How to Diagnose Sexual Dysfunction Disorder

Sexual dysfunction includes any problems that prevent a person or couple from achieving sexual satisfaction. Sexual dysfunction can occur at any point of the of the sexual response cycle, including arousal and desire, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. While many are shy to talk about sexual dysfunction, it’s surprisingly more common than you may think. About 31% of men experience sexual dysfunction, and 43% of women experience it.

] Talk to a medical doctor if you are concerned you have a sexual dysfunction disorder in order to obtain a diagnosis and treatment.

Look into the categories of sexual disorder. While most everyone experiences nights of not being “in the mood”, disorders occur when problems occur regularly and impact the experience of sex. Think about when the problems occur and how they influence the experience of sex. The following are 4 different types of disorders:

• Desire disorder: This occurs when you have little or no interest in sex for an ongoing amount of time. For women, things  like contraceptives can greatly lower or eliminate desire.

• Arousal disorder: Arousal disorder occurs when you want to have sex, yet your body does not respond.

• Orgasm disorder: Your body and emotions may be engaged in sexual activity, yet you are unable to climax, which can leave you feeling frustrated.

• Pain disorder: Pain disorder occurs when any part of sexual activity is painful, particularly intercourse.

Identify difficulties with orgasm. A lack of orgasm is called anorgasmia. Your provider may ask you questions about psychological and emotional factors that may cause anorgasmia, such as sexual inhibition, lack of experience, feelings of guilt or anxiety, or a history of sexual trauma or abuse. Some medications or chronic diseases can cause problems with arousal and orgasm.

• Sometimes anorgasmia can be helped with sufficient stimulation.

Identify the medical causes of sexual dysfunction. Stress if often a major culprit for sexual dysfunction. However, medical and psychological factors may affect sexual satisfaction. Diagnoses such as diabetes, heart disease, neurological disorders, and hormone imbalances can also cause sexual dysfunction. Medication side-effects, drugs, and alcohol can also influence sex.

• If you’re above the age of 65, the likelihood of experiencing lower sexual response is increased.

Discuss psychological causes. There are some sexual problems that can result from psychological causes. These can include having poor body image, mood disorders, relationship problems, or past sexual trauma.

• Psychological causes can result in a lowered libido, decreased desire or arousal, failure to achieve orgasm, or a lack of sensitivity in the genitals.