Psycho-sexual dysfunction may be defined as inability to become sexually aroused or achieve sexual satisfaction in the appropriate situations because of mental or emotional reasons.

1. Psychosexual Disorders (Common Factors & Symptoms)
Psychosexual dysfunction may be defined as an inability to become sexually aroused or achieve sexual
satisfaction in the appropriate situations because of mental or emotional reasons. Although
psychosexual dysfunction is not life threatening, it can have a major effect on your relationships and
self-esteem. It is the kind of sexual dysfunction that is due to psychological causes rather than physical
problems, medical illnesses, or the side effects of medication. In psychosexual dysfunction physical
problems have been ruled out (presence spontaneous erections & wetting in men and women
respectively). Usually, emotional problems are at the center of the dysfunction.
Reduced sexual desire or activity is common among women and men. Before treatment can begin, it is
necessary to determine whether the dysfunction may be caused by physical causes like diabetes, heart
disease, alcoholism, heavy smoking, side effects of medications, or hormonal problems. Only sexual
dysfunction due to psychological factors is called psychosexual dysfunction.
Factors that may increase your chances of developing psychosexual dysfunction include:
• Stress or anxiety from work or social situations
• Recent pregnancy: - This can result from the changes in hormone levels that occur after pregnancy,
from postpartum depression, or from stress and fatigue that follow pregnancy because of adjusting to a
new baby.
• Worry about how you are able to perform sexually “Performance Anxiety”
• Fear due to previous disturbing or painful sexual experiences or encounters
• Conflict with your spouse
• Religious, social, or cultural restrictions
• Guilt
• Financial worries
• Family problems
• Abusive relationship with partner
• Negative body image
Common Symptoms of psychosexual disorder may differ for men and women.
Symptoms for men include:
• Not able to keep an erection

2. • Ejaculations occur too soon
• Ejaculations do not occur
• Not able to become aroused when appropriately stimulated
• Not able to achieve orgasm
• Inhibited sexual desire
Symptoms for women include:
• Not able to become aroused when appropriately stimulated
• Not able to achieve orgasm
• Inhibited sexual desire
• An unconscious spasm or tightening of the muscles around the vagina that interferes with sexual
intercourse
• Experiencing pain during sex
• Dry vagina
The most appropriate treatment will depend on the cause of the psychosexual dysfunction. Another
important aspect is coming forward for treatment and also seeking help from the appropriate sources
like qualified psychiatrists. Some medications can alleviate the symptoms. However, to successfully
manage psychosexual dysfunction, it is important to treat and manage mental and emotional issues.
The author is Dr Sukhtej Sahni, Consultant Neuropsychiatrist at Cheema Medical Complex, Mohali.
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