While most people will have a sexual problem at some point in their lives, these problems tend to go away without needing treatment. However, there are sexual dysfunctions that many individuals struggle with whether they are short-term or long-term.
To be diagnosed with a sexual dysfunction, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) indicates that the problem needs to be persistent (occurring at least 75 per cent of the time), cause distress, and have been present for six months or more. The most common sexual dysfunction that comes to mind is erectile dysfunction, but there are several others to be aware of.
Sexual dysfunctions are categorized as lifelong or acquired and as either generalized or situational. Generalized means that the dysfunction occurs in all situations. Situational means that the dysfunction occurs in some situations, for example the dysfunction may occur in partnered activity, but not during masturbation.
The most recent version of the DSM, the DSM-V released in 2013, lists seven main sexual dysfunctions:
Female sexual interest/arousal disorder
Lack of or low sexual desire
Difficulty becoming sufficiently lubricated
Female orgasmic disorder
Having difficulty or being unable to reach orgasm
Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder
Sexual intercourse causes pain
Dyspareunia: persistent pain during stimulation of the vaginal area
Vaginismus: involuntary contraction of pelvic muscles
Erectile disorder
Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
Male hypoactive sexual desire disorder
Lack of or low sexual desire
Premature ejaculation
Ejaculation occurs too early to enjoy sexual relations
Delayed ejaculation
Ejaculation does not happen or takes a prolonged period of time
Check out the next issue for more information on sexual dysfunction. On stands Mar. 14.