Sexual Dysfunction

Sexual dysfunctions can be caused by a psychological problem, a medical problem, or a combination of both. Side effects of some medications are also known to cause a decrease in libido. Ironically, Lexapro, a medication used to treat depression and anxiety is known to have this effect on some patients. Emotional and physical upheaval during mid-life could present problems, as well as other problems which may result from substance abuse, a neurological disorder, or cultural or religious differences within a relationship.

Desire and arousal disorders can be present if a person has been sexually assaulted. I would assume that the pain disorders may also occur in these cases, even when the pain is imagined, and not physically present due to a medical disorder. Being overweight and unfit can be the cause of sexual dysfunction, so can problems with circulation, the nervous system or the presence of cardiac illness: "disorders that impair genital blood flow, reducing lubrication and sexual excitement, rendering intercourse painful, and reducing their ability to reach orgasm. As with men, these problems become more likely as women age"(Rathus, Nevid & Fichner-Rathus, 2005, p.504).

Taking time to enjoy one another without the pressing demand for sex can help alleviate stress due to a sexual dysfunction. The expectation that a pleasant evening must end in sexual intercourse can often bring forth feelings of anxiety. The anticipation of yet another failed attempt would be enough to sour the mood before it even began, and can also compound the sufferer's negative perceptions about how future events will play out.

Planning an intimate dinner, a bubble bath and massage or a glass of wine and pleasant conversation can help lower the pressures associated with performance anxiety, and the better method would likely be to allow spontaneity to rule the event.

Our senses play an important role in sexual experiences; gentle touch and the presence of a perfume could be enough to bring a satisfying result. For example; an evening where sexual contact was positive might also be a positive experience in the future if the woman happened to be wearing a particular perfume. The association between the fragrance and the pleasant experience could act as the trigger for future successful relations.

Maintaining good communication skills is also important; there would be less anxiety for the partner with the dysfunction if he or she felt comfortable being able to discuss their problems with their partner without fear of being rejected or humiliated.

Sexual desire disorders may need to be addressed as a specific phobia, and a series of desensitization exercises may help with that aversion. With education from a therapist, a couple could learn to repeatedly approach the act of sex itself to subdue the phobic element, rather than allowing it to be in control.

If someone is experiencing a problem with sex, identifying and learning about the disorder can only be beneficial. It is often helpful just to understand that many others are experiencing the same issues and that there is a real name for the problem. The term dysfunction is an unfortunate one; knowing you can label something often changes one's perception about a problem, but the word dysfunction only relates to the negative in most peoples' minds.

Reference

Rathus, S.A., Nevid, J.S., and Fichner-Rathus, L. (2005). Human sexuality in a world of diversity. (6th ed.) Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.