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Sexual
Dysfunction: What exactly is it?
Sexual Dysfunction: An Overview
 Sexual dysfunction is a term usually referring to
either disturbances in sexual desire or functioning. Although sexual dysfunction
is usually thought of to be a male-related disorder, it may be associated with
either the female or male gender. The cause, treatment and various other issues
related to sexual dysfunction follow on other pages of this web site, but
suffice it to say that sexual dysfunction is a multidimensional phenomenon,
composed of various psychological, social and physical dimensions, for which
there are now several effective options for treatment.
Sexual Dysfunctions:
Psychologists generally define and diagnose
sexual dysfunctions according to specific categories related to some of their
basic characteristics including Sexual Desire Disorders, Sexual Arousal
Disorders, Orgasmic Disorders, Sexual Pain Disorders, Sexual Dysfunctions Due to
a General Medical Condition and Sexual Dysfunction Not Otherwise Specified. The
DSM-IV Guidebook (Francis, First and Pincus, 1995) summarizes the different
phases of “normal” sexual response and the sexual dysfunctions that are
associated with each of these phases:
(1) Sexual Desire
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This phase consists of fantasies
about sexual activity and the related desire for it. The DSM-IV disorders
related to this phase are Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder and Sexual Aversion
Disorder.
(2) Sexual Excitement
- This phase consists of a subjective sense of sexual arousal and
pleasure and the accompanying physiological changes. The major changes in the
female consist of vasocongestion in the pelvis, vaginal lubrication and
expansion, and swelling of the external genitalia. The major changes in the
male consist of penile tumescence and erection. The related DSM-IV disorders are
Female Arousal Disorder and Male Erectile Disorder.
(3)
Orgasm - This phase consists of a climax of
sexual pleasure with accompanying rhythmic contractions and the release of
sexual tension. In the female, there are vaginal contractions. In the male,
there is a sensation of ejaculatory inevitability, followed by the ejaculation
of semen. The related DSM-IV disorders are Female and Male Orgasmic Disorder and
Premature Ejaculation.
(4) Resolution
- The fourth and final phase, consists
of a sense in general relaxation, well-being and muscular relaxation. During
this phase, males are physiologically refractory to further erection and orgasm
for variable periods of time. In contrast, females may be able to respond to
additional stimulation almost immediately. There are no disorders related to
this phase.
The DSM-IV also includes two disorders related to
physical discomfort during sexual intercourse such as Dyspareunia, which is pain
occurring during intercourse and vaginismus, or vaginal spasms that interfere
with sexual intercourse.
Psychologists and other mental health clinicians
who treat patients for sexual disorders also occasionally see individuals with
Paraphilias, which are unusual sexual preferences and those with Gender Identity
Disorder which are problems with one’s sense of maleness or femaleness.
Source: DSM-IV Casebook (Francis, First and
Pincus,1995)
By Paul Susic MA
Licensed Psychologist Ph.D Candidate (Health Psychology)
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