Sexual dysfunction is a condition that makes a man or woman sexually unsatisfied. Sexual dysfunction can occur anytimeanyone and anyone. However, the likelihood of developing sexual dysfunction is greater in the elderly.
There are different types of sexual dysfunction that can occur in men or women. Sexual dysfunction can be a loss of desire to have sex, it can also be an inability to feel sexual stimulation despite the desire to have sex.
In other types of sexual dysfunction, a person has a desire to have sex and can feel sexual arousal, but cannot reach a climax (orgasm). People with sexual dysfunction may also feel pain or tenderness during sexual intercourse.
Symptoms of Sexual Dysfunction
Symptoms of sexual dysfunction that appear in sufferers vary, depending on the type. In addition, men and women have different symptoms. Here are the symptoms of sexual dysfunction in women:
- Loss or decreased sexual desireThis type of sexual dysfunction is the most common in women. Sexual dysfunction is characterized by a loss of desire or desire to have sex.
- Disorders of sexual arousalPatients with this type of sexual dysfunction still have sexual desire. However, sufferers find it difficult to be aroused or maintain stimulation during sexual intercourse.
- Pain appearsPatients will feel pain during sexual intercourse. This condition can be caused by various things, such as vaginismus, vaginal dryness, and tight vaginal muscles.
- Orgasm disordersWomen who suffer from this type of sexual dysfunction will have difficulty achieving orgasm even though stimulation and stimulation are carried out continuously.
As in women, the symptoms of sexual dysfunction in men also vary according to the type. Symptoms of sexual dysfunction in men are:
- Loss of sexual desireMen who suffer from this type of sexual dysfunction feel a loss or decrease in the desire to have sex.
- Erectile dysfunctionErectile dysfunction or impotence will make it difficult for men to keep their penis erect during sexual intercourse.
- Ejaculation disordersThis condition causes men to ejaculate too quickly (premature ejaculation) or even take too long during sexual intercourse.
When to go to dokter
Interruption during sexual intercourse is normal if it only occurs occasionally. However, if the disorder occurs repeatedly, immediately consult a doctor. Please note, during a consultation regarding sexual dysfunction, doctors can talk to their respective partners, not just the sufferer.
Diabetes is one of the factors that increase a person's risk of experiencing sexual dysfunction. Therefore, diabetics need to regularly check with the doctor to prevent complications, one of which is sexual dysfunction.
Sexual dysfunction is also prone to occur in drug users. Therefore, stay away from drugs and immediately go to a rehabilitation facility if you are addicted.
Causes of Sexual Dysfunction
Causes of sexual dysfunction are generally divided into two types, namely physical factors and psychological factors. Sexual dysfunction that occurs due to physical factors can be caused by various diseases, including:
- Hormone disorders.
- Diabetes.
- Heart disease.
- High blood pressure.
- Neurological diseases, such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis.
- Injury to the nerves, especially the nerves that regulate erections.
- Side effects of certain medications, such as antidepressants.
For both men and women, hormonal disturbances can lead to sexual dysfunction. For example, the decrease in estrogen levels during menopause will also reduce a woman's sexual desire. In addition, a decrease in the hormone testosterone in men can also reduce the desire to have sexual activities.
Not only physical disorders, sexual dysfunction can also occur due to psychological disorders. The main psychological factors that can cause sexual dysfunction are:
- Stress.
- Worry.
- Excessive worry about sexual performance.
- Problems in a relationship or marriage.
- Depression.
- Guilt.
- Past trauma, including sexual abuse.
Sexual dysfunction is also at higher risk in people who have some of the following conditions:
- Elderly.
- Smoke.
- Obesity.
- Alcohol addiction.
- Have had radiotherapy to the groin area.
- Abusing drugs.
Sexual Dysfunction Diagnosis
Diagnosis of sexual dysfunction begins by asking the patient's sexual activity as a whole. In addition to asking for symptoms, the doctor will ask about the patient's activities and medical history, including if there have been incidents or traumas in the past.
The doctor will then perform a physical examination, including an examination of physical changes that may affect sexual activity. During the physical examination, the doctor will examine the genital organs.
To determine the cause of sexual dysfunction, the doctor will perform the following tests:
- Blood tests, to check hormone levels or suspicion of other causes, such as blood sugar levels.
- Ultrasound, to check blood flow around organs
- Test nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT), to monitor erections when the patient sleeps at night using a special tool.
Sexual Dysfunction Treatment
Diagnosis and treatment of sexual dysfunction requires the collaboration of several experts, such as urologists, obstetricians, endocrinologists, andrologists, neurologists, psychiatrists, and sexual therapists, in order to get the right diagnosis and treatment options.
Sexual dysfunction treatment aims to address the main problem that causes sexual dysfunction. Therefore, the treatment of sexual dysfunction will be tailored to each cause. These treatments include:
Consumption of 'strong drugs'
Many people take 'powerful drugs' to treat sexual dysfunction. These drugs can indeed improve performance during sexual intercourse, but have side effects from headaches to visual disturbances.
Consumption of 'strong drugs' is only allowed with the approval of a doctor because it can cause interference with the work of the heart organ, especially in patients who already have heart disease before.
Psychotherapy
Psychological therapy is carried out by a psychologist or psychiatrist to help someone overcome psychological disorders that cause sexual dysfunction. An example is therapy to overcome anxiety, fear, or feelings of guilt that have an impact on the sufferer's sexual function.
In addition, the doctor or psychologist will provide an understanding of sex and sexual behavior to the patient. An understanding of sexual relations needs to be possessed by sufferers so that anxiety about their sexual abilities can be resolved.
Therapy sessions can also be done together with partners to find out about each other's needs and anxieties so that they can overcome obstacles in sexual activity.
Treatment for hormonal disorders
For women with low estrogen levels, estrogen replacement therapy can be given to help vaginal elasticity by increasing blood flow and lubrication in the vagina. This therapy can be given in the form of a vaginal ring, cream, or tablet. As for men with low testosterone levels, doctors can give testosterone hormone therapy to increase testosterone levels in the body.
Medication to deal with physical problems
To treat sexual dysfunction due to a disease is to treat the underlying disease. For example, people with diabetes will be given metformin or insulin to control blood sugar levels.
Lifestyle changes
To overcome sexual dysfunction, it is also necessary to apply a healthy lifestyle, such as exercising regularly and quitting smoking or drinking alcohol. This activity can help improve the quality of sexual activity.
Some assistive devices, such as pumps (vacuum) and vibrators, can help a woman or a man deal with sexual problems. Penile implant surgery is also sometimes considered to help men overcome erectile dysfunction.
Sexual Dysfunction Complications
Sexual dysfunction can cause the sufferer to experience complications, especially in his psychological condition. A person suffering from sexual dysfunction may experience the following conditions:
- Dissatisfaction with sexual activity.
- Problems with spouse to divorce.
- The more stressed, anxious, and feel inferior.
Sexual Dysfunction Prevention
To prevent the emergence of sexual dysfunction, you can change your behavior and lifestyle to be healthier, namely by:
- Quit smoking and drinking alcohol.
- Maintain ideal body weight.
- Manage stress and anxiety well.
- Undergo rehab for drug abuse.
Sexual dysfunction is also a part of the aging process, so it is sometimes difficult to avoid.
