Sexual dysfunction is a more common problem than our highly sexualized culture usually acknowledges. Since 43 percent of women and 31 percent of men report some degree of difficulty in their sexual response and/or satisfaction, and since it can be assumed that such experience is underreported, a substantial portion of the population is having trouble with a form of natural behavior that should be a source of ongoing pleasure and gratification.
If you or your partner suffers from some form of sexual dysfunction, you should not suffer in silence. Take the important step of consulting with a well-respected doctor who specializes in hormone replacement therapy to find out whether there is a simple medical cause for your difficulties that can be easily remedied.
Sexual dysfunction is defined as a problem that occurs during any phase of the sexual response cycle. The sexual response cycle includes four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. Desire and arousal are considered parts of the excitement phase. Difficulty during any one of these phases on the part of one partner typically affects both partners’ levels of satisfaction with the sexual experience and may not only lead to individual physical disappointment and emotional stress but also to disturbances in the couple’s relationship.
Either partner may be troubled by a lack of sexual desire, inability to become aroused, delay or disability in achieving orgasm, or pain during intercourse. Men may have trouble achieving or maintaining an erection, a condition known as erectile dysfunction, may not be able to ejaculate even after sufficient sexual stimulation, or may ejaculate too early (premature ejaculation). Women, on the other hand, may lack adequate vaginal lubrication before and during intercourse, may be unable to relax the vaginal muscles enough to allow penetration, or may be unable to achieve climax.
While sexual dysfunction can occur at any age, it shows up more frequently in individuals over the age of 40 when the body may begin to feel the effects of aging and when more health problems occur.
There are many causes of sexual dysfunction, including disease conditions, reactions to certain medications, alcohol or drug abuse, and psychological or relationship problems. More often than is usually presumed, a hormonal imbalance may be the underlying cause of sexual dysfunction. This is why it is important to be evaluated by a physician skilled in diagnosing and treating hormone imbalances.
There are many treatments for sexual dysfunction. In some cases, medications, medical devices, behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, and/or sex therapy may be helpful. In many circumstances, however, a hormone imbalance may be the underlying cause. This is why it’s essential to have proper diagnostic testing administered. If a hormonal imbalance is the problem, the administration of bioidentical hormones can be life-changing, restoring the patient’s revitalized, robust sex life.
