Pronounced: sigh-co-sex-u-al dis-funk-shon
The inability to become sexually aroused or achieve sexual satisfaction in the appropriate situations because of mental or emotional (also known as psychological) reasons. No physical problems, specific illnesses, or medication side effects appear to cause the problem.
Although psychosexual dysfunction is not life threatening, it can have a major effect on your relationships and self-esteem. This condition is treatable; contact your doctor if you think you may have psychosexual dysfunction.
Psychosexual dysfunction is a sexual dysfunction that is due to psychological causes rather than physical problems, medical illnesses, or the side effects of medication.
Some of the psychological conditions include:
Reduced sexual desire or activity is very common among women and men. Often, the condition is treatable, but first it is necessary to determine whether the dysfunction is caused by physical causes (such as diabetes , heart disease , alcoholism , heavy smoking, side effects of medications (a very common cause of decreased libido or desire), or hormonal problems or psychological causes. Only sexual dysfunction due to psychological factors is called psychosexual dysfunction.
A risk factor is something that increases your chances of getting a disease or condition.
The following factors increase your chances of developing psychosexual dysfunction. If you have any of these risk factors, tell your doctor:
Symptoms of psychosexual disorder may differ for men and women.
Symptoms for men include:
Symptoms for women include:
If you experience any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to psychosexual dysfunction. These symptoms may be caused by other health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your physician.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, your medical history, and your sexual history. Your doctor will also perform a physical exam. Make sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking. Your doctor may also ask questions about your partner.
Tests may include the following:
If your doctor does not find anything significant from the examination or these tests, your doctor may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. The most appropriate treatment will depend on the cause of the psychosexual dysfunction.
Some medications can alleviate the symptoms (for example, medications to alleviate erectile dysfunction or to help overcome vaginal dryness). However, to successfully manage psychosexual dysfunction, it is important to treat and manage the mental and emotional issues that underlie the problem.
Treatment options for psychosexual dysfunction include the following:
Medications may be prescribed to treat the symptoms. Medications differ for men and women.
You talk and work with a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker or licensed counselor to figure out ways to deals with stressful or painful issues.
Sex therapists assist you by encouraging communications, teaching you about sexual fantasies, and helping you focus on sexual stimuli.
A psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker or licensed counselor works with you to unlearn automatic behaviors.
Couples meet with a psychologist, social worker or other type of mental health professional to discuss issues, including communications problems.
There are no known ways to prevent psychosexual dysfunction.
To help reduce your chances of developing psychosexual dysfunction, take the following steps:
RESOURCES:
American Psychological Association (APA)
http://www.apa.org
International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM)
http://www.issm.info
Sexual Function & Infertility
American Urological Association
http://www.impotence.org
Sexual Health Issues
National Institutes of Health, US National Library of Medicine
http://www.nlm.nih.gov
Society for Sex Therapy and Research (SSTAR)
http://www.sstarnet.org
Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality
http://www.sexscience.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Psychological Association
http://www.cpa.ca/cpasite/home.asp
Sex Information and Education Council of Canada (SIECCAN)
http://www.sieccan.org
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
http://www.sexualityandu.ca/home_e.aspx
References:
AACE male sexual dysfunction task force. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists medical guidelines for clinical practice for the evaluation and treatment of male sexual dysfunction: a couple’s problem–2003 update. Endocrine Practice ; 2003; 9(1):77-94.
Crenshaw TL, Goldberg JP, Stern WC. Pharmacologic modification of psychosexual dysfunction. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy. Winter 1987; 13(4):239-52.
Cutler SJ, Smith W, Cutler HG. Treatment of sexual dysfunction. US Pharmacist : September 2002; 23(5).
Erectile dysfunction. Beers MH and Berkow R. (ed.) The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, Section 21, Chapter 240, Men’s Health Issues: Sexual Dysfunction. The Merck Manual website. Available at: http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec21/ch240/ch240b.html . Accessed on October 17, 2005.
Erection problems. Medical Encyclopedia, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003164.htm . Accessed July 11, 2005.
Female sexual dysfunction. Medical Encyclopedia, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003151.htm . Accessed July 11, 2005.
Glass CA. Addressing psychosexual dysfunction in neurological rehabilitation settings. Journal of Mental Health. July 1995; Vol. 4 (3).
Female sexual problems. American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy website. Available at: http://www.aamft.org/families/consumer_updates/femalesexualproblems.asp . Accessed on October 17, 2005.
Inhibited sexual desire. Medical Encyclopedia, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001952.htm . Accessed July 11, 2005.
Phillips NA. Female sexual dysfunction: Evaluation and treatment. American Family Physician . July 2000; 62(1):127-36.
Reiner WG, Gearhart JP, Jeffs R. Psychosexual dysfunction in males with genital anomalies: Late adolescence, Tanner states IV to VI, Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. July 1999; 38(7):865-872.
Sexual dysfunction–silence about sexual problems can hurt relationships. JAMA Patient Page, American Medical Association–JAMA & Archives website. Available at: http://www.medem.com/medlb/article_detaillb.cfm?article_ID=ZZZSAC20NAC&sub_cat=57 . Accessed July 11, 2005
Yohimbine (systemic). Medline Plus, National Library of Medicine – National Institutes of Health website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/uspdi/202639.html . Accessed on October 19, 2005.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Theodor B. Rais, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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