Dr. Mahveer Singh

Sexual Disorders

What is sexual dysfunction?

Sexual dysfunction can occur at any stage of the sexual response cycle, hindering the ability to derive satisfaction from sexual activities.

The traditional sexual response cycle comprises excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. Both desire and arousal are integral to the excitement phase, and it's worth noting that women may not always follow these phases sequentially.

Despite being a common issue according to research, sexual dysfunction remains a topic that many find uncomfortable discussing. However, given the availability of treatment options, it's important to communicate your concerns with your partner and healthcare provider.

What are the types of sexual dysfunction?

Sexual dysfunction is typically categorized into four main types:

Desire disorders: Characterized by a lack of sexual desire or interest in engaging in sexual activities.
Arousal disorders: Marked by an inability to become physically aroused or excited during sexual activity.
Orgasm disorders: Involve difficulties such as delayed or absent orgasms (climax) during sexual encounters.
Pain disorders: Include experiencing pain during intercourse.

Who is affected by sexual dysfunction?

Sexual dysfunction can impact individuals of any age, but it tends to be more prevalent in people aged 40 and above due to its correlation with age-related declines in health.

What are the symptoms of sexual dysfunction?

Assigned male at birth, individuals may experience:

Erectile dysfunction: Difficulty achieving or maintaining a firm erection suitable for intercourse.
Retarded ejaculation: Absent or delayed ejaculation despite sufficient sexual stimulation.
Premature ejaculation: Inability to control the timing of ejaculation, often occurring early during sexual activity.

For individuals assigned female at birth, they may experience:

Difficulty achieving orgasm.
Insufficient vaginal lubrication before and during intercourse.
Inability to relax the vaginal muscles adequately to engage in intercourse.

For everyone, sexual dysfunction may include:

Decreased interest in or lack of desire for sexual activity.
Difficulty becoming sexually aroused.
Pain during intercourse.

What causes sexual dysfunction?

Physical causes: Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, neurological disorders, hormonal imbalances, chronic illnesses such as kidney or liver failure, and alcohol or substance use disorders can affect sexual function. Additionally, certain medications, like some antidepressants, can have side effects that impact sexual function.

Psychological causes:These encompass factors such as work-related stress, anxiety, performance concerns, relationship issues, depression, feelings of guilt, body image concerns, and the effects of past sexual trauma.