We have often mentioned on this blog that sexual topics are seen as taboo in our culture. This stigma causes feelings of shame and awkwardness in areas of sexual discussion and health. Due to these unnecessary feelings, issues of sexual health are often ignored and never addressed to health providers. So, let us remove a little of the mystery and stigma...

Sexual dysfunction is defined as problems with sex occuring in any phase of the sexual response cycle that disrupts satisfaction in the sexual act. This cycle includes excitement, plateau, orgasm and resolution. Since there are many phases of sex that can be an issue with sexual dysfunction, there are four major catergories of problems to discuss. The single types of dysfunction fall into these four categories.

• Desire disorders
• Arousal disorders
• Orgasm disorders
• Pain disorders

Desire disorders can include issues of lack of interest in sex or desire for sexual activity. Arousal disorders involve the difficulty to become or remain sexually aroused. Orgasm disorders make the sufferer unable to reach orgasm without a pronounced delay, or to reach orgasm at all. Pain disorders, as the name suggests, involve pain during sex, especially with penetration. In men, the most common symptoms of sexual dysfunction are erectile dysfunction, the inability to keep or maintain an erection. Men also suffer from delay or inability to ejaculate or inability to control when they ejaculate. Women usually suffer from vaginal dryness, inability to allow penetration without pain, and inability to orgasm. Both men and women can suffer from lack of arousal or desire, and pain with intercourse.

Sexual dysfunction is far more common than most people think. 43 percent of women and 31 percent of men have reported some level of sexual dysfunction. These numbers are based on the fact that the number one type of sexual dysfunction people think of, is erectile dysfunction. They may not think that lack of arousal or other issues fall under this category and may never report that they actually do have a dysfunction. This writer’s opinion is that the numbers are actually much higher than reported. In reality, women suffer in greater numbers with issues of sexual health and dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction can affect people of any age, but research has shown the likelihood of being affected increases over the age of forty. It can also increase due to other health issues. This is a major reason it is vital to discuss your full health and wellness situation, including your sexual health issues, with your health care provider or providers. Always strive to be your own advocate in areas of health and sex. Taking a proactive approach to health is always the best path forward.

Many out there suffer in silence with the mental and physical pain of sexual dysfunction. Knowing you are not alone in your sexual health issues can help give people the courage to be

open and honest with health care providers and seek out relief and treatment for these issues. Being educated about sexual health issues, especially how widespread such issues are, can help remove this stigma that causes so much suffering. So keep the shame out of your game!

Cleveland Clinic

CDC

Mayo Clinic