SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION

The term “sexual dysfunction” encompasses all pathological conditions which affect each stage of sexual response.

Treatment is necessary when it causes significant discomfort to the patient alone or problems in the couple’s relationship for at least 6 consecutive months, and the condition is not diagnosed as associated with a mental disease or medication or substance intake.

Sexual dysfunction is divided into 4 categories:

  • Mood disorders

Reduction in or loss of sexual drive for intimacy and intercourse for over 6 months.

  • Arousal disorders

It includes erectile dysfunction in men and lack of arousal in women.

The above conditions lead to avoidance of or even aversion to sexual contact.

  • Orgasmic disorders

They are conditions characterized by persistent and recurrent inability to achieve orgasm.

They cause significant discomfort to the patient or to the couple and may be the result of organic, psychological causes or due to taking certain drugs.

  • Painful intercourse disorders

They mainly comprise 2 conditions: vaginismus (contractions of the vaginal muscles) and dyspareunia (pain during penetration).

Given the effective treatments currently available, all sexual dysfunctions require appropriate diagnosis and management by a Sexual Medicine specialist.