Sexual Dysfunction

Sexual dysfunction is a problem that prevents a person from having sexual desire or is satisfied with his sexual activities. This condition can affect women and men and the risk increases with age.

Sexual dysfunction in women includes problems with sexual response, orgasm, and pain during sexual intercourse. While sexual problems in men involve erectile dysfunction or impotence, ejaculatory disorders and loss of sexual desire. Sexual dysfunction itself is not uncommon, where 43% of women and 31% of men have at least experienced a disorder or difficulty in their sexual activity.

Sexual dysfunction can be a nuisance if this problem occurs continuously and significantly affects the person's sex life. The longer the sexual dysfunction lasts, the more patients have high levels of pressure and anxiety. However, most people with sexual dysfunction can be cured by physical therapy related to psychological therapy.
Symptoms of sexual dysfunction

Sexual dysfunction shows symptoms based on the type of disorder suffered. Men and women have different symptoms. Symptoms of sexual dysfunction in women are:

• Low sexual desire This is the most common type of sexual dysfunction in women. This is marked by the loss of sexual desire or desire.
• Sexual stimulation disorders. In this situation, sexual desire remains, but it is difficult for a woman to be excited and stimulated during sex.
• Disorders of sexual pain / dyspareunia. Symptoms are pain that occurs during vaginal contact or sexual stimulation. Many things can trigger pain during sex, including vaginismus, inadequate lubricants, and stiff muscles in the vagina.
• An orgasmic disorder, which is difficult to achieve, even if stimulation and stimulation are carried out continuously.

While the symptoms of sexual dysfunction in men are:

• Erectile dysfunction or known as impotence. This condition occurs when a man cannot get an erection or maintain an erection that is needed during intercourse.
• Decreased sexual desire (libido). This condition is often associated with a low amount of testosterone, a hormone found in the body. When a decrease in desire is severe, a man will not be excited at all to have sex.
• Ejaculation disorders, there are three types of ejaculatory disorders, namely premature ejaculation (ejaculation that occurs before penetration or soon after), slow ejaculation and ejaculation again (ejaculation back into the bladder and does not come out of the tip of the penis through the urethra).

Causes of sexual dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction can occur due to several factors, including:

• Physical or medical conditions that interfere with sexual function. These conditions include diabetes, heart and blood vessel disease, nerve disorders, chronic diseases, drug addiction and side effects of certain drugs (one of which is an antidepressant that can interfere with sexual desire and function).
• Hormonal conditions, such as decreased estrogen levels, especially after menopause, and low testosterone levels in men, reduce the desire to engage in sexual activity.
• Psychological factors, especially stress, can cause sexual dysfunction. In addition, anxiety, excessive worry about sexual performance, marital or marital problems, depression, feelings of guilt and the effects of past trauma can also have an effect.

Diagnosis of sexual dysfunction
The diagnosis of sexual dysfunction begins with a thorough questioning of symptoms and physical examination, including examination of physical changes that can affect sexual satisfaction, such as skin elasticity and genital tissue. To confirm the diagnosis of sexual dysfunction, your doctor can do the following tests, including:

• Blood tests to check hormone levels and other risk factors, such as diabetes and cholesterol.
• Test to monitor erections while you sleep at night. This test will determine whether erectile dysfunction is caused by physical or psychological factors.
• Blood test in men to check blood flow to the penis.
• Sensory testing tests to check the strength of nerve impulses in certain parts of the body.

Doctors can also refer patients to other doctors, such as urologists, endocrinologists, neurologists, sex experts and other therapists, for the most appropriate diagnosis and treatment options.

Treatment of sexual dysfunction
Treatment of sexual dysfunction aims to overcome the main problem that causes this disorder. This treatment includes:

• Medical treatment to treat physical problems. For people who suffer from the disease, doctors can adjust or replace drugs that have certain sexual effects. Flibanserin is given to premenopausal women who have low sexual desire. Tadalafil, sildenafil or vardenafil can improve male sexual function by increasing blood flow to the penis. For the problem of premature ejaculation, doctors can give medication immediately. This topical spray contains lidocaine which aims to reduce sensitivity so that ejaculation is more controlled.
• Medications related to hormone problems. For women with low estrogen levels, estrogen therapy can be used to increase vaginal elasticity by increasing blood flow and vaginal lubrication. This treatment can be given in the form of a vaginal ring, cream or tablet. If men with low testosterone, doctors can provide hormone supplements or replacement therapy for testosterone. .
• Psychological therapy. This therapy is carried out by qualified counselors to help someone overcome anxiety, fear or guilt that affects sexual function. In addition, sufferers need to understand sex and sexual behavior to overcome anxiety about their sexual abilities. One solution is to openly discuss your needs and anxieties with your partner to remove obstacles in your sex life.

In addition to this treatment, some tools such as pumps (vacuum) and vibrators can help someone manage their sexual problems. Meanwhile, to help men with erectile dysfunction, penile implant surgery options can be considered.

To improve your sex life, increase your confidence and find ways to feel comfortable with your sexuality. In addition, you also need to be able to accept your fitness. All of this can be achieved by adopting a healthy lifestyle, for example by exercising to improve one's physical condition and mood, by taking time to relax to reduce stress, avoid alcohol consumption and stop smoking.

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