Sexual Issues Explained
Loss of sexual desire
Inhibited sexual desire (ISD) is a condition which results in low sexual desire. ISD can mean a lack of desire/motivation to engage in sexual activities. They don’t initiate or respond to a partner’s sexual advances. This condition is also known as hypoactive sexual desire disorder, sexual aversion, or sexual apathy and is one of the more common problems couples face today.
ISD can be a primary or a secondary condition. It’s a primary condition if the person with ISD has never had sexual desire. It’s a secondary condition if the person with ISD began a relationship with normal sexual desire, but later became disinterested. ISD can also be understood as a relationship issue
There’s no true normal range for sexual desire because it naturally fluctuates throughout life.
Anorgasmia
Anorgasmia (also known as an orgasmic disorder, orgasmic dysfunction or orgasmic inhibition) is the persistent inability to reach orgasm despite significant stimulation.
It is estimated that around 90 percent of anorgasmia problems are related to psychological issues such as performance anxiety or stress.
Premature ejaculation
Premature ejaculation is the most common ejaculation problem. It's where the male ejaculates too quickly during sexual intercourse. Occasional episodes of premature ejaculation are common and aren't a cause for concern. However, if you're finding that around half of your attempts at sex result in premature ejaculation, it might help to get treatment.
Painful Sex (Dyspareunia/Vulvodynia)
Painful intercourse can occur for a variety of reasons — ranging from structural problems to psychological concerns. Many women experience painful intercourse at some point in their lives.
The medical term for painful intercourse is defined as persistent or recurrent genital pain that occurs just before, during or after intercourse. Talk to your doctor if you're experiencing painful intercourse as it may be a symptom of an illness.
Emotional or psychological issues often may play a role in any type of sexual pain. Emotional factors include:
Anxiety, depression, stress, concerns about your physical appearance, fear of intimacy or relationship problems can contribute to a low level of arousal and a resulting discomfort or pain.
Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell whether psychological factors are associated with dyspareunia. Initial pain can lead to fear of recurring pain, making it difficult to relax, which can lead to more pain.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction refers to the inability to get or maintain an erection. Most men occasionally fail to get or keep an erection. This is usually due to stress, tiredness, anxiety or drinking too much alcohol, and it's nothing to worry about. If it happens more often, it may be caused by physical or emotional problems.
Delayed Ejaculation
Delayed ejaculation — sometimes called impaired ejaculation — is a condition in which it takes an extended period of sexual stimulation for a man to reach sexual climax and release semen from the penis (ejaculate). Some men with delayed ejaculation are unable to ejaculate at all.
Delayed ejaculation can be temporary or a lifelong problem. Possible causes of delayed ejaculation include certain chronic health conditions, surgeries and medications or emotional/psychological problems. Treatment for delayed ejaculation depends on the underlying cause.
There is no specific time that indicates a diagnosis of delayed ejaculation. Instead, a man is probably experiencing delayed ejaculation if the delay is causing him distress or frustration, or if he has to stop sexual activity due to fatigue, physical irritation, loss of erection or a request from his partner.
Vaginismus
Vaginismus is vaginal tightness causing discomfort, burning, pain, penetration problems, or complete inability to have penatrative sexual intercourse.
The vaginal tightness results from the involuntary tightening of the pelvic floor, especially the pubococcygeus (PC) muscle group, although the woman may not be aware that this is the cause of her penetration or pain difficulties.
Vaginismus can be triggered by physical events as simple as having inadequate foreplay or lubrication, or non-physical emotions as simple as general anxiety or a fear of penetration.
Difficulty with Arousal
The medical definition of female sexual arousal disorder is usually described as a lack of genital swelling and lubrication before and during sexual situations or being unable to maintain swelling and lubrication.
Difficulty experiencing the physical sensations of sexual arousal can be very distressing.
A variety of physical, emotional, and cultural issues can inhibit arousal, along with difficulties with your relationship.