If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day.

OVERVIEW

What is sexual dysfunction?

When you have problems with sex, healthcare providers call it “sexual dysfunction.” Anyone can have it. Sexual problems become more common as you age. Other factors can cause it in younger people. Stress, illness, medicines, or emotional problems can contribute to sexual dysfunction. Talk to your healthcare provider if it lasts longer than a few months. Tell your healthcare provider if it interferes with your relationship with your partner. Anything you tell your healthcare provider is private. Your healthcare provider can diagnose the problem. They can treat it.

SYMPTOMS

It is common for couples to have problems with sex at some time in their relationship.

 Women have five types of sexual problems:

• Desire disorders – No longer having an interest in sex. Having less of a desire than you used to have.
• Arousal disorders – You can’t feel a sexual response in your body. You can’t stay sexually aroused.
• Orgasmic disorders – You are unable to have an orgasm, or you have pain during orgasm
• Sexual pain disorders – When you have pain during or after sex.
• Hormone deficiency: Reduced estrogen (the primary female hormone) can affect sexual desire

Men have four types of sexual problems:

• Erectile dysfunction: Difficulty getting or keeping an erection.
• Desire disorders No longer having an interest in sex. Having less interest than you used to have.
• Problems with ejaculation: Premature ejaculation (too early) or delayed (taking longer than normal or not at all).
• Low testosterone: Reduced levels of the male hormone, testosterone.

CAUSES & RISK FACTORS

What causes sexual dysfunction?

Many things can cause problems in your sex life. This includes certain medicines (oral birth control and chemotherapy), diseases (diabetes or high blood pressure), excessive alcohol use or vaginal and urinary infections. Additional causes include depression, relationship problems, and abuse (current or past).

Hormones play a part in sexual dysfunction. Low levels of hormones lead to less sexual desire. Hormones decrease in people as they age. Female hormones can change during pregnancy, right after childbirth, or when you are breastfeeding. After menopause, many people feel less sexual desire. Also, menopause causes vaginal dryness, which can lead to pain during sex.

At any age, the stresses of everyday life can cause sexual dysfunction. Being tired from a busy job or caring for young children may affect your sexual desire. You may also be bored by a long-standing sexual routine.

DIAGNOSIS

How is sexual dysfunction diagnosed?

Having an honest talk with your healthcare provider can contribute to a diagnosis. Your healthcare provider may be able to diagnose the problem from your description of the problem, your age, and stresses in your life.  They may do a physical exam and lab tests, as well.

PREVENTION

Can sexual dysfunction be prevented or avoided?

The process of aging cannot be prevented. Yet, there are many things you can do to reduce the impact of sexual dysfunction. This includes learning more about your body and how it works. Also:

• Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about the side effects of the medicines you take. Talk to them about surgeries and health conditions. Treating underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, may help.
• Talk with a counselor or mental health professional if you are depressed, stressed or having relationship issues.
• Reduce your alcohol consumption, eat healthy, and get regular exercise.
• Talk to your partner about what you like and don’t like in your sexual relationship.
• Practice “sensate focus” exercises. This is where one partner gives a massage, while the other partner says what feels good and requests changes (example: “lighter,” “faster,” etc.). Fantasizing may increase your desire.
• Kegel exercises (squeezing and relaxing the muscles of your vagina) may increase arousal.
• Try sexual activity other than intercourse, such as massage, oral sex, or masturbation.
• Do not use recreational drugs or abuse opioids.

TREATMENT

What can I do?

• If desire is the problem, try changing your usual routine. Try having sex at different times of the day or try a different sexual position. Talk with your partner about your likes and dislikes. Talk with your healthcare provider about the side effects of the medicines you are taking and the use of hormone replacement therapy.
• Arousal disorders can often be helped if you use a vaginal cream or sexual lubricant for dryness. If you have gone through menopause, talk to your healthcare provider about taking estrogen or using an estrogen cream. Talk with your healthcare provider about prescription treatment options (one example: Viagra). However, Viagra and hormone replacement therapy have immediate and long-term side effects.
• If you’re having pain during sex, try different positions. When you are on top, you have more control over penetration and movement. Emptying your bladder before you have sex, using extra lubrication or taking a warm bath before sex, all may help. If you still have pain during sex, contact your healthcare provider. They can help you find the cause of your pain and decide what treatment is best for you.

Living with sexual dysfunction

Depending on the cause of your sexual dysfunction, you may or may not have to live with it. Talk with your healthcare provider about possible causes and treatments. Talk you’re your partner about reimagining your sex life. Talk with a sex therapist or counselor if needed.