certain medications

  • relationship problems

  • sexual inhibitions

  • stress

  • fatigue

  • a fear of pregnancy

 

Sexual dysfunction in men: Erectile dysfunction (ED)

ED occurs when a man cannot achieve or maintain an erection appropriate for intercourse. This can occur due to:

  • a problem with blood flow

  • a nerve disorder

  • an injury to the penis

  • psychological problems, like stress or depression

  • relationship issues

  • Peyronie’s disease

  • chronic illness

  • some medications

Ongoing ED can cause anxiety.

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Sexual dysfunction in men: Ejaculation disorders

Premature ejaculation is ejaculation that happens before or immediately after penetration. This is often a consequence of performance anxiety. It can also be due to:

  • other psychological stressors

  • sexual inhibitions

  • nerve damage

  • spinal cord damage

  • certain medications

Impaired ejaculation occurs when you can’t ejaculate at all. Some men, particularly those who have diabetic neuropathy, experience retrograde ejaculation. During orgasm, ejaculation enters the bladder instead of exiting out of the penis. Although this doesn’t cause major medical issues, it can impair fertility. You should see your doctor about it if you have it.

FSFI SCORING APPENDIX
 

Please fill out the following form to help us understand your physical condition.

Over the past 4 weeks, how often did you feel sexual desire or interest?
Over the past 4 weeks, how would you rate your level (degree) of sexual desire or interest?
Over the past 4 weeks, how often did you feel sexually aroused ("turned on") during sexual activity or intercourse?
Over the past 4 weeks, how would you rate your level of sexual arousal ("turn on") during sexual activity or intercourse?
Over the past 4 weeks, how confident were you about becoming sexually aroused during sexual activity or intercourse?
Over the past 4 weeks, how often have you been satisfied with your arousal (excitement) during sexual activity or intercourse?
Over the past 4 weeks, how often did you become lubricated ("wet") during sexual activity or intercourse?
Over the past 4 weeks, how difficult was it to become lubricated ("wet") during sexual activity or intercourse?
Over the past 4 weeks, how often did you maintain your lubrication ("wetness") until completion of sexual activity or intercourse?
Over the past 4 weeks, how difficult was it to maintain your lubrication ("wetness") until completion of sexual activity or intercourse
Over the past 4 weeks, when you had sexual stimulation or intercourse, how often did you reach orgasm (climax)?
Over the past 4 weeks, when you had sexual stimulation or intercourse, how difficult was it for you to reach orgasm (climax)?
Over the past 4 weeks, how satisfied were you with your ability to reach orgasm (climax) during sexual activity or intercourse?
Over the past 4 weeks, how satisfied have you been with the amount of emotional closeness during sexual activity between you and your partner?
Over the past 4 weeks, how satisfied have you been with your sexual relationship with your partner?
Over the past 4 weeks, how satisfied have you been with your overall sexual life?
Over the past 4 weeks, how often did you experience discomfort or pain during vaginal penetration?
Over the past 4 weeks, how often did you experience discomfort or pain following vaginal penetration?
Over the past 4 weeks, how would you rate your level (degree) of discomfort or pain during or following vaginal penetration?

Thanks for submitting!

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