What are sexual problems?
Sexual problems or sexual dysfunctions refer to different pathologies or circumstances that do not allow for pleasurable sexual relations. Some of these problems include pain, problems reaching orgasm or loss of sexual arousal.
They can occur in both women and men. In women it manifests with symptoms of pain during sexual intercourse, absence of orgasm and desire or arousal problems. In men there is erectile dysfunction, reduction or loss of sexual interest, problems with premature or delayed ejaculation, or low testosterone.
Prognosis of the disease
Sexual problems do not constitute a serious disease for which the patient puts his life at risk, but sexual health will be affected, also influencing his emotional health and quality of life. In many cases, patients with sexual problems feel a loss of self-confidence, low self-esteem or even depression.
Moreover, the particularity of sexual problems lies in the fact that they not only affect the sexual health of the patient, but will also influence the sexual health of his or her partner.
Symptoms of sexual problems
The symptoms of sexual problems are diverse, depending on the problem presented in each case:
Both men and women can experience the sexual disorders of anorgasmia and lack of sexual desire, which refer to psychological disorders that do not allow the patient to enjoy sexual relations. The symptomatology is usually anxiety, depression or stress.
The main sexual problems affecting men only are:
- Erectile dysfunction: the man will feel inability to have an erection or maintain it during intercourse.
- Premature ejaculation: the man expels the semen prematurely and is not able to retain it.
- Delayed ejaculation or late ejaculation: on the contrary, in this case the man needs a long time of stimulation to ejaculate, as well as some of them do not manage to ejaculate finally.
- Low testosterone: this alteration of testosterone causes depression, anxiety, lack of sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, increased sweating, and fatigue or tiredness.
On the other hand, sexual problems that affect only women are:
- Vaginismus: the patient will feel intense pain during intercourse, to the point of making penetration impossible, due to contraction of the vaginal muscles.
- Dyspareunia: the patient feels intense and persistent pain in the pelvic area during or after penetration. Although it is more frequent in women, some men may suffer from it.
Sexual problems are those disorders that do not allow the patient to enjoy pleasurable sexual relations.
What are the causes of sexual problems?
The causes of sexual problems can be psychological or physical, and can be derived from stress, illness or injury, side effects of medication, or emotional or physical problems.
Can they be prevented?
Prevention of many sexual problems can be established through good physical and emotional health. For example, erectile dysfunction may be due to vascular causes, which could be prevented by avoiding obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels or smoking.
On the other hand, education plays a very important role in sexual problems, since many cases of anorgasmia, lack of sexual desire or dysfunction are influenced by the sexual education the patient has received, his or her perception of sex and his or her self-esteem and self-confidence.
It is also useful to treat stress and anxiety to avoid sexual problems with psychological causes.
Treatments for sexual problems
Treatment for sexual problems will vary greatly depending on the sexual problem and the cause of the problem.
Thus, many sexual disorders can be treated with psychological therapy. On the other hand, in cases caused by vascular, pelvic floor or hormonal problems, you will need personalized attention and treatment by an expert gynecologist or andrologist.
Which specialist treats them?
The specialist who treats problems of the female reproductive system will be the gynecologist, while the specialist for the male patient will be the andrologist. On the other hand, the specialist in Psychology can also treat these problems, especially those specialized in Sexology, when they have an emotional cause.