Sexual Dysfunctions and Therapies
D
Delayed Ejaculation
Delayed ejaculation, also known as retarded ejaculation or impaired ejaculation, is a sexual dysfunction in which a man takes an extended period of sexual stimulation to reach orgasm and ejaculate. This condition is characterized by significant difficulty or inability to ejaculate, even with adequate sexual arousal and stimulation. It can occur in all sexual situations or only in certain circumstances.
Dyspareunia
Dyspareunia is a medical term used to describe persistent or recurrent genital pain that occurs just before, during, or after sexual intercourse. This condition can affect people of any gender, though it's more commonly reported in women. The pain can be sharp, burning, or aching, and may be felt externally in the vulva or internally in the vagina, pelvic area, or lower back.
M
Male Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
Male Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (MHSDD) is a sexual dysfunction characterized by a persistent or recurrent lack of interest in sexual activity in men. This condition involves a significant decrease or absence of sexual thoughts, fantasies, and desire for sexual activity, which causes personal distress or interpersonal difficulties. MHSDD is not simply a temporary decrease in libido but a prolonged condition that affects a man's quality of life and relationships.
Myotonia
Myotonia is a condition characterized by the delayed relaxation of muscles after contraction. In the context of sexual health, myotonia can affect various muscle groups involved in sexual function, potentially impacting sexual experiences and performance. This condition can occur in both voluntary and involuntary muscles, including those in the pelvic area.
P
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized form of treatment that focuses on the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues of the pelvic floor. This therapy aims to improve the function, strength, and coordination of these muscles, which play a crucial role in sexual function, bladder and bowel control, and core stability. It's often used to address various pelvic health issues, including sexual pain, incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse.
Penile Rehabilitation
Penile rehabilitation refers to a set of medical and therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring or maintaining erectile function, particularly after prostate cancer treatment or other pelvic surgeries. The goal is to promote blood flow to the penis, preserve penile tissue health, and ultimately improve a man's ability to achieve and maintain erections. This process often involves a combination of medications, devices, and exercises.
Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder
Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD) is a rare condition characterized by spontaneous, persistent, and unwanted genital arousal that occurs in the absence of sexual desire or stimulation. Individuals with PGAD experience physical symptoms of arousal, such as genital swelling, tingling, or throbbing, which can be distressing and interfere with daily life.
Peyronie's Disease
Peyronie's disease is a condition that affects the penis, causing the development of fibrous scar tissue (plaque) under the skin. This scar tissue can result in a curved, bent, or indented erection, often accompanied by pain. The curvature can vary in severity and may make sexual intercourse difficult or impossible in some cases.
Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction
Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD) is a condition where sexual side effects persist after discontinuing selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants. These ongoing symptoms can include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, genital numbness, difficulty achieving orgasm, or pleasureless orgasm. PSSD can affect both men and women and may continue for months or years after stopping the medication.
Premature Ejaculation Therapy
Premature ejaculation therapy refers to a range of treatments and techniques designed to help individuals who experience ejaculation sooner than desired during sexual activity. These therapies aim to increase ejaculatory control, improve sexual satisfaction, and reduce distress associated with premature ejaculation.
Premature Ejaculation
Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common sexual dysfunction in which a person with a penis ejaculates sooner than they or their partner would like during sexual activity. It is characterized by an inability to delay ejaculation, resulting in brief sexual encounters that can cause distress for one or both partners. The exact timing of what is considered "premature" can vary, but it is generally defined as ejaculation occurring within one minute of penetration or sexual stimulation.
Psychosexual Evaluation
A psychosexual evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of an individual's sexual functioning, behaviors, and attitudes. It's typically conducted by a mental health professional or sex therapist to identify and understand any sexual concerns, dysfunctions, or disorders. This evaluation combines psychological and physiological aspects of sexuality to provide a holistic view of a person's sexual health.
S
Sex Addiction Treatment
Sex addiction treatment refers to therapeutic approaches and interventions designed to help individuals who struggle with compulsive sexual behavior or sex addiction. These treatments aim to address the underlying causes of the addiction, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and restore balance to the individual's life and relationships.
Sex Therapy
Sex therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy that focuses on helping individuals and couples address sexual concerns, difficulties, or dissatisfaction. It aims to improve sexual functioning, enhance intimacy, and resolve sexual problems through guided discussion, education, and behavioral interventions in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
Sexomnia
Sexomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by engaging in sexual behaviors while asleep, such as masturbation, fondling, or even attempting intercourse. Individuals with sexomnia typically have no memory of these actions upon waking and may experience distress or relationship problems as a result.
Sexual Anhedonia
Sexual anhedonia, also known as pleasure dissociative orgasmic dysfunction (PDOD), is a condition where an individual can achieve orgasm but experiences little to no pleasure or satisfaction from it. Despite physiological responses such as muscle contractions and ejaculation occurring normally, the person feels emotionally and physically detached from the experience.
Sexual Aversion Disorder
Sexual Aversion Disorder (SAD) is a persistent or recurrent extreme aversion to, and avoidance of, all or almost all genital sexual contact with a sexual partner. This condition goes beyond a simple lack of desire for sex and manifests as a strong negative reaction to sexual situations, often accompanied by anxiety, fear, or disgust. People with SAD may experience physical symptoms like nausea, sweating, or rapid heartbeat when faced with sexual scenarios.
Sexual Aversion Therapy
Sexual aversion therapy is a controversial psychological treatment that aims to reduce or eliminate unwanted sexual desires, behaviors, or attractions. It typically involves associating the unwanted sexual stimuli with unpleasant or aversive experiences, with the goal of creating a negative association. This therapy has been used historically to attempt to change sexual orientation or reduce paraphilic interests, but it is now widely considered unethical and potentially harmful by most mental health professionals.
Sexual Pain Disorders
Sexual pain disorders are a group of conditions characterized by persistent or recurrent genital pain that occurs just before, during, or after sexual intercourse. These disorders can affect people of all genders, though they are more commonly reported in women. The pain experienced can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that prevents sexual activity altogether.
Sexual Trauma Counseling
Sexual trauma counseling is a specialized form of therapy designed to help individuals who have experienced sexual abuse, assault, or other traumatic sexual experiences. This type of counseling focuses on addressing the psychological, emotional, and sometimes physical effects of sexual trauma, aiming to promote healing and recovery.
V
Vaginal Dilators
Vaginal dilators are medical devices designed to gradually stretch and relax the vaginal muscles. They typically come in sets of cylindrical or tapered shapes of increasing sizes, made from materials like silicone or plastic. These tools are used to treat various conditions affecting vaginal comfort and function, including vaginismus, dyspareunia (painful intercourse), and vaginal stenosis (narrowing).
Vaginismus Treatment
Vaginismus treatment refers to the various therapeutic approaches used to address vaginismus, a condition characterized by involuntary muscle spasms in the pelvic floor that make vaginal penetration difficult or impossible. Treatment typically involves a combination of physical and psychological techniques aimed at relaxing the pelvic floor muscles and reducing anxiety associated with penetration.
Vaginismus
Vaginismus is a condition involving involuntary tightening of the vaginal muscles, making penetration difficult or impossible. It can occur during intercourse, insertion of tampons, or gynecological exams. Vaginismus is often accompanied by fear, pain, or emotional distress surrounding penetration. The severity can range from mild discomfort to total inability to be penetrated.