study guide

Sexual Dysfunctions

Problems with sexual responses in one or more of the first three phases of the human sexual response cycle.

Types of Sexual Dysfunction

Lifelong type, acquired type, generalized type, situational type.

Lifelong Type

Struggle with sexual dysfunction for most of their lives.

Acquired Type

Normal functioning that preceded the disorder.

Generalized Type

Dysfunction present in all sexual situations.

Situational Type

Dysfunction tied to particular situations.

Desire Phase

Interest in or urge to have sex, sexual fantasies, sexual attraction to others.

Excitement Phase

Changes in the pelvic region, physical arousal, increased heart rate, muscle tension, blood pressure, and respiration.

Orgasm Phase

Sexual pleasure peaks and sexual tension is released as pelvic muscles contract rhythmically.

Resolution Phase

Return to baseline after the sexual response cycle.

Male Hypoactive Sexual Desire

Lack of interest in sex and little sexual activity; physical responses may be normal.

Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder

Lack of interest in sexual activity, generally involves the excitement phase.

Male Erectile Disorder (ED)

Persistent inability to attain or maintain an erection during sexual activity.

Female Arousal Disorder

Repeated inability to maintain proper lubrication or genital swelling during sexual activity.

Premature Ejaculation

Orgasm and ejaculation within one minute of beginning sexual activity.

Delayed Ejaculation

Repeated inability to ejaculate or very delayed ejaculation after sexual activity.

Female Orgasmic Disorder

Persistent inability or delay to reach orgasm or experiencing orgasms of very low intensity.

Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder

Includes vaginismus and dyspareunia.

Vaginismus

Involuntary contraction of the outer third of the vagina; severe cases prevent intercourse.

Dyspareunia

Vaginal or pelvic pain during sexual intercourse.

Common Causes of Sexual Dysfunctions

Social/cultural factors and biological factors such as diseases, medications, and hormonal abnormalities.

Modern Sex Therapy Techniques

Include assessing the problem, mutual responsibility, education about sexuality, and emotional identification.

Fetishistic Disorder

Intense sexual urges, fantasies, or behaviors involving a nonliving object.

Transvestic Disorder

Dressing in opposite sex clothes for sexual arousal.

Exhibitionistic Disorder

Arousal from exposing genitals in public.

Voyeuristic Disorder

Sexual desire to observe others undressing or having intercourse.

Frotteuristic Disorder

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

Pedophilic Disorder

Sexual activity with a child, usually prepubescent or early pubescent.

Sexual Masochism Disorder

Fantasies or behaviors of being humiliated or made to suffer.

Sexual Sadism Disorder

Fantasies or behaviors involving the psychological or physical suffering of a victim.