Summarize the effects of one type of sexual dysfunction that can affect both men and women. What are some factors that may cause this type of dysfunction? What treatments may help people who experience this type of dysfunction?

There are four known types of sexual dysfunctions; sexual desire disorder, sexual arousal disorder, orgasmic disorder, and sexual pain disorder. All of these sexual disorders are in some way connected on psychological levels which cause these dysfunctions.

The orgasmic disorder is split into two categories. The first category is the female orgasmic disorder. This disorder causes women a challenge to achieve orgasm if they can achieve it, but this does not always count for masturbation. Women with this disorder usually do not receive enough clitoral stimulation during sexual intercourse to be able to achieve orgasm. Performance anxiety or sexual guilt may provoke an outburst. Also, trying too hard causes the opposite. Another main problem women encounter is not participating to the fullest. They rather watch than engage when it comes to active sexual intercourse. Women can also experience premature ejaculation, but most of the times this is not even recognized or classified as orgasmic disorder.

The second category is the male orgasmic disorder which differs slightly from the female orgasmic disorder. While males generally reach orgasm, it either happens too early or it takes long time. This may not include masturbation or oral sex. The causes for not achieving orgasm may be physical such as multiple sclerosis or neurological damage, chemical such as drugs, or psychological to include, but not limited to sexual guilt, performance anxiety, or feelings of anger towards the partner. Emotional factors can also be causes. Premature ejaculation is more common in men and the time frame which considers prematurity is undefined.

There are several approaches to treating orgasmic disorder. The goal of therapy is change of self-defeating beliefs and attitudes, teaching sexual skills, enhancing sexual knowledge, improving sexual communication, and reducing performance anxiety. The Masters-and Johnson approach focuses more on working with the couple compared to therapy which focuses more on the individual. This allows for communication between the couple and the ability to express problems or concerns about the other gender. One commonly used program to treat female orgasmic disorder is directed-masturbation. This program covers seven elements which are education, self-exploration, self-massage, giving oneself permission, fantasies, use of vibrators, and the involvement of the partner. A combination of sexual techniques and interpersonal problems is known to be the most effective. The male orgasmic disorder is generally treated by reducing performance anxiety and increasing sexual stimulation. This is done by breaking the pattern of not being able to ejaculate within the vagina. Men who suffer from premature ejaculation are shown the squeeze technique in which you squeeze the tip of the penis to prevent ejaculation and to build up tolerance towards sexual stimulation. Another method commonly used is the “stop-start” method. The male signals when he is close to ejaculating and stops movement to keep control. There have also been recent studies which treated premature ejaculation with a drug called clomipramine which usually treats people with obsessive-compulsive disorder or schizophrenia. Drugs to treat depression have also aided in the prevention of premature ejaculation.

Reference

Rathus, S. A., Nevid, J.S., and Fichner-Rathus, L. (2005). Human sexuality in a world of diversity. (6th ed.) Boston: Allyn and Bacon.