When done on a basis of mutual harmony and choice, sex can be a highly satisfying and emotional activity that brings partners in closer connection to each other. Unfortunately this is not always the case.
Sexual Dysfunction
Being connected to human interaction, emotion, freedom of choice, and individual body function, an unfortunate possibility is sexual dysfunction. This manifests itself in particular ways in men and women. Generally, problems can be treated by therapy, as many cases of dysfunction relate to how people experience sex psychologically and emotionally. When the basis of problems are addressed by the therapist, dysfunction can also be resolved. In more serious cases, dysfunction can also be resolved by medication.
Examples of sexual dysfunction (Ballas, 2006) that might be experienced by both men and women include 1) a loss of libido, 2) inability to feel aroused, 3) painful intercourse. The third is much more common in women than men. Men might experience sexual dysfunction symptoms such as 1) the inability to attain erection, 2) inability to maintain erection, 3) inability to control ejaculation. Examples of sexual dysfunction in women might include 1) an inability to relax vaginal muscles for intercourse, 2) vaginal dryness during intercourse, 3) inability to reach orgasm, 4) burning sensation in the vaginal area.
The causes of sexual dysfunction vary. According to Paul Ballas (2006), sexual dysfunction might be caused by emotional, psychological, or medical factors. In the case of medical factors, treatment occurs via either medication, such as Viagra for men experiencing difficulty with arousal. Viagra increases the blood flow to the penis, and may therefore facilitate erection and...
In extreme cases, surgery might be required. If dysfunction occurs as a result of physical illness or disability, physical therapy or mechanical aids can be helpful.
Women with vaginal dryness can use lubricating gels, hormone creams, or hormone replacement therapy if the woman is close to or in menopause. In a few cases, women may experience an androgen deficiency. This can be mitigated by prescribing testosterone therapy.
In the case of emotional or psychological factors, therapy is generally used. If possible both partners are involved in therapy that focuses on eliminating emotional difficulties between partners. Behavioral treatments can also include self-stimulation, among other therapies. The most important aspect of any sexual therapy, whether emotional, psychological, or medical, is an open, honest relationship between partners, and between patients and their therapists.
Sources
Ballas, Paul (2006, 25 July). Sexual Problems Overview. a.D.A.M. Inc., Medline Plus Medical Dictionary. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001951.htm
BBC News. (2003, 8 Feb). Female Sexual Dysfunction. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/medical_notes/486081.stm
Medicine.Net. (2006, 1 Feb). Sexual Problems in Men: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment. http://www.medicinenet.com/sexual_sex_problems_in_men/article.htm
Nevid, J.S., & Rathus, S.A. (2005). Psychology and the challenges of life: Adjustment in the new millennium (9th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
Phillips, Nancy a. (2000, 1 July). Female Sexual Dysfunction: Evaluation and Treatment. American Family Physician. http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000701/127.html
