Sexual dysfunction is a condition that affects up to 31% of men and 43% of women in the United States, but it’s often something that people are too embarrassed to discuss with their healthcare providers.
Sexual dysfunction can affect a person’s quality of life, self-esteem, and relationships. Fortunately, there are ways to determine if you have a sexual dysfunction so that you can seek treatment and improve your sexual health.
Here are some of the signs and symptoms to look out for:.
1. Low libido or a lack of sexual desire
If you find that you have little to no interest in sex and it’s causing distress in your life, then you may have a sexual dysfunction called hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).
This condition is more common among women, but men can experience it as well.
2. Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common sexual dysfunction that affects men of all ages. If you are struggling to get or maintain an erection during sexual activity, then you may have ED.
This condition can be caused by physical factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease, or psychological factors like anxiety, depression, or stress.
3. Premature ejaculation
Men who ejaculate before they or their partners would like them to during sexual activity may have a sexual dysfunction called premature ejaculation (PE).
This condition can be caused by psychology factors such as anxiety, depression, or stress but also physical factors like a hormonal imbalance or a history of prostate or thyroid problems.
4. Delayed ejaculation
On the other hand, if a man has difficulty achieving orgasm or ejaculation during sexual activity, he may have a sexual dysfunction called delayed ejaculation (DE).
There can be different reasons for DE, including medication use, psychological issues like anxiety or stress, or nerve damage that has affected the ability to ejaculate.
5. Pain during intercourse
Experiencing pain during intercourse can be a sign of a sexual dysfunction called dyspareunia. This condition affects both men and women.
For women, it can be caused by vaginal dryness or infections, while for men, it can be caused by conditions such as Peyronie’s disease or a sexually transmitted infection.
6. Inability to achieve orgasm
If you are unable to achieve orgasm, you may have a sexual dysfunction known as anorgasmia. This condition can affect both men and women and can be caused by a variety of factors, including anxiety, medication, or hormonal imbalances.
7. Lack of vaginal lubrication
A lack of vaginal lubrication during sexual activity may be a sign of a sexual dysfunction called vaginal dryness.
This condition is most common in women who are going through menopause, but it can also be caused by medication use or hormonal imbalances.
8. Sexual aversion
Sexual aversion is a condition in which a person experiences extreme anxiety or disgust with sexual activity.
This condition can be caused by a history of abuse or trauma, and it can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life and relationships.
9. Lack of arousal during sexual activity
If you are not able to become aroused during sexual activity, you may have a sexual dysfunction called sexual arousal disorder.
This condition can be caused by a range of physical and psychological factors, including medication use, hormonal imbalances, and depression.
10. Inability to have penetrative sex
If you are unable to have penetrative sex due to pain or discomfort, you may have a sexual dysfunction called vaginismus.
This condition affects women and can be caused by anxiety, a history of abuse or trauma, or a medical condition such as endometriosis.
If you think that you may have a sexual dysfunction, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider. They can help determine the cause of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan to help improve your sexual health.