Sexual dysfunction is one of 3 major categories of sexual disorders (others two are sexual deviation and gender role disorder). A huge number of people are suffering from such sexual dysfunction. It has              tremendous negative effects on our conjugal, interpersonal and social life. From various studies it is shown that as low as 10% to as high as 70% of general populations are having sexual dysfunction. Though most of the sufferers try to hide this from others and even from their family physicians but in the long run it brings some unpleasant outcome in our life. So early identification of sexual dysfunction and proper management are necessary.   

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What does sexual dysfunction means?

In simple way, sexual dysfunction in men means persistent inability to achieve normal sexual intercourse. On the other hand, in female, it means persistence lack of sexual satisfaction. It is not a single problem; rather, a number of problems may coexist at the same time. Any of the problems may lead to ultimate sexual dysfunction. Try to find out if any of the following problems bothering your sex life.

How sexual dysfunction may present in our sex life?

One or both partners may have lower sexual desire, simply called it “low libido”. Despite of having strong desire, a couple may find it difficult get proper arousal or excitement especially if male partner has erectile impotence. A woman also faces difficulties in arousal for sexual act.

Orgasm is a state of physical and emotional excitement that occurs at the climax of sexual intercourse. If the problem is in orgasm which might be caused by premature or retarded ejaculation and/or orgasmic dysfunction in women, a happy sex life may be impossible.

There are some distinct problems in male and female. While Male may have low libido, erectile difficulties, premature or retarded ejaculation, on the other hand Female might have some physical illness which impedes to get proper sexual happiness.  Vaginismus or dyspareunia along with low libido or difficulties in arousal are causal factors in female.

The thing should be kept in mind that generally we only blame male partner for sexual dysfunction and all of points directed to ‘erectile problem’ only. But any of the above scenarios might contribute in sexual dysfunction.

What are the causes of sexual dysfunction?

If we try to find out the exact causes behind sexual dysfunction we will find that Only 25 -30% cases the problems organic (physical) in nature. Rest of the cases, it is mostly emotional or psychogenic in origin. Beside that there are some sexual myths prevailing in our society which are harboring some big misunderstanding regarding sex.

See the video in favor of psychogenic origin of sexual dysfunction:

What are the medical illnesses responsible for sexual dysfunction?

Actually any type of physical illness may have negative impact on sexual activities. Presences of any systemic illness have inverse relationship with attaining sexual satisfaction. Chronic disease such as Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus (27-55%), asthma, COPD, thyroid disorder, chronic renal failure, chronic liver disease (cirrhosis ), long standing arthritis , any debilitating neurological disorder (e.g. Parkinson disease, motor neuron disease, multiple sclerosis etc.), major depression, cancers  may leads to sexual dysfunction. Either these diseases themselves or medications used for treating these diseases have roles in the development of sexual dysfunction.

What are the drugs affecting sexual function?

As mentioned earlier, medications used for treating chronic disease can hamper normal sexual life. If you are taking any regular medicine and started having less sexual urges or activities, then the medicine or drug might be the culprit here. 

The list is very long. There is an interesting quotation of William Shakespeare regarding this.

 “Drink, sir, provokes the desire, but it takes away the performance”-William Shakespeare, Macbeth, Act 2, Scene 1.

Drinking alcohol (social,  recreational or abusive drinking) has a negative effect on sexual performances. Beside this, drugs for fits or seizure, depression, hypertension, cancer, hormone containing drugs (both for male or female), psychotropic drugs etc. may contribute in development of sexual dysfunction provided that the person is taking those for long time.

Myth regarding sex

Last but not the least; are you having mind set of following myth regarding sex?

• sex = intercourse
• A hard erection is essential for good sex
• A man should not show his feelings
• A real man is always horny and ready for sex
• As a person gets older there is no change in sexual interest, response or performance
• As a person gets older there is a loss of interest in sex
• Sexual performance is what really counts
• Men are responsible for their partner’s sexual pleasure
• Sex must lead to orgasm
• A man and his partner must reach orgasm simultaneously

How to cure sexual dysfunction?

As we can see that emotional or psychological issue is major cause so that proper and effective efforts are necessary for correcting this. Correct and sincere counseling from an expert, open and relaxing discussion between partners, dispelling myths and correcting misunderstandings are really crucial. Thorough drug history, medical examinations, necessary investigation to find out culprit drugs or organic illness is second steps in the management of sexual dysfunction. Avoiding offending drugs, stopping recreational drug use, treating medical illness and counseling (in case of chronic and non-treatable illness) are important as management part. Some regular and co-ordinated physical exercise as well as some drug (e.g. Viagra) might bring some positive results.