The 8 most frequent sexual problems and how to treat them
Both men and women can experience a wide variety of sexual dysfunctions . Some of these disorders involve pain, difficulty reaching orgasm or difficulty maintaining sexual arousal.
Suffering sexual problems is a complex experience, because often this situation not only affects the person who suffers, but also their partner. Although psychologists who are experts in sexual therapy deal with patients who come to their offices for this type of disorder every day, many individuals find it difficult to take the step and seek professional help, mainly because of the shame they feel.
Main sexual problems
What are the main sexual problems that both men and women suffer? What disorders affect the sexual well-being of a person or a couple?
In the following lines you can find a list of the most common sexual problems and how to treat them.
1. Disorder of sexual desire
Lack of interest in sex, or lack of sexual desire, is a frequent problem in both sexes ; however, it is more common among women. In fact, it is considered the most common sexual dysfunction in women, reaching an incidence of 33% between 18 and 59 years and up to 45% in menopause. This apathy not only includes disinterest in sex, but also in all sexual behavior, such as masturbation.
The causes can be both physical and psychological. Regarding the latter, the following stand out: couple problems, other sexual dysfunctions (vaginismus, erectile dysfunction, etc.), mood disorders, anxiety and stress, fatigue or monotony.
2. Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is the inability that man has to achieve and / or maintain the erection of the penis and, therefore, to have a satisfactory coitus. It is one of the most feared sexual problems among men, and can have a severe impact on the life of the affected person, especially in their self-esteem and in their interpersonal relationships.
It happens for different reasons, although execution anxiety is one of the psychological origins that can cause this sexual limitation and that turns this problem into a vicious circle from which it is difficult to leave.
- If you want to know more about this disorder, you can read the article written by the Mensalus Psychology Center: "Erectile dysfunction (impotence): what it is and what is its treatment".
3. Disorder in sexual arousal in women
Arousal disorder in women refers to the inability to experience physiological changes during sexual arousal , such as vaginal lubrication, acceleration of heartbeat and muscle tension; a situation that lasts throughout sexual activity. As with erectile dysfunction, the arousal disorder in women has a high incidence.
The psychological factors that are most important in the appearance of this sexual problem are the anticipated fear of having a new sexual failure and the anxiety that this fear provokes.
4. Vaginism
Vaginismus is a female sexual dysfunction that is characterized by the inability to achieve vaginal penetration due to the contraction of the muscles that surround the entrance of the vagina. It occurs due to a reflex spasm that causes the muscles of this area to contract, thus causing the closure of the vaginal opening.
The cause is usually found in the fact that some women relate penetration with the feeling of danger. The anxiety that results from this situation causes a tension response that makes the relaxation of the vaginal musculature impossible.
- Related article: "Vaginismus: causes, symptoms and possible solutions"
5. Premature ejaculation
Premature ejaculation is a disorder of the male orgasm in which the male expels the semen prematurely , without it being desired, recurrently in response to sexual stimulation either before, during or after penetration. It can originate from different causes, with psychological factors being predominant.
Among the psychological causes include: low self-esteem, anxiety of execution, depression, anxiety and nervousness.
6. Anorgasmia
Anorgasmia is another type of orgasm disorder that affects both men and women ; however, it is more frequent in the case of the latter (female anargosmia). It is defined as an absence or delay of orgasm during normal sexual activity, and as in the previous case, psychological factors tend to predominate over organic.
- If you want to delve into the causes and consequences of this disorder, you can read our article: "Female anorgasmia (inability to reach orgasm): causes and treatment"
7. Pain disorder
Dyspareunia is persistent and recurrent pain in the pelvic area during or shortly after penetration , erection or ejaculation, and can be suffered by both men and women, although it is more frequent in women (female dyspareunia). Scientific studies conclude that approximately 12% of women suffer from it. Female dyspareunia usually appears associated with problems of vaginismus.
- Maybe you're interested: "Pain in sexual relationships: causes, symptoms and solutions"
8. Disorder due to sex aversion
People who suffer from this disorder, also called sexual rejection, actively and passively avoid genital contact . The cause is usually in extreme anxiety and panic before the sexual act. It usually occurs more frequently in women.
How to treat sexual problems
Talking about sexual problems can be difficult, in large part because people in this situation may feel ashamed, guilty, unsuccessful and defeated both in life and in front of their partners. This circumstance does nothing but feed the disorder, because the individual enters a vicious circle from which it is difficult to leave.
Therefore, the best option is to seek professional help, either in person or remotely . In most cases the sexual disorders have a psychological origin, and therefore sexual psychotherapy is an effective way to deal with these problems and in this way overcome suffering and improve well-being.
- Related article: "Sexual therapy: what it is and what are its benefits"
Mensalus Institute: trustworthy sexual therapy (face-to-face and online)
If you are going through a situation similar to the one presented in the previous lines and you suffer from some sexual problem, do not be discouraged because it is possible to overcome it. Since suffering from sexual problems is a sensitive issue, it can be difficult to start a therapeutic program with these characteristics. That is why it is necessary to find a trustworthy clinic, in which you feel comfortable exposing your problem.
One of the centers of Psychology with more prestige in the treatment of sexual problems is the Mensalus Institute of Barcelona, which has a face-to-face and online therapy service. Remote service is really useful in this type of problems, because it offers anonymity, comfort and attention from anywhere in the world.
This clinic has more than 35 offering psychotherapy and improving the emotional health and quality of life of people , and is formed by a multidisciplinary team highly specialized in sexual and couple therapy, since sexual limitations can have a multi-causal origin and this implies that professionals specialized in this type of therapy must deal with mixed causes (that is, with psychological and organic).
Your team of professionals apply techniques and strategies aimed at addressing sexual performance problems so that you can achieve full and satisfying sexuality.
- If you want to get in touch with the Mensalus Institute, you just have to click here.
