Sexual dysfunction can be caused by either physical or
psychological problems, but it can also be brought about by both. Psychological
and emotional factors can affect one’s sexual function. It can be affected
psychologically by depression, sexual fears, guilty feelings, and most
especially trauma. Emotional strains in the relationship like marital problems
and lack of communication can also affect the couples’ sex life. Physical
factors affecting sexual function are drugs, alcohol, medications, and nicotine.
These decrease one’s sexual drive. Although medications are therapeutic, it can
still have a side effect when it comes to sexual function.
Experts have classified sexual dysfunction into four
categories; namely:
• Sexual desire disorders wherein the problem lies in
decreased libido. Low estrogen counts in women and low testosterone count in men
can decrease libido. Natural factors for decreased libido are aging, pregnancy
and fatigue. Medications for psychiatric conditions can also decrease one’s
libido.
• Sexual arousal disorders is the second category but is more
damaging to one’s reputation as the older terms for this were frigidity in women
and impotence in men now known as erectile dysfunction. This category indicates
dislike of or evasion of sexual contact. This condition is caused by medical
problems such as diminished blood flow or decreased vaginal lubrication.
• Orgasm disorders can be seen in both men and women. There
is a constant delay or lack of orgasm after a normal sexual stimulation period.
Drugs such as SSRI antidepressants are the known causes for this disorder.
• Sexual pain disorder is seen mostly in women, and its
medical name is dyspareunia (pain with intercourse) and vaginismus (involuntary
muscle spasms of the vaginal walls that impede normal intercourse). This can be
caused by decreased or insufficient amount of lubrication and is characterized
by vaginal dryness. Decreased lubrication can be caused by unsatisfactory
stimulation and excitement and can also be caused by hormonal changes such as
menopause, pregnancy or breast feeding. The etiology of vaginismus, on the other
hand, is unclear, but sexual trauma like rape and abuse is thought to be the
primary culprit. Sexual pain disorder can also be caused by vulvodynia or vulvar
vestibulitis, which is a burning pain during sexual intercourse. Etiology is
also unknown.
Sexual dysfunction manifests itself in an individual’s early
adult years, but due to lack of knowledge or embarrassment, they seek medical
attention in their late 20s to 30s. Sexual dysfunction is more prevalent in
people who are abusing drugs and alcohol.
