Sexual malfunction symptoms include difficulty with the normal stages of sexual activity, including physical pleasure, desire, arousal and orgasm. People who experience these problems need to be evaluated by a healthcare professional. The symptoms may be related to a medical, gynecologic or psychological condition.
A person can be diagnosed with a sexual dysfunction if they have problems that cause distress in their relationships or interfere with their ability to enjoy sex. These symptoms must also occur for a period of time to be considered a disorder.
Some sexual malfunction symptoms are common and can be easily treated. Other symptoms are more serious, and they may require more extensive evaluation.
In order to diagnose sexual dysfunction, a healthcare professional will look at your sexual history and ask you questions about your sexual activity. They will also ask about any other mental health or medical problems that might be causing the problem.
Identifying sexual dysfunction is important because it helps doctors and other healthcare professionals determine the best treatment for you. Your healthcare provider will ask you about your sex history and any medications or supplements you are taking, as well as your age, lifestyle, stress levels, sexual abuse, relationship problems, depression and other factors that might be contributing to the problem.
Your health care provider will do a physical exam, including looking at your sexual organs and asking you to perform some exercises. They may also take blood samples, do a urine sample and run a physical test to check your heart and lungs.
Some sexual dysfunctions are caused by medical conditions, such as diabetes or a heart or vascular disease, or they can be a side effect of drugs or medicines you might be taking. Some of these disorders are treatable and can be managed with medication or dietary changes.
Other sexual dysfunctions are a result of a mental health issue, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These disorders can be more severe than other types and should be addressed by a healthcare professional.
One of the most common sexual dysfunctions is erectile dysfunction, or impotence. This can occur because of damage to anatomical structures, such as the penis or kidneys, as well as hormonal imbalances or emotional issues, such as low self-esteem.
Another sexual disorder is genito-pelvic pain or pain during intercourse, known as dyspareunia. This can occur because of vaginismus, an involuntary spasm of the muscles around the genital area that prevents a woman from having the normal lubrication during intercourse.
Some women have pain in their genitals as a result of a medical condition, such as Peyronie’s disease, which involves the narrowing or stretching of a menstrual artery or vein. This can be painful, but it is treatable with medicine or surgery.
Premature ejaculation is the release of semen earlier than you expect or want during sex. About 1 in 3 males from ages 18 to 59 have this problem.
Some sex problems can be a sign of an underlying health or medical condition, such as prostate cancer or back injuries that affect the pelvic area. Other symptoms of a sexual problem can be the side effects of prescription or over-the-counter drugs, like antidepressants or some psychotherapeutic medicines. Other sexual problems are often the result of psychological issues, such as work-related stress or relationship difficulties, or they can be a result of an underlying mental health disorder, such as anxiety or depression.
