Sexual Disorders Guide

Sexual disorders encompass a number of different types of conditions which all are related to a particular phase of the sexual response cycle. The most common types of sexual disorders can be categorized into the following categories: sexual dysfunctions, sexual desire disorders, sexual arousal disorders, orgasm disorders and sexual pain disorders. Depending on the type of sexual disorder and the severity of the disorder there are various types of treatment that may be provided.

People who suffer from sexual disorders may experience pain with intercourse, they may not be able to perform sexually or they may have apprehensions related to sexual encounters. Each type of sexual disorder is also considered a sexual dysfunction. There are many different types of sexual dysfunctions or sexual disorders and some are only a problem for men, others only for women and some can become a problem for both men and women.

Types of Sexual Disorders

There are 8 common types of sexual disorders that all have very distinct symptoms and can be treated in various ways. The most common sexual disorders include hypoactive sexual desire disorder, sexual aversion disorder, female sexual arousal disorder, male erectile disorder, female orgasmic disorder, male orgasmic disorder, premature ejaculation and dyspareunia.

Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: People who suffer from hypoactive sexual desire disorder may lack the fantasies and desire for sexual activity. Although many people may go through a phase or period in their lives in which they lack desire for sexual activity when such absence of desire results in a problem for the individual it becomes a sexual disorder. People who have hypoactive sexual desire disorder will not initiate sexual activity and may not respond or may be hesitant to respond to partner sexual advances.

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder causes problems with relationships and can result in the partner straying or having thoughts of straying in order to be satisfied. This type of sexual disorder is most common following times of stress or stressful situations. Hypoactive sexual desire disorder can be present in adolescents but is more common during adulthood.

Female Sexual Arousal Disorder: This type of sexual disorder only affects females and causes women to have a difficulty completing sexual activity without the addition of lubricant. Such sexual disorders like this must still cause problems for the individual and their interpersonal relationship in order for the problem to be considered a sexual disorder. Women who suffer from female sexual arousal disorder may have absolutely no sense of sexual arousal at all.

Sexual Aversion Disorder: This type of sexual disorder causes an individual to avert sexual contact persistently. Although this type of situation may occur without causing problems for the relationship in which case it is not then considered a sexual disorder but when problems begin to arise as a result of the sexual aversions then it becomes a sexual disorder.

People who have this type of sexual disorder may avoid touching or kissing their partner and they feel anxiety and fear when they are subjected to sexual activity. Sexual aversion disorder may even cause the individual to feel disgusted about the thought of taking part in any type of sexual activity and they may even have such extreme anxiety that panic attacks occur.

Male Erectile Disorder: Men who cannot maintain an erection during sexual activity may suffer from an erectile disorder. This type of sexual disorder must cause difficulty in the relationship in order for the condition to be considered an actual sexual disorder. Erectile disorders may cause men to feel fear or anxiety as a result of being unable to complete a sexual activity.

Some men will experience male erectile disorder throughout their life while others may only suffer from this disorder as a result of increased age. Some men with this type of sexual disorder are unable to attain an erection at all while others may lose it during sexual activity. For some, this type of sexual disorder is greatly based on the thought processes that accompany the man during the sexual activity and therefore can be treated with therapy.

Male / Female Orgasmic Disorder: These types of sexual disorders can cause problems for both men and women. For men, male orgasmic disorder may cause a delay or the absence of orgasm associated with sexual activity. For women, female orgasmic disorder may experience a similar lack of ability to orgasm during sexual activity. When this lack causes a problem within a relationship the individual is likely suffering from orgasmic disorder.

Premature Ejaculation: This type of sexual disorder only occurs in men but it can be the cause of problems for both the man and the woman in the relationship. Premature ejaculation results in orgasm that comes after minimal sexual stimulation. This type of sexual disorder is most commonly found in young men but can be a problem for men of all ages.

Dyspareunia: This type of sexual disorder causes the man or woman to feel pain during intercourse. Dyspareunia is pain that is felt in the genitals during or following intercourse. Although this type of sexual disorder is most common in women it can also cause problems for men as well. Dyspareunia is a chronic condition that typically lasts for a prolonged period of time and is in most cases not treatable.

Treatment for Sexual Disorders

Depending on the type of sexual disorder there may be many different treatment options. The most common treatments for sexual disorders include medication and therapy. Counseling may help an individual who suffers from a sexual disorder to train their minds to have better thoughts during sexual encounters and thus prevent dysfunction.

People who suffer from anxiety or fear as a result of a sexual disorder may be able to get cognitive behavioral therapy in order to learn positive ways to deal with the anxiety that is associated with the sexual disorder. Additionally, this type of therapy also works very well for panic attacks and can help an individual to overcome various apprehensions related to sexual disorders.

Medication is often provided for certain types of sexual disorders. Erectile dysfunction that is related to a medical condition rather than a psychological condition can sometimes be treated with medication. Sexual arousal disorder can also be treated with the addition of certain medications and sometimes hormone supplements. Doctors may also prescribe medication for dyspareunia in order to treat the pain that is associated with sexual intercourse.