12/30/2008

Dealing with your partner's sexual dysfunction

Unfortunately, talking about sexual dysfunction (SD) still represents a taboo subject! This could be the biggest problem because people who suffer from some kind of sexual dysfunction are not talking with anyone about this, making the problem even bigger! People, we must understand that sexuality i...


Unfortunately, talking about sexual dysfunction (SD) still represents a taboo subject! This could be the biggest problem because people who suffer from some kind of sexual dysfunction are not talking with anyone about this, making the problem even bigger! People, we must understand that sexuality is a very complex process, because several systems are involved such as: the neurologic, vascular and endocrine systems. Any of these, organic problems, as well as the psychological factors can cause of contribute to the sexual dysfunction! What to do if our partner has some kind of sexual dysfunction!? Will we crucify this relationship as %26ldquo;impossible%26rdquo; or will we try to help our partner? Experts are saying that your partner's age, health status, your feelings toward your partner, are additional factors that may combine to cause sexual problems.


What should we know about sexual dysfunctions in males and females and about possible treatment? The fact is that understanding your anatomy and your body's normal physiological response to sex could be the most important step toward gaining lost sexual satisfaction.




Most common causes of sexual dysfunction in males



If we would like to try helping our partner- we definitely must know something about possible causes of SD! Well, the most common causes could be divided into these two groups:


%26middot; Physical causes


Experts are saying that there are many physical conditions can cause problems with sexual function. Some of the most common are: diabetes, heart and vascular disease, neurological disorders, hormonal imbalances, kidney or liver failure, alcoholism and drug abuse. Studies have shown that even some medications can contribute to the SD! Some of the most common are antidepressants!


%26middot; Psychological causes


Of course, there are several psychological causes of SD and some of the most common are stress and anxiety, marital or relationship problems, depression, feelings of guilt.





Experts are saying that the most usually psychological problem could be simple concern about sexual performance.




Common examples of SD in men



There are several sexual dysfunction problems that can affect men and the most common are :


Ejaculation disorders


There are different types of ejaculation disorders, including:


%26middot; Premature ejaculation


We should know that the premature ejaculation is one of the most common men sexual problems and it refers to the situation when man ejaculate soon after penetration or even with no penetration at all!


%26middot; Inhibited or retarded ejaculation


This is not so common condition characterized with complete inability to ejaculate!


%26middot; Retrograde ejaculation


This is condition characterized by deviation of the structures with carry sperm to the outside! During this condition %26ndash;when man needs to ejaculate %26ndash;all the sperm is forced back into the bladder rather than through the urethra and out the end of the penis.


Although, all these conditions can be caused by psychological factors, sometimes- organic causes are present. In most cases some medications or nerve damage to the spinal cord or back can cause these problems!


Erectile dysfunction


Erectile dysfunction is one very common sexual problem and it is also known as impotence. It is a condition characterized by inability to attain or maintain an erection needed for intercourse. What are the most common causes of erectile dysfunction? Well, the most common are: atherosclerosis; nerve disorders; stress, depression, injury to the penis. Experts are also saying that some chronic illness, medications also can cause erectile dysfunction.


Reduced libido


Libido is the medical term for sexual desire! It is reasonable to assume that, when there is no sexual desire- sexual activity can be affected very much! Like all other causes- reduced libido also can result from physical or psychological factors.


Sexual dysfunction in women



Sexual dysfunction in women is possible, present and very common problem although this is still a taboo subject! Several researches done in the past have shown that today many women experience sexual difficulties at some point in their lives. According to some studies, almost 4 in 10 women experience at least one sexual concern. The most important thing we should know about all this is that, although sexual problems associated with female sexual dysfunction are multifaceted, they're very treatable.


Causes of female sexual dysfunction



Like we have already mentioned- there are several things that can affect our sexual dissatisfaction! Most of those are common for both- man and women, but, because of anatomical differences- these causes are a bit different! There are of course- physical causes that can contribute to the SD and some of the most common female problems are: arthritis, urinary or bowel difficulties, pelvic surgery, fatigue, headaches, other pain problems and neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis.
And now- finally the big %26ldquo;H%26rdquo;! Hormones! Several studies done in the past have proven that lower estrogen levels during the menopause may lead to changes in female genital tissues and sexual habits. Experts describe these changes as the shrinking and thinning of the folds of skin that cover female genital region. Because, now, the clitoris is more exposed and this sometimes reduces the sensitivity of the clitoris, or may cause an unpleasant tingling or prickling sensation. Like in men, some psychological factors also play an important role! Some of those who can contribute to sexual problems include anxiety, depression or stress, and a history of sexual abuse.


It is important to point out that there have also been studies that indicate that testosterone can increase sexual desire in women! This is especially expressed in woman who's low sex drive is a result of the surgical removal of their ovaries. However, everything has its bad side- it is also proven that continual treatment with testosterone may lead to masculine side effects in some women.



How to deal with partner%26rsquo;s sexual dysfunction



Communicate with your partner


All experts agree on one thing- there is nothing better than open and honest communication with partner because it can significantly enhance her or his emotional and sexual intimacy. You see, problem is that some couples never talk about sex, while others are less inhibited. If you decide to stay with your partner after you have find out about the problem- it is best for you to start a battle together with your partner against all this!. Tell your partner that he or she shouldn%26rsquo;t be ashamed of all this because it will definitely not help! Try talking to your partner about what he or she is feeling or experiencing.


Seeking for a professional advice


You see, first, it would be the best to see a doctor for recommendations. If that doctor can%26rsquo;t help you- he will refer you to a specialist, nurse, health advisor or counselor who can. The solution could be very simple! For example-if it is a medicine which is causing your sexual problems it might be possible to change it and solve all problems. Sometimes, doctor can sent you to some specialist which may offer a course of cognitive behavioral therapy to help you recognize and over-come your sexual problems. This is also one very useful treatment!


Useful medications



We should know neglect all the possible medications which could be extremely helpful! Some of the most famous and definitely most effective medications is the drug called Viagra (sildenafil). Other medications from this group are tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra)! They can help with impotence because they work by increasing blood flow to the penis, making it more sensitive to touch. However, there are some contraindications for these medications! If you are using some of the following medications- you shouldn%26rsquo;t use Viagra:


%26middot; protease inhibitors


%26middot; non-nucleoside analogues (NNRTIs)


%26middot; the anti-fungal drug ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox)


%26middot; Erythromycin


Advice your partner about possible life-style changes



Several researches done in the past have proven that some healthy lifestyle changes can help a lot in the battle against all the sexual dysfunctions! Some of the best advices for lifestyle changes would be:


%26middot; avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol


%26middot; you should definitely stop smoking


%26middot; Try to exercise regularly


%26middot; enough relaxation is needed


Therefore- we can conclude with the fact that the most important thing for your sexual health is definitely your overall health, both physical and psychological! Tell your partner that, in every stage of our life, we sometimes experience changes in sexual desire, arousal and satisfaction. Why- well nobody exactly knows because it depends on so many different factors! However, if we try accepting these changes and exploring new aspects of our sexuality %26ndash; it will definitely contribute to positive sexual experiences.