SEXUAL DYSFUNCTIONS. HEALTH CONDITIONS AND OUR SEXUAL FUNCTION

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Sexual Dysfunctions

Dysfunction means to not work well. A sexual dysfunction can be either physical or mental. Or it can be both. It means that a sexual process or response is not functioning normally. For example, if a man is not able to get an erection for some time, his penis is not functioning normally. This is commonly called impotence. It can be caused by physical problems—the penile tissue may be damaged, for example. It can also be caused by mental problems such as anxiety, fear, stress, and depression. For example, a man who is very fearful of impregnating a woman may not be able to get an erection. The correct term for impotence is inhibited arousal. In women, inhibited arousal results in a lack of lubrication. Inhibited arousal can also be caused by certain drugs and medications.

There are numerous sexual dysfunctions that affect our sexual abilities. Dysfunction can happen at any point during the first three phases of the sexual response cycle—desire, excitement, or plateau.

Health Conditions and Our Sexual Function

All illnesses and diseases can affect our sexuality. An illness can make us too exhausted to join in or enjoy sexual intimacy. It can also cause physical problems that affect our sexual response cycle and our ability to perform. Disease and illness also affect how we view our bodies. We can develop a poor body image if we feel our bodies are unhealthy, unattractive, or unresponsive.

Our sexuality is also affected by medications that are prescribed to treat illness and disease. Medications can affect us physically and psychologically. They can also affect how we view ourselves sexually and how we perform. Some medications have side effects that can decrease our sexual desire or performance. They may also be used, however, to treat illnesses such as depression that affect our moods and sense of ourselves. They may help us feel better about ourselves and positively affect our sex lives.

It is important for people who take medications to talk with their health care professionals about the effects any medication may have on their sex lives. Very often health care professionals fail to consider their patients’ sex lives. If they do not begin the conversation, make sure that you do.

In the table on the previous page, a few health conditions are listed with the effects these conditions may have on sexual health. If you need more information about these or other health concerns, contact a health care professional or visit your local library.

Our sexuality and our sexual bodies go through many changes during our lives. In the next chapter, we will look at some of those changes as they occur over the life span.

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