Sexual disorders.
A sexual disorder is defined as the continuous, occasional, total or partial a person's
lack of interest
or inability to participate in one or more stages of a sexual act. Such a problem prevents the person to enjoy sexual activity and, in most of the cases, to reach climax. Statistics show that nearly 50% and 62% of male and female population respectively experience either a temporary or permanent sexual problem at some stage of their life. A sexual disorder may develop gradually overtime or may start suddenly.
Sexual difficulties can occur in any phase of a person's life. When they are encountered in the second or the third decade of age, they are commonly associated with emotional or psychological causative factors. Sexual boredom, marital problems, lack of emotional communication within the couple, depression, sexual fear or guilt of cultural or religious origin, stressful life, performance anxiety, reduced self-confidence, excessive sexual expectations, career difficulties or ambitions and past sexual abuse are the most typical examples of causes, resulting in sexual disorders.
Sexual dysfunctions are also common within the ageing population and they are typically related to medical conditions. These may include diabetes, tumors, menopause, peripheral vascular problems, tertiary syphilis, peripheral neuropathy, urge urinary incontinence, prostate problems, fatigue, cardiovascular disease, cirrhosis, insomnia, skin problems in the genital area, testosterone or estrogens deficiencies and other endocrine disorders such as thyroid, pituitary or adrenal gland problems.
Damage of the relevant arteries and nerves due to surgical operations and accidental spinal cord or pelvis injuries can result in severe sexual disorders.
Pharmaceutical factors, contributing to the establishment of sexual disorders include alcohol, nicotine, contraceptives, opiates, stimulants, antihypertensives, antihistamines and some psychotherapeutic agents, such as tricyclic antidepressants, anti-psychotics, serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tranquillizers.
In many cases, the etiology of a sexual disorder can be a complex of physical and psychological factors.
Sexual dysfunctions are generally classified into four broad groups; desire, arousal, orgasm and sexual pain disorders. The most common sexual disorders, affecting both genders are presented more extensively in other pages on this site. You can visit them by using one of the links below. |
