Definition

A person with psychosexual dysfunction is not aroused or satisfied during sex. It can lead to relationship and self-esteem problems.

Causes

Psychosexual dysfunction is caused by mental health problems, such as:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Prior abuse or rape
• Guilty feelings
• Stress
• Not feeling good about yourself

Mental or emotional problems are at the center of the dysfunction.

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Risk Factors

Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:

• Having any of the mental health problems that cause it
• Problems at work
• Problems with the people in a person's life
• Hormone changes or postpartum depression from having a baby
• Worrying about your sexual orientation
• Worrying about having sex
• Prior bad feelings or pain
• Conflict with your partner
• Guilt or worry because of religion or the way of life where you live
• Money problems
• Family problems
• Abuse from your partner

Symptoms

Symptoms differ for men and women.

Men:

• Not able to keep an erection
• Ejaculate too soon or not at all
• Not able to be aroused at the right moments
• Not able to reach orgasm
• Lessened desire for sex

Women:

• Not able to reach orgasm
• Low desire for sex
• Muscles around the vagina that tighten without control and cause pain
• Pain during sex
• Dry vagina

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam may be done. A mental health exam may also be done. Blood tests may also be done.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. One or both of these methods may be used:

• Medicines to balance hormones or treat mental health problems
• Individual or couples therapy

Prevention

There are no known guidelines to prevent this health problem.