Sexual dysfunctions
Disorders in which people cannot respond normally in key areas of sexual functioning
Sexual response cycle
Appetitive/desire
Urge to engage in any type of sexual activity
Excitement
Experience of arousal accompanied by an increase in blood flow to the genetials and the breasts
Orgasm
Discharge of muscular tension in both sexes resulting in ejaculation and contractions of the outer third of the vaginal
walls in females
Resolution
Man loses erection and enters a refractory period
Types of dysfunctions
Lifelong: dysfunction has always been present
Acquired: normal sexual functioning preceded the dysfunction
Generalized: dysfunction is present during all sexual situations
Situational: dysfunction is tied to specific situations
Sexual desire disorders
Appetitive/desire phase
-consists of urge to have sex, fantasies, and attraction
Two dysfunctions affect this phase:
Hypoactive sexual desire disorder
Lack of interest in sex
Physical responses may be normal
Sexual aversion disorder
Reflects extreme avoidance of sexual contact with another person
May react with fear, disgust, to a particular aspect of sex of to sexual activity in general
Sexual arousal disorder
Marked by changes in the pelvic region, general physical arousal, and increases in HR, muscle tension, blood pressure, rate of breathing
Two dysfunctions affect this phase:
Female sexual arousal disorder (frigidity)
Persistent inability to maintain proper lubrication of genital swelling
Many with this disorder experience desire or orgasmic disorders
~20% of women
Male erectile dysfunction (impotence)
Persistent inability to attain or maintain an adequate erection during sex
~10% of males
Disorders of orgasm
Sexual pleasure peaks and sexual tension is released as the muscles in the pelvic region contract rhythmically
Three disorders of this phase:
Rapid or premature ejaculation
Persistent reaching of orgasm and ejaculation with little sexual stimulation
Male orgasmic disorder
Repeated inability to reach orgasm or by very delayed orgasm
Low testosterone, head or spinal injury
Female orgasmic disorder
Persistent delay in or absence of orgasm following sexual excitement and stimulation
Between 16-46% of women appear to have this problem
Causes of sexual dysfunction
Biological
Hormones
Medical conditions
Prescription and OTC drugs
Psychological Predisposing factors: Trauma Excessive alcohol use Sociocultural factors
