Sex is an important part of your health and quality of life, but it is estimated that 70 percent of couples experience sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction is when you have trouble having or enjoying sex and it bothers you. It is a common issue that affects men and women of all ages. Many people suffer from sexual dysfunction. Dealing with it can be tough physically and emotionally. There are many options available to treat sexual dysfunction.

Types of Sexual Dysfunction

There are many different types of sexual dysfunctions. One common issue is hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). HSDD is when you have no sex drive or a low sex drive, and it bothers you. It can be a lifelong concern or happen over time. It can be a problem all the time or be situational. People who have HSDD have few thoughts about sex, don’t respond to their partner’s sexual suggestions, lose the desire for sex while having it, or avoid sex.

Another common type of sexual dysfunction is Erectile Dysfunction (ED). ED occurs when you have trouble getting or maintaining an erection. Most people who have ED are 65 or older, but ED can happen at any age. Not all older people have ED.

There are a few more common sexual issues. Orgasm disorder is another type of sexual dysfunction. It happens when you don’t have orgasms, it takes a long time for you to orgasm, you have orgasms less frequently than you’d like, or your orgasms aren’t as strong as you’d like. Vulvodynia is when you experience vulvar pain that is not a result of an infection or other medical problem that lasts for three months or longer. Genital arousal disorder is when you have trouble getting or staying turned on. Premature ejaculation is when you ejaculate before you want to.

Causes of Sexual Dysfunction

There are a lot of things that can lead to sexual dysfunction. Often, there’s more than one cause. Causes include:

  • Stress
  • Fear and anxiety about sex
  • Problems in your relationship
  • Sexual assault or trauma in your past
  • Substance consumption like alcohol, tobacco, or drug use
  • Mental health issues
  • Hormone levels
  • Physical health issues like
    • cancer
    • diabetes
    • heart problems
    • multiple sclerosis
    • bladder problems
  • Certain medications and treatments
  • Recent pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding
  • Menopause

Treatments for Sexual Dysfunction

Historically, more attention has been paid to treatment for sexual dysfunction experienced by men. Women’s health issues are gaining more awareness. The majority of research focused on exploring men’s sexual health issues. Scientists developed many drugs and created devices to improve men’s sexual experiences. Research on women’s sexual health issues and the development of solutions may catch up. Women are becoming more proactive about their sexual health.

There are treatments for many types of sexual dysfunction. The treatment depends on the underlying cause of the issue. Talking with a care provider at Comprehensive Urologic Care can help you understand your sexual dysfunction and treatment options.

More info: Read more about Erectile Dysfunction at Comprehensive Urologic Care