Understanding Sexual Disorders And Dysfunctions - An Insight

Sexual dysfunctions are sexual disorders which are related to a particular phase of the sexual response cycle (excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution). In this, an individual is not able to fully enjoy sexual intercourse. Sexual dysfunctions are more common in the early adult years, or they may develop after an individual has previously experienced enjoyable and satisfying sex. Many drugs and numerous physical and psychologic disorders affect sexual function.

1. Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (decreased libido):

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder is when an individual is having decreased sexual drive or reduced desire for sexual activity and reduced sexual fantasy. This disorder can be present in teenagers and can persist throughout a person's life. The disorder may be lifelong or acquired, generalized (global) or situational (partner-specific). Nearly 20 percent of female and 10 percent of men are affected by this disorder.

2. Male erectile disorder (Impotence):

If a man is not able to maintain an erection required for sexual intercourse at least twenty five percent of the time than he may be suffering from male erectile disorder. Nearly as many as 150 million men worldwide suffer from erectile disorder. Up to eighty percent of the cases are due to physical causes and the good news is ninety five percent of cases are treatable.

Generally men in their older age suffer more from ED but it can happen at any age. Talking to your health care provider is the best thing a man can do.

3. Female sexual arousal disorder:

When a female is not able to attain or maintain arousal and lubrication/swelling response during intercourse She is not able to reach orgasm, or has no desire for sexual intercourse. Approximately 25 percent of American women, or an estimated 47 million women are affected by the disorder.

4. Sexual aversion disorder:

A disorder characterized by fear/or dislike and avoidance of sexual activity. Some researcher's says that relationship issues or sexual trauma in childhood may play a role in the development of this disorder.

5. Male orgasmic disorder:

The condition in which a male is unable to get an orgasm even with enough sexual stimulation, which may make him feel embarrassed and inadequate. The condition could be caused by disease such as multiple sclerosis, hyperthyroidism, stroke, or Cushing's syndrome, medications (such as blood pressure or antidepressents). Most commonly though male orgasmic disorder is caused by psychological reasons such as stress, exhaustion, fear, or so many others.

6. Female orgasmic disorder:

The disorder may arise due to a traumatic experience, but can also be acquired through problems within relationships. Woman feel persistent delay or absence of orgasm after a period of normal sexual excitement. The condition causes the woman significant distress or interpersonal difficulties.

7. Dyspareunia (painful intercourse):

Dyspareunia is a painful or difficult sexual intercourse for female in the genital area or deep inside the pelvis. The pain may be sharp, burning or cramping and can have many causes so it is most important to talk to your doctor if you have this problem because there are effective treatments for many of the causes. It can affect men but is more common in women.

8. Vaginismus

Vaginismus occurs when the vagina is not able to relax or is too tight, leading to discomfort, burning sensation, penetration problems, entry pain or complete inability to have intercourse. It may be caused by insufficient lubrication (vaginal dryness) in women. It may be either lifelong or recent, generalised to all sexual encounters or specific to certain partners or situations.

9. Premature ejaculation:

It is one of the most common sexual difficulties seen in males. Ejaculation occurring with only minimal stimulation, before they are ready is commonly known as premature ejaculation. It can create tension between a man and his partner. The health care provider must take into account the patient's age, previous sexual experience and extent of sexual stimulation.

10. Paraphilias:

Paraphilias is a medical term used to describe and diagnose a particular kind of sexual disorder. Paraphilias include fantasies, behaviors, or sexual urges focusing on unusual objects, activities, or situations.

Some of the common paraphilias are:

* Exhibitionism (sexually exposing oneself to others for example exposure of genitals to women)
* Fetishism (experiencing sexual urges and behavior which are associated with non-living objects such as female undergarments, shoes)
* Frotteurism (rubbing against strangers)
* Pedophilia ( usually in men, who tend to focus their sexual fantasies and behavior towards children)
* Sexual Masochism (inflicting pain or humiliation on self)
* Sexual Sadism (inflicting pain or humiliation on others)
* Transvestitism (cross-dressing for erotic pleasure)
* Voyeurism (fantasies, urges or peeping on others undressing, or having sex)

11. Gender Identity Disorder:

In Gender Identity Disorder (GID), a man or a woman feels a strong and persistent identification of the self with another gender. The terms "Gender Dysphoric" and "Transsexual" are also often used to describe persons with this disorder. They believe that they are, or should be, the opposite sex and would prefer cross-dressing. Such individual desire to participate in stereotyped games and pastimes of opposite sex. The cause of gender identity disorder is not known.