There are many ways to treat sexual dysfunction, including counseling, treatment of other physical problems, mechanical devices, prescription and over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements. Here is a quick overview of some of these different options.
The cause of sexual dysfunction can be physical or psychological. Physical causes include diabetes , heart disease , brain disorders, surgery or injury, adverse effects of medications, kidney disease, liver failure, hormonal imbalances, alcohol , drug abuse , and smoking. Psychological causes include stress , anxiety , marital problems, depression , and previous traumatic sexual experiences.
Whether it affects arousal, performance, or climax, sexual dysfunction is a real problem for people who have it. Once the problem is identified, most cases of sexual dysfunction are treatable.
Sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra) are all used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. However, those who take nitrate medication should be aware that taking both nitrates and these sexual enhancement drugs can cause a life-threatening drop in blood pressure.
There is some evidence that certain herbs and dietary supplements might be helpful. For men, these include Korean red ginseng , carnitine , DHEA , arginine , and OPCs .
NOTE: Since the United States Food and Drug Administration does not regulate these supplements, their purity and safety is often in question. You should only take them under your doctor’s supervision.
The following is a list of other sexual dysfunction therapies:
If you are concerned about sexual dysfunction, your doctor can identify the cause of the problem and begin treating it.
RESOURCES:
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org/
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/
Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States
http://www.siecus.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html/
Sexualityandu.ca
http://www.sexualityandu.ca/home_e.aspx/
References
FDA warnings: dietary supplements for sexual enhancement. National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine website. Available at: http://nccam.nih.gov/news/newsletter/index.htm. Accessed March 16, 2008.
Institute for Sexual Medicine. Boston University Medical Center website. Available at: http://www.bumc.bu.edu/Dept/Home.aspx?DepartmentID=371. Accessed March 16, 2008.
Sexual dysfunction—silence about sexual problems can hurt relationships. JAMA website. Available at: http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/291/24/3076. Accessed March 16, 2008.
Viagra information. Food and Drug Administration website. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/cder/consumerinfo/viagra/default.htm . Accessed March 16, 2008.
Vinarol and Viga tablets contaminated with sildenafil (Viagra). National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine website. Available at: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/alerts/viagra/viagra.htm. Accessed March 16, 2008.
What are the options for managing sexual dysfunction in cardiovascular patients? University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy website. Available at: http://www.uic.edu/pharmacy/services/di/sdcvd.htm. Accessed March 16, 2008.
Last reviewed March 2010 by Brian Randall, 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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