Sexual Dysfunctions

Introduction

• Sexual dysfunctions are a heterogeneous group of disorders that are typically characterized by a clinically significant disturbance in a person's ability to respond sexually or to experience sexual pleasure.

• An individual may have several sexual dysfunctions at the same time. In such cases, all of the dysfunctions should be diagnosed.

• Subtypes are used to designate the onset of the difficulty. In many individuals with sexual dysfunctions, the time of onset may indicate different etiologies and interventions.

1. Lifelong refers to a sexual problem that has been present from first sexual experiences, and acquired applies to sexual disorders that develop after a period of relatively normal sexual function.

2. Generalized refers to sexual difficulties that are not limited to certain types of stimulation, situations, or partners.

3. Situational refers to sexual difficulties that only occur with certain types of stimulation, situations, or partners.

• A number of factors must be considered during the assessment of sexual dysfunction, given that they may be relevant to etiology and/or treatment, and that may contribute, to varying degrees, across individuals:

1. Partner factors (e.g., partner's sexual problems; partner's health status).

2. Relationship factors (e.g., poor communication; discrepancies in desire for sexual activity).

3. Individual vulnerability factors (e.g., poor body image; history of sexual or emotional abuse), psychiatric comorbidity (e.g., depression, anxiety), or stressors (e.g., job loss, bereavement).

4. Cultural or religious factors (e.g., inhibitions related to prohibitions against sexual activity or pleasure; attitudes toward sexuality).

5. Medical factors relevant to prognosis, course, or treatment.

• Aging may be associated with a normative decrease in sexual response.

Studies Related to Sexual Dysfunctions

• Sexual Dysfunctions in Lebanese Medical Students

C. Habis, R.G. Maalouf, Impact of stress and burnout on the sexual desire of trainee doctors at Hôtel-Dieu de France hospital: A single-institution survey, L'Encéphale, Volume 45, Issue 5, 2019, Pages 371-375

• Medical Students' Perception of Sexual Dysfunctions

McGarvey, E., Peterson, C., Pinkerton, R. et al. Medical students' perceptions of sexual health issues prior to a curriculum enhancement. Int J Impot Res 15, S58–S66 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijir.3901074