Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction affects both women and men causing difficulty experiencing arousal and desire, initiating sexual intimacy, not able to experience pleasure, and feeling disappointed in the quality of your sexual intimacy. A wide variety of factors lead to the causes of sexual dysfunction. The sexual response cycle becomes negatively impacted, interfering with healthy pleasure and sexual intimacy. The sexual response cycle includes sexual desire and arousal, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.
Sexual Dysfunction Issues
- Vaginismus
- Medical Conditions
- Genital Arousal Disorder
- Premature Ejaculation
- Orgasmic Disorder
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
- Mismatched Sexual Desire
- Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
Sexual Dysfunction Causes
- Mental Health Issues
- Complex Trauma & PTSD
- Childhood Sexual Abuse
- Sexual Assault
- Alcohol and Substance Use
- Medical Conditions & Medications
- Anxiety, Fears, and Stress
- Menopause and Hormones
- Pregnancy, Delivery, Breastfeeding
- Relationship Problems
Psychiatric Medication
Sex therapy provides clients with information regarding sexual dysfunction and how their diagnosis and conditions influence their sexual concerns. The sex therapist and client collaborate with the client in establishing an individualized treatment plan and goals. Anxiety and performance issues in men can lead to erectile issues and premature ejaculation due to being distracted from connecting to their bodies and staying in their minds about failing to perform. Mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation can help you become aware and tune into their physical bodies and pleasurable sensations.
How Can Therapy Help?
Psychotherapy utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Sensate Focus exercises provides support in restoring sexual intimacy. Anxiety and inaccurate intrusive thoughts around painful intercourse cause tension in muscles, causing awkward, guilty, and uncomfortable feelings. Individual and couple therapy can help in examining negative core beliefs about oneself and their partner.
Psychotherapy helps clients address anxiety, worry, guilt, past sexual trauma, and body image issues. Begin your journey to healing to overcome blocks to having healthy sexuality. Let us collaborate and establish meaningful and satisfying sexual intimacy between you and your partner.
References
American Family Physician (2020).Female Sexual Dysfunction: Evaluation and Treatment.
Planned Parenthood (2020). Sex, Pleasure and Sexual Dysfunction.
Merck Manual (2020). Overview of Sexual Dysfunction in Men and Overview of Sexual Dysfunction in Women.