Psychosexual Dysfunction

(Sexual Aversion; Sexual Apathy; Hypoactive Sexual Desire)

How to Say It: si-co-sex-u-ull diss-funk-shun

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

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.

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.

RESOURCES:

American Psychiatric Association
https://www.psychiatry.org

National Institute of Mental Health
https://www.nimh.nih.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Mental Health Association
https://cmha.ca

Canadian Psychiatric Association
https://www.cpa-apc.org

References:

Erectile dysfunction. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/erectile-dysfunction. Accessed November 19, 2020.

Female sexual dysfunction. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/female-sexual-dysfunction. Accessed November 19, 2020.

Hatzimouratidis K, Giuliano F, et al; European Association of Urology (EAU). Guideline on Male Sexual Dysfunction. EAU 2019.

Overview of female sexual function and dysfunction. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/sexual-dysfunction-in-women/overview-of-female-sexual-function-and-dysfunction. Accessed November 19, 2020.

Premature ejaculation. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/premature-ejaculation-19. Accessed November 19, 2020.

Last reviewed September 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Adrian Preda, MD
Last Updated: 4/16/2021

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