Sexual Dysfunction Treatment Glenn Dale, MD
For many, sex is a joyful part of life, and a critical part of a healthy intimate relationship. Sexual problems of any kind are a sore subject, with the potential to bring about embarrassment and shame, despite being quite common. Sexual dysfunction broadly refers to any problem which occurs at any phase of the sexual response cycle to prevent the individual or couple from experiencing satisfaction from the sexual activity.
Common types of sexual dysfunction include:
- Desire disorders—lack of desire or interest in sex
- Arousal disorders—inability to become physically aroused or excited during sexual activity
- Orgasm disorders—delay or absence of orgasm (climax)
- Pain disorders—pain during intercourse
Sexual dysfunction, despite its stigma, is treatable, with a variety of options existing to address the underlying cause or causes of your sexual dysfunction. To schedule a consultation with a qualified healthcare provider in Glenn Dale that specializes in sexual dysfunction treatment, call (410) 266-3613 or contact Dr. Alan Stuart Weiss online.
Causes of Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction may be caused by a number of factors, usually relating to a physical or psychological issue.
Physical issues include:
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Neurological disorders
- Hormonal imbalance
- Kidney or liver failure
- Alcoholism and drug abuse
Psychological issues include:
- Work-related stress and anxiety
- Concern about sexual performance
- Marital or relationship problems
- Depression
- Guilt
- Concerns about body image
- Past sexual trauma
Sexual Dysfunction Symptoms
Sexual dysfunction is typically characterized by the following general sexual dysfunction symptoms in both men and women:
- Lack of interest in sex or no interest at all (low libido)
- Inability to become aroused
- Pain associated with intercourse
Additionally, sexual dysfunction symptoms present distinctly in men and women.
Sexual Dysfunction in Men
Male sexual dysfunction is typically associated with any of the following symptoms:
- Inability to achieve or maintain an erection suitable for intercourse (erectile dysfunction )
- Absent or delayed ejaculation despite adequate sexual stimulation (retarded ejaculation)
- Inability to control the timing of ejaculation (premature ejaculation)
- Ejaculation in which semen is forced back into the bladder rather than the end of the penis at orgasm (retrograde ejaculation)
- Lack of interest in sex or no interest at all (low libido)
Sexual Dysfunction in Women
Sexual problems in women may be indicated by any of the following symptoms:
- Lack of interest or desire in sex (hypoactive sexual desire disorder, or female sexual arousal disorder, which is characterized by low libido)
- Inadequate vaginal lubrication before or during intercourse
- Inability to relax the vaginal muscles enough to allow intercourse
- Inability to achieve an orgasm (female orgasmic disorder)
- Pain associated with sex (dyspareunia)
Sexual Dysfunction Treatment
Sexual dysfunction treatment typically aims to correct and treat the underlying physical or psychological issue that is causing your sexual dysfunction. Treatment options for men and women include sex therapy and couples counseling to address psychological factors causing sexual dysfunction, as well as hormone balance to address hormonal deficiencies (such as testosterone or estrogen) that could be causing dysfunction. Treatment for male- and female-factor sexual dysfunction also exist and varies.
For male sexual dysfunction, treatment may include:
- Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors to improve erectile function by increasing blood flow to the penis. Popular medications include Viagra®, Cialis®, Levitra®, Staxyn® and Stendra®
- Mechanical aids such as vacuum devices and penile implants
- Blood vessel surgery (though uncommon) to bypass obstructed penile arteries
- Testosterone hormone replacement therapy which replenishes depleted testosterone hormones which may be involved in causing your low libido and overall fatigue
- Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) which repairs damaged penile tissues by injecting platelets extracted from your own body
- Shock wave therapy which uses low-intensity acoustic waves to stimulate blood flow to the penis
For women, sexual dysfunction treatment could include:
- Bioidentical estrogen hormone replacement therapy to combat the symptoms of menopause including diminished sex drive, vaginal dryness, fatigue, stress, anxiety and depression, among others
- Lubricants to help relieve vaginal dryness and increase pleasure during sex
- Platelet rich plasma (PRP) to regenerate new tissue and rejuvenate reproductive health
- Radiofrequency and ultrasound therapies to improve vaginal laxity for increased sexual pleasure and function
For both men and women, certain lifestyle changes—such as losing excess weight, exercising regularly, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption—may help improve sexual function. It is important to meet with a healthcare provider who can address your sexual dysfunction and provide advice, counseling and effective treatment. Schedule a consultation at a sexual health clinic in Glenn Dale today. Call (410) 266-3613 or contact Dr. Alan Stuart Weiss online.
Annapolis Integrative Medicine
Address
1819 Bay Ridge AveSuite 180
Annapolis, MD 21403
(410) 266-3613
www.annapolisintegrativemedicine.com