Sexual Dysfunction Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Sexual Dysfunction

Medical specialist	Urologist, obstetrician, endocrinologist, neurologist, andrologist, psychiatrist, psychologist, sexual therapist (according to cause)
Symptoms	Lack of interest or desire to have sex, inability to become aroused, pain during intercourse
risk factor	Diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, psychiatric/psychological disorders, other chronic diseases
diagnosis	Medical interview, physical examination, supporting examination
Treatment	Therapy, drugs
Drug	Sildenafil, Tadalafil, vardenafil, testosterone therapy
Complications	Shy, insecure, anxious, and having problems with a partner
When to see a doctor?	The problem of sexual dysfunction has disturbed the relationship between husband and wife

Understanding

Sexual dysfunction is a condition where one’s sexual satisfaction is not achieved, which can be caused by physical or psychological factors.

This condition can generally be experienced by all ages, but the risk increases with age.

As a result, many men and women with the problem are reluctant to seek professional help.

In fact, with proper therapy and treatment, this problem can be overcome properly.

The following is a complete explanation of what sexual dysfunction is.

Symptoms

Meanwhile, symptoms of sexual dysfunction in men are:

• Absent or delayed ejaculation, even when sufficient sexual stimulation is given
• The inability of a man to achieve and or maintain an erection
• Experience premature ejaculation, aka the inability to control the time of ejaculation

Meanwhile, symptoms of sexual dysfunction in women include:

• Unable to achieve orgasm
• Lack of vaginal lubrication before and also during sexual intercourse
• Not being able to relax the vaginal muscles during intercourse

In addition, there are also symptoms of sexual dysfunction experienced by both men and women, namely:

• Lack of interest or desire to have sex
• Inability to become aroused
• Pain during intercourse

Reason

Causes of sexual dysfunction include:

1. Physical Problems

Many physical and/or medical conditions can cause sexual dysfunction problems.

For example, diabetes mellitus, heart and blood vessel disease, hormonal imbalance, neurological disorders,  kidney failure, liver failure, alcoholism, and drug abuse.

2. Drug Side Effects 

Sexual dysfunction can also be a side effect of some medications, such as antidepressants, antihypertensives, and diuretics, as well as alpha and beta-adrenergic blockers.

3. Psychological

Anxiety and stress, for example, related to work, marital problems, depression, guilt, excessive worry about the body, and past sexual trauma, can be a cause of sexual dysfunction.

Risk Factors

Some of the factors below can increase your risk of developing sexual dysfunction.

• Diabetes mellitus
• Cardiovascular disease
• Psychiatric/psychological disorders
• Other chronic diseases

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of sexual dysfunction is established based on:

• History or medical interview. For example, the doctor will ask about the patient’s sexual activity and medical history, as well as whether you are suffering from any particular stress or anxiety
• Physical examination. The doctor can also check for physical changes that can affect sexual activity. The doctor can also examine the patient’s genitals
• Investigations to eliminate all possible causes of erectile dysfunction. For example, tests for hormonal levels, blood sugar, and cholesterol

Treatment

Sexual dysfunction can be treated through the collaboration of several specialist doctors, according to the underlying cause.

These include urologists, obstetricians, endocrinologists, neurologists, andrologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and also sexual therapists.

Some sexual dysfunction drugs that doctors may recommend include:

1. Sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil 

The line of drugs above can help improve sexual function by increasing blood flow to the penis area.

2. Treat testosterone

Low testosterone levels can be improved through hormone replacement therapy which includes gels, injections or patches.

Prevention

To prevent sexual dysfunction, you must minimize various risk factors and causes by:

• Live a healthy lifestyle, consume nutritious food, exercise diligently, avoid smoking and alcohol
• Avoid stress
• Communicate with your partner about what you like or want, and what you don’t like

Complications

Psychologically, complications of sexual dysfunction can make sufferers feel ashamed, insecure, anxious, and have problems with their partners.

Of course, this can affect a person’s quality of life.