Sexual dysfunction is a common condition, especially in the elderly.

Sexual Dysfunction

What is sexual dysfunction?

Sexual dysfunction is a disorder that causes a person to be unable to perform sexual activity or get sexual satisfaction. Disorders of sexual function can be experienced by both men and women. Sexual function itself is related to neurological factors (brain and nervous system), hormone performance, and psychological.

With sexual function, a person can get or show sexual responses such as sex arousal (libido) or orgasm. That's why sexual dysfunction can be caused by hormonal disorders, psychological problems, and certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes.

A person who has sexual problems may show signs such as a loss of desire for sex, difficulty getting an erection, or not being able to have an orgasm. Sexual dysfunction can be overcome through various treatment methods ranging from psychological therapy, hormone therapy, to medical drugs.

How common is this condition?

Sexual dysfunction is a common condition, especially in the elderly. This is associated with a decline in health conditions and increasing age. However, anyone can actually experience interference with sexual function. If during this time men were considered more susceptible to sexual problems, sexual dysfunction was in fact more experienced by women.

A 2017 study in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, states that in general sexual dysfunction is experienced by at least 43% of women and 31% of men. In general, factors such as hormonal changes during menopause are the main triggers for sexual disorders in women. While in men, this disorder is usually caused by erectile dysfunction.

Types of sexual dysfunction

Based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), there are 4 types of disorders that are included in sexual dysfunction, namely:

1. Libido disorder (desire disorder)

This disorder occurs when a person lose or have little sex drive (libido) for sexual activity. Medically, the problem of sexual dysfunction is also known as decreased libido. The causes of libido disorders are low levels of the hormones estrogen and testosterone as well as chronic diseases such as diabetes and coronary heart disease.

When you have problems in relationships, depression, anxiety disorders, and other psychological problems can also cause libido disorders.

2. Sexual arousal

disorders This disorder makes men and women difficult or unable to be sexually aroused in matters relating to sex. One of the most common examples is erectile dysfunction. Even though they do not feel sexual stimulation, people who experience this disorder still have an interest in sexual activity.

3. Orgasm disorders

This type of sexual dysfunction causes a person to be unable or late to reach orgasm. Orgasm disorders are generally experienced by women, but can also occur in men. Conditions such as pain during sex, stress, fatigue, and hormonal changes affect the libido, thereby inhibiting or eliminating the sensation of orgasm.

4. Pain disorder (pain during sex)

Pain that occurs continuously every time you have sexual intercourse can indicate a problem with sexual function. In women, pain during penetration can be caused by vaginal dryness, vaginismus (a disorder of the vaginal muscles), to urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Not only that, pain during sex in women can be due to hormonal changes, menopause, and other factors. While Peyronie's disease (physical damage to the penis), UTI, prostatitis, and skin diseases caused by yeast infections or genital herpes can cause pain disorders in men.

Signs and symptoms of sexual dysfunction

Everyone who experiences sexual dysfunction can show various signs and symptoms, depending on the type of disorder experienced and the cause.

Symptoms of sexual dysfunction in both men and women are as follows:

loss of sexual desire,

difficulty feeling sexual arousal, and

pain during intercourse.

Symptoms of sexual problems in men are: the

inability to perform or maintain an erection, and

inability, delay, or time of ejaculation when getting sexual stimulation,

ejaculation too quickly (premature ejaculation)

Symptoms of sexual dysfunction in women are as follows:

inability or delay in reaching orgasm ,

vaginal dryness, and

vaginal cramping or stiffness during penetration.

When should you go to the doctor?

If the above signs and symptoms occur frequently or occur repeatedly for 6 months, you should immediately consult a doctor.

For those of you who suffer from certain chronic diseases with the risk of complications of sexual dysfunction, you should check with your doctor regularly to prevent these complications. Sexual dysfunction is a common health problem experienced by every couple. So, you don't have to feel ashamed to seek medical help. Medical examination is needed to determine the cause and proper treatment of sexual dysfunction.