Sexual dysfunctions are defined by pain associated with sexual intercourse, or disturbances in the sexual response cycle, which prevent an individual, or couple, from obtaining sexual enjoyment. The sexual response cycle involves four progressive phases, starting with desire, then excitement, then orgasm, and finally resolution. A sexual dysfunction may occur at one or more phases, and may develop gradually or suddenly. Sexual dysfunctions may cause personal distress and affect personal relationships.

 

Symptoms of Sexual Dysfunctions

In men and women, sexual dysfunctions may involve a lack of desire, or a lack of excitement. In men, sexual dysfunctions may involve an absence of or delay in ejaculation, an inability to control the timing of ejaculation, or an inability to attain or maintain an erection. In women, sexual dysfunctions may involve an inability to reach orgasm, an inability to relax vaginal muscles enough for sexual intercourse, inadequate vaginal lubrication, or pain in the vagina or in the vulva during sexual intercourse.

 

Causes of Sexual Dysfunctions

The causes of sexual dysfunctions may be physical, psychological, or both, and may be specific to each of the sexual dysfunctions which include Sexual Arousal Disorders such as Female Sexual Arousal Disorder or Male Erectile Disorder, Sexual Desire Disorders such as Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder or Sexual Aversion Disorder, Sexual Pain Disorders such as Dyspareunia or Vaginismus, or Orgasmic Disorders such as Female Orgasmic Disorder, Male Orgasmic Disorder or Premature Ejaculation.

 

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