Ch 12 Sexual Disorders Lecture Notes

Flashcards on Sexual Disorders and the Human Sexual Response Cycle

Sexual Dysfunctions

problems with sexual responses in one or more of the first

three phases of the human sexual response cycle

Lifelong type

people struggle with sexual dysfunction for most of the lives

Acquired type

people have normal functioning that preceded the disorder

Generalized type

dysfunction is present during all sexual situations

Situational Type

dysfunction is tied to particular situations

What are the 4 phases of the human sexual response cycle

The four phases of the human sexual response cycle are desire, excitement, orgasm, and resolution.

Desire phase

an interest in or urge to have sex, sexual fantasies, and sexual attraction to others

Excitement Phase

changes in the pelvic region (e.g., penis erection, swelling of the

clitoris and labia, vaginal lubrication), general physical arousal, and increases in heart rate, muscle tension, blood pressure, and respiration

Orgasm phase

an individual’s sexual pleasure peaks and sexual tension is released as the muscles in the pelvic region contract rhythmically. For men, semen is ejaculated. For women, the outer third of the vaginal walls contract

Resolution phase

return to baseline

Male Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder

Lack of interest in sex and little sexual activity. Physical responses may normal, and they may enjoy sex

Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder

Lack of normal interest in sexual activity and typically involves the excitement phase too.

Male Erectile Disorder (ED) (impotence)

persistent inability to attain or maintain an erection during sexual activity

Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (frigidity)

characterized by repeated inability to maintain proper lubrication or genital swelling during sexual activity. Many with this disorder also have desire or orgasmic disorders

Premature Ejaculation

Reaching orgasm and ejaculation within one minute of beginning sexual activity with a partner and before the man desires.

Delayed Ejaculation

Repeated inability to ejaculate or by a very delayed ejaculation after normal sexual activity with a partner.

Female Orgasmic Disorder

Persistent delay in or absence of orgasm following normal sexual excitement.

Vaginismus

involuntary contraction of the muscles of the outer third of the vagina. Severe cases can prevent a woman from having intercourse

Dyspareunia

Severe pain in the genitals or pelvis during sexual activity.

Common Causes for Sexual Dysfunctions

social/cultural including gendered attitudes and expectations, lack of information, trauma, fears, attitude, stress, mood, biological--effects of diseases, injury, or substances or prescribed medications, abnormalities in levels of hormones (e.g., prolactin, testosterone, estrogen), excessive activity of serotonin and dopamine

Modern sex therapy includes

Assessing and conceptualizing the problem (includes medical examination and

assessment of sex history)

• Assigning “mutual responsibility” for the problem (both partners share the

problem)

• Education about sexuality (increase clients’ knowledge re: physiology and

techniques—via discussion with therapist and use of books, videos, and reputable

websites)

• Emotion identification (identify and express upsetting emotions getting in the way

of arousal and enjoyment)

• Attitude change (examine and change problematic beliefs)

• Elimination of performance anxiety and the spectator role (couple is taught

exercises to reduce performance demands and focus on pleasurable sensations)

• Increasing sexual and general communication skills

• Changing destructive lifestyles and marital interactions

• Addressing physical and medical factors

Paraphilic Disorders

Repeated and intense sexual urges, fantasies, or behaviors in response to socially inappropriate objects or situations; the urges, fantasies, or behavior must also cause great distress or impairment

Fetishistic Disorder

Recurrent intense sexual urges, sexually arousing fantasies, or behaviors that involve the use of a nonliving object.

Transvestic Disorder

Fantasies, urges, or behaviors involving dressing in the clothes of the opposite sex in order to achieve sexual arousal.

Exhibitionistic Disorder

Arousal from the exposure of genitals in a public setting.

Voyeuristic Disorder

Repeated and intense sexual desires to observe people as they undress or engage in sexual activity.

Frotteuristic Disorder

Fantasies, urges, or behaviors involving touching and rubbing against a nonconsenting person.

Pedophillic Disorder

Fantasies, urges, or behaviors involving sexual activity with a prepubescent and/or early pubescent child.

Sexual Masochism Disorder

Fantasies, urges, or behaviors involving the act or the thought of being humiliated, beaten, bound, or otherwise made to suffer.

Sexual Sadism Disorder

Finds fantasies, urges, or behaviors involving the thought or act of psychological or physical suffering of a victim sexually exciting