Lesson in Understanding the Self and Abnormal Psychology

1. Prepared by:
Orlando A. Pistan, MAEd-GC
Psychology Instructor

2. Sexual dysfunction refers to a
problem occurring during any phase
of the sexual response cycle that
prevents an individual from
experiencing satisfaction from a
sexual activity.
Researches suggests that females
are more prone of sexual
dysfunctions compared to males.
It is a topic that many people are
hesitant to discuss.

3. Sexual dysfunction can
affect any age, although
it is more common in
those over 40 because it
is often related to a
decline in health
associated with aging.

4. Sexual Interest/Arousal disorder – significantly reduced sexual appetite
despite sufficient stimulation.
Sexual Aversion disorder - persistent or recurrent extreme aversion to, and
avoidance of, all (or almost all) genital sexual contact with a sexual partner.
Orgasmic disorder – difficulty or delay in reaching the climax period, or might
not reach orgasm at all.
Genito-pelvic penetration disorder – refers to pain experienced during
coitus.
 Dyspareunia – pain in the pelvic area during or after the intercourse.
 Vaginismus – pain in the muscles of the vagina causing it to become tight
and contracted.

5. Erectile disorder - is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough
to have sexual intercourse.
Hypoactive sexual desire disorder – persistently and recurrently deficient,
or absent, sexual thoughts and fantasies for sexual activity.
Premature ejaculation – also known as rapid ejaculation, an ejaculation
which occur sooner or too early.
Delayed ejaculation – a medical condition in which a male takes
prolonged period of time to ejaculate, or cannot ejaculate at all.
Dyspareunia – persistent genital pain while having sexual activity.

6.  Low libido.
 Prescription drugs (antidepressants, high
blood pressure medicine).
 Blood vessel disorders such
as atherosclerosis (hardening of the
arteries) (males)
 Stroke or nerve damage
 Alcoholism and drug abuse.
 Concern about sexual performance.
 Marital or relationship problems.
 Depression
 Past sexual trauma.
 Stress and anxiety.


7. Medication — When a medication is the cause of the
dysfunction, a change in the medication may help. Men
and women with hormone deficiencies may benefit
from hormone shots, pills, or creams.
For men, drugs, including sildenafil (Viagra®), tadalafil
(Cialis®), vardenafil (Levitra®, Staxyn®), and avanafil
(Stendra®) may help improve sexual function by
increasing blood flow to the penis.

8. Mechanical aids — Aids such
as vacuum devices and penile
implants may help men with
erectile dysfunction (the
inability to achieve or
maintain an erection).
A vacuum device (Eros) is also
approved for use in women,
but can be costly.
Dilators may help women
who experience narrowing of
the vagina.

9.  Psychotherapy — Therapy with a trained counselor can help
a person address sexual trauma from the past, feelings of
anxiety, fear, or guilt, and poor body image, all of which may
have an impact on current sexual function.
 Education and communication — Education about sex and
sexual behaviors and responses may help an individual
overcome his or her anxieties about sexual function. Open
dialogue with your partner about your needs and concerns
also helps to overcome many barriers to a healthy sex life.

10. Thank you for
paying attention.

11.  References
 American Academy of Family Physicians/American Family Physician. Female
Sexual Dysfunction: Evaluation and Treatment Accessed 1/28/2015.
 Association of Reproductive Health Professionals. Size Up Your Sex Life Accessed
1/28/2015.
 Planned Parenthood. Sex and Sexuality Accessed 1/28/2015.