Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment for sexual dysfunction

by Prof. Ozella Waelchi Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Sexual dysfunction is normally treated by correcting or addressing the underlying problem or problems that are causing the dysfunction. If the cause is physical, the treatment will likely be medication or mechanical aids. If it is psychological, counseling, therapy, behavior modification and education may work.

Medication

Jul 29, 2021 · A health care professional may prescribe you an oral medicine, or medicine you take by mouth, such as one of the following, to help you get and maintain an erection: sildenafil (Viagra) vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn) tadalafil (Cialis) avanafil (Stendra)

Procedures

For men with physical problems, medication or devices can help. Premature ejaculation. Ejaculation is premature when it occurs so soon after intercourse begins that it causes emotional distress. While the causes still aren't understood, treatment works in almost all cases. Therapy focuses on behavioral training.

Therapy

Management and Treatment How is sexual dysfunction treated? Most types of sexual dysfunction can be addressed by treating the underlying physical or psychological problems. Other treatment strategies include: Medication: When a medication is the cause of the dysfunction, a change in the medication may help. Men and women with hormone deficiencies may benefit from hormone …

Self-care

The first step in the treatment of any sexual dysfunction is sex education/psychoeducation. The sex education needs to aim at normalization of the individual's experiences and reduce anxiety about sex by providing accurate information. The various components of sex education are shown in Table-10. Although all the areas are to be covered, special emphasis needs to be …

Nutrition

Treatment for sexual dysfunction varies based on the cause. Often, women with sexual concerns benefit from a combined treatment approach that includes both behavioral and medical treatment options. The most common non-medical treatment is sexual therapy or counseling. Couples therapy is a highly effective treatment option in helping women and ...

How do you treat sexual dysfunction?

Mar 05, 2020 · Researchers are studying several new types of treatment for ED, including: Stem cell therapy Stem cell therapy for ED involves the injection of your stem cells into your penis. Both animal studies...

What are the top 5 symptoms of erectile dysfunction?

If you’re experiencing sexual dysfunction, talk to your healthcare provider. The provider can do a thorough evaluation of physical and psychological factors tied to sex. Your healthcare provider will likely start by taking a full health history. Past surgeries, such as a hysterectomy or oophorectomy, may contribute to sexual dysfunction. A physical exam can also rule out any …

What medications cause sexual dysfunction?

Dec 05, 2017 · For deeply rooted sexual dysfunction, psychotherapy may be necessary. Long-term outlook Often, the longer a sexual dysfunction goes on, …

Is there any treatment to prevent sexual desire?

image

What is the name of the medication that is used for penile injections?

In some cases, medications generally used for other conditions are used for penile injections on their own or in combination. Examples include alprostadil and phentolamine. Often these combination medications are known as bimix (if two medications are included) or trimix (if three are included).

What is the best medication for erectile dysfunction?

They include: Sildenafil (Viagra) Tadalafil (Adcirca, Cialis) Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn) Avanafil (Stendra) All four medications enhance the effects of nitric oxide — a natural chemical your body produces that relaxes muscles in the penis.

How long does it take for a suppository to work?

The erection usually starts within 10 minutes and, when effective, lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. Side effects can include a burning feeling in the penis, minor bleeding in the urethra and formation of fibrous tissue inside your penis.

How to get rid of erectile dysfunction?

Exercise can help with underlying conditions that play a part in erectile dysfunction in a number of ways, including reducing stress , helping you lose weight and increasing blood flow. Get treatment for alcohol or drug problems.

What are the side effects of a syringe?

Possible side effects include flushing, nasal congestion, headache, visual changes, backache and stomach upset. Your doctor will consider your particular situation to determine which medication might work best.

How long does a priapism injection last?

Each injection is dosed to create an erection lasting no longer than an hour. Because the needle used is very fine, pain from the injection site is usually minor. Side effects can include mild bleeding from the injection, prolonged erection (priapism) and, rarely, formation of fibrous tissue at the injection site.

What is urine test?

Like blood tests, urine tests are used to look for signs of diabetes and other underlying health conditions. Ultrasound. This test is usually performed by a specialist in an office. It involves using a wandlike device (transducer) held over the blood vessels that supply the penis.

What is the most common problem that occurs when people lack any interest in sexual fantasies or activity?

Lack of desire. This increasingly common problem occurs when people lack any interest in sexual fantasies or activity and suffer distress or relationship problems as a result. Treatment is a multi-step process.

How does a therapist help a client with sex?

Therapists begin by helping clients identify negative attitudes about sex, explore the origins of those ideas and find new ways of thinking about sex. The focus then shifts to behavior: therapists may ask clients to keep diaries of their sexual thoughts, watch erotic films or develop fantasies. Therapists also address any relationship problems.

What is a man's therapy?

Therapy focuses on behavioral training. With his partner's help, the man learns to withstand stimulation for longer and longer periods. Painful intercourse. Painful intercourse, or dyspareunia, is recurrent or persistent genital pain that causes significant distress or relationship problems.

How does therapy help with anxiety?

Therapy focuses on reducing anxiety by taking the focus off intercourse. For men with physical problems, medication or devices can help. Premature ejaculation. Ejaculation is premature when it occurs so soon after intercourse begins that it causes emotional distress.

Why do men get nervous after a first incident?

After the first incident, men sometimes get so nervous the problem occurs again. Therapy focuses on reducing anxiety by taking the focus off intercourse.

What is Addyi used for?

A daily pill, Addyi may boost sex drive in women who experience low sexual desire and find it distressing.

How long does it take for a woman to stop taking a sex drive medicine?

Experts recommend that you stop taking the drug if you don't notice an improvement in your sex drive after eight weeks. Bremelanotide (Vyleesi). Bremelanotide is another FDA -approved treatment for low sexual desire in premenopausal women.

What is the best drug for sex dysfunction?

One drug, sildenafil ( Revatio, Viagra), may prove beneficial for some women who have sexual dysfunction as a result of taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class of drugs used to treat depression.

Why is it important to know if you need treatment for female sexual dysfunction?

Because female sexual dysfunction has many possible symptoms and causes, treatment varies. It's important for you to communicate your concerns, as well as to understand your body and its normal sexual response . Also, your goals for your sex life are important for choosing a treatment ...

What is localized estrogen?

Estrogen therapy. Localized estrogen therapy comes in the form of a vaginal ring, cream or tablet. This therapy benefits sexual function by improving vaginal tone and elasticity, increasing vaginal blood flow and enhancing lubrication.

How does smoking affect your sexual health?

Cigarette smoking restricts blood flow throughout your body. Less blood reaches your sexual organs, which means you could experience decreased sexual arousal and orgasmic response. Be physically active. Regular aerobic exercise increases your stamina, improves your body image and elevates your mood.

How to improve intimacy with your partner?

Seek counseling. Talk with a counselor or therapist who specializes in sexual and relationship problems. Therapy often includes education about how to optimize your body's sexual response, ways to enhance intimacy with your partner, and recommendations for reading materials or couples exercises. Use a lubricant.

What is sexual dysfunction?

Sexual dysfunction is a problem that can happen during any phase of the sexual response cycle. It prevents you from experiencing satisfaction from sexual activity. The sexual response cycle traditionally includes excitement, plateau, orgasm and resolution. Desire and arousal are both part of the excitement phase of the sexual response.

How to improve sexual health?

To improve your sexual health, it’s important to be motivated and take an active role in your health care, in collaboration with your medical provider.

What are the medications that help with low desire?

In premenopausal women, there are two medications that are approved by the FDA to treat low desire, including flibanserin (Addyi®) and bremelanotide (Vyleesi®). Mechanical aids: Aids such as vacuum devices and penile implants may help men with erectile dysfunction (the inability to achieve or maintain an erection).

What percentage of men report sexual dysfunction?

Sexual dysfunction can be any problems that prevent a person or couple from experiencing satisfaction from sexual activity. Some 43% of women and 31% of men report some degree of sexual dysfunction.

What is an evaluation of attitudes about sex?

An evaluation of attitudes about sex, as well as other possible contributing factors —fear, anxiety, past sexual trauma/abuse, relationship concerns, medications, alcohol or drug abuse, etc. — helps a clinician understand the underlying cause of the problem and recommend the right treatment.

Does avanafil help with sex?

For men, drugs, including sildenafil (Viagra®), tadalafil (Cialis®), vardenafil (Levitra®, Staxyn®) and avanafil (Stendra®) may help improve sexual function by increasing blood flow to the penis.

Can prescription drugs affect sexual function?

Some prescription medications and even over-the-counter drugs can have an impact on sexual functioning. Some medicines can affect libido (desire) and others can affect the ability to become aroused or achieve orgasm. The risk of sexual side effects is increased when an individual is taking several medications.

How to manage dyspareunia?

Steps in the management of Dyspareunia:As with most of the other sexual dysfunctions, the first step is to rule out other causes/factors that can cause pain. Also the assessment needs to rule out vaginismus and dryness of vagina. Treatment of dyspareunia includes sex education and teaching sensate focus (Figure-7).

What is the DSM 5?

DSM-5 has also done away with the categories of sexual aversion disorder and sexual dysfunction due to a general medical condition. The category of substance induced sexual dysfunction is now labelled as Substance/Medication induced sexual dysfunction. The Not Otherwise Specified (NOS) category has also been removed.

What are the treatment options for sexual dysfunction?

The general measures include sex education and relaxation exercises. The specific measures can be either pharmacological measures, non-pharmacological measures or a combination of both.

What are the factors associated with sexual dysfunction?

Psychosocial history:Psychological factors associated with sexual dysfunction can be divided into three categories: predisposing factors, precipitating factors, and maintaining factors (See table-6), which can co-exist with each other. The areas to be explored in psychosocial history are enlisted in table-7.

What is the goal of initial treatment planning?

Initial treatment planning requires a thorough assessment of the patient, with the goals of support, normalization, permission giving, sex education, stress reduction, symptom alleviation, improve communication skills (sexual & others) and attitude change.

What are some non-pharmacological measures?

Among the non-pharmacological measures, many types of psychotherapies like psychodynamic, interpersonal, rational emotive therapy, Master Johnson's behavioural therapy or its modifications, systematic desensitization, ban on sexual intercourse and skill training in communication of sexual preferences etc have been used.

What are the causes of dyspareunia?

Indirect causes i.e., factors that cause chronic pain, fatigue, and malaise may also contribute to dyspareunia.

What is the best treatment for sexual pain?

Sexual problems resulting from depression or anxiety may require counseling, as well as medication therapy. In the case of sexual pain, vaginal estrogen therapy and other medical and non-medical strategies may be recommended to help improve sexual enjoyment.

What is sexual therapy?

Sexual therapy generally includes education about the body’s sexual response cycle, as well as exercises and methods for enhancing intimacy and sexual enjoyment. Common medical treatments for sexual dysfunction due to an underlying medical issue include: adjusting or switching medications that have sexual side effects, ...

What is the most common non-medical treatment for sexual dysfunction?

The most common non-medical treatment is sexual therapy or counseling. Couples therapy is a highly effective treatment option in helping women and men to regain sexual health and enjoyment while helping to build intimacy in the relationship.

How to determine if a person has sexual dysfunction?

To determine the cause of sexual dysfunction, your physician will perform a physical and pelvic examination, discuss your medical history and conduct a thorough evaluation of symptoms. Your physician may also order diagnostic tests to rule out any medical problems that may be contributing to the sexual problem.

What is sexual dysfunction?

Sexual dysfunction refers to a difficulty experienced by an individual or a couple during any stage of the sexual response cycle that inhibits satisfaction from the sexual activity.

Why do women have sexual problems?

Sexual concerns are common among women and can be attributed to many different issues, both physiologic and psychological. Hormones play a significant role in regulating a woman’s sexual function. Therefore, perimenopausal and menopausal women often experience sexual problems, especially lack of sexual desire, vaginal dryness and painful intercourse.#N#Many women may not be aware that chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders can affect the sexual response cycle and cause sexual dysfunction as well. Additionally, the loss of sexual desire or enjoyment is a common consequence of cancer therapy and often persists after treatment is completed.#N#For other women, sexual dysfunction can also result from life stressors such as marital conflict, infertility issues, childbirth or an overly busy lifestyle.

Can cancer cause sexual dysfunction?

For other women, sexual dysfunction can also result from life stressors such as marital conflict, infertility issues, childbirth or an overly busy lifestyle.

What is penile shockwave therapy?

In recent years, penile shockwave therapy, or low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy, has garnered much attention. Researchers have been looking at it as a possible treatment for ED caused by vascular disease. Shockwave therapy involves passing low-intensity sound waves through erectile tissue. The goal is to improve blood function and ...

What is ED in sex?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the chronic inability to get or keep an erection long enough to have sex. It’s not an uncommon problem, and it tends to increase with age. Trusted Source. . Currently available treatments are effective for many, but they don’t work for everyone. Side effects and underlying conditions keep some people from using them.

What is ED treatment?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the chronic inability to get or keep an erection long enough to have sex. It’s not an uncommon problem, and it tends to increase with age.

Is shockwave therapy safe for ED?

While research has been called encouraging, shockwave therapy isn’t an approved therapy for ED. More clinical trials and longer follow-ups are needed to assess safety and effectiveness.

Can you use Alprostadil as a topical cream?

Side effects can include pain and minor bleeding. Alprostadil can also be applied as a topical cream, but it isn’t available everywhere.

When was the last time ED was reviewed?

Ask your doctor about the latest treatments, what’s in the pipeline, and ongoing clinical trials. Last medically reviewed on March 5, 2020.

Can you get udenafil over the counter?

udenafil (Zydena), not FDA approved. In the United Kingdom, you can get sildenafil over the counter following consultation with a pharmacist. In the United States, ED drugs are available only by prescription. These medications are effective and fairly well tolerated.

What are the most common problems related to sexual dysfunction?

The most common problems related to sexual dysfunction include: Anorgasmia: Orgasmic disorder, or inability to have an orgasm. Dyspareunia: Pain during sex. Hypoactive sexual desire disorder: Low libido, or lack of sexual desire. Sexual arousal disorder: Difficulty becoming aroused.

What is sexual dysfunction?

Sexual dysfunction can happen to an individual or a couple. It refers to any problem that prevents pleasure during the sexual response cycle. This cycle includes four phases: Motivation, or desire. Arousal. Orgasm. Resolution. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.

How many women have sexual dysfunction?

Sexual dysfunction affects about 30% to 40% of women. A lack of desire is the most common complaint. Problems with sex tend to increase as women age, but can affect women at any stage of life. Sexual dysfunction may be temporary or chronic (long-lasting).

What tests are needed to diagnose hormone imbalance?

In some cases, other tests such as imaging may be necessary. Your provider uses these tests to check for tumors, cysts or other unusual growths. Blood tests can help diagnose hormone imbalances. Vaginal cultures may be collected to look for an infection.

How to increase desire and arousal?

Arousal techniques: Talk to your partner about different ways you can enhance desire and arousal. Consider making changes to your sexual routine. You may also try erotic materials (sexual stimulation devices, videos or books), massage or masturbation. Counseling: Talking with a mental health professional may help.

Why do women have sex problems?

Psychological causes of sexual dysfunction in women may include: Depression: Depression may cause a lack of interest in activities you enjoyed before, including sex.

What is the best medication for low sex drive?

Medication: Flibanserin (Addyi®) and bremelanotide (Vyleesi™) are the only medications approved to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder (low sex drive) in women. Only women who are premenopausal are candidates for this type of treatment.

Why does my vagina hurt?

Sexual dysfunction in vaginas: Pain and discomfort. Many things can cause pain during sexual activity. Inadequate lubrication and tense vaginal muscles make penetration painful. Involuntary vaginal muscle spasms, or vaginismus, can make intercourse hurt.

What to do if you have sexual dysfunction?

If you have any type of sexual dysfunction, talk to your partner. Don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. The National Institutes of Health urge victims of sexual assault to seek counseling. You’re more likely to experience sexual dysfunction if you abuse alcohol or drugs.

What is the best treatment for sexual dysfunction?

You can address body image and other inhibitions in counseling. For deeply rooted sexual dysfunction, psychotherapy may be necessary.

Why does menopause make me uncomfortable?

The hormonal changes of menopause can make intercourse uncomfortable. A drop in estrogen levels can result in thinning of the skin in the genital area. It can also thin the vaginal lining and decrease lubrication.

What to do if your doctor doesn't discuss your problem?

Be prepared to give a complete medical history, including a list of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Tell your doctor the specifics of your problem.

Why does my penis not stay erect?

ED occurs when a penis cannot get or stay erect to engage in intercourse. This can occur due to: a problem with blood flow. a nerv e disorder. an injury to the penis. psychological problems, like stress or depression. relationship issues. Peyronie’s disease.

Is it hard to overcome sexual dysfunction?

Most of the time, the outlook for people with sexual dysfunction is quite good. However, some medical conditions make it more difficult to overcome.

image

Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
The choice of treatment is based on the underlying cause, and includes medications, therapies such as self-injections and exercises, and surgical implants.
Medication

Oral medications: To enhance the effects of nitric oxide involved in relaxing the penile muscles.

Sildenafil . Tadalafil


Penile self-injections: Injecting medications into the base or sides of the penis.

Papaverine . Alprostadil

Procedures

Penile implant surgery: Inflatable or bendable devices are surgically implanted on both sides of the penis.

Therapy

Hormone therapy:Testosterone replacement is recommended in case of low levels of the hormone.

Vacuum erection:Using a hand or battery operated penis pump for erection, followed by insertion of a tension ring around the penis.

Psychotherapy:To manage stress, depression, or anxiety.

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Quit smoking and alcohol.
  • Lose weight.
  • Talk to your partner regarding your condition.
  • Learn to manage stress.

Nutrition

The following foods have been found to help manage erectile dysfunction

Foods to eat:

  • Watermelon
  • Cooked oysters
  • Coffee
  • Dark chocolates
  • Walnut
  • Grape or pomegranate juice
  • Fish like salmon
  • Green leafy vegetables such as kale
  • Olive oil

Foods to avoid:

  • NA

Specialist to consult

Urologist
Specializes in the urinary tract disease.

Alternative Medicine

Coping and Support

  • The first thing your doctor will do is to make sure you're getting the right treatment for any health conditions that could be causing or worsening your erectile dysfunction. Depending on the cause and severity of your erectile dysfunction and any underlying health conditions, you might have various treatment options. Your doctor can explain the risks and benefits of each treatment and …
See more on mayoclinic.org

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
See more on mayoclinic.org

Diagnosis

  • For many people, erectile dysfunction is caused or worsened by lifestyle choices. Here are some steps that might help: 1. If you smoke, quit.If you have trouble quitting, get help. Try nicotine replacement, such as over-the-counter gum or lozenges, or ask your doctor about a prescription medication that can help you quit. 2. Lose excess pounds.Bein...
See more on mayoclinic.org

Treatment

  • Before using any supplement, check with your doctor to make sure it's safe for you — especially if you have chronic health conditions. Some alternative products that claim to work for erectile dysfunction can be dangerous. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings about several types of "herbal viagra" because they contain potentially harmful drugs not listed o…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Clinical Trials

  • Whether the cause is physical, psychological or a combination of both, erectile dysfunction can become a source of mental and emotional stress for you and your partner. Here are some steps you can take: 1. Don't assume you have a long-term problem.Don't view occasional erection problems as a reflection on your health or masculinity, and don't automatically expect to have er…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

  • You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor. Depending on your particular health concerns, you might go directly to a specialist — such as a doctor who specializes in male genital problems (urologist) or a doctor who specializes in the hormonal systems (endocrinologist). Because appointments can be brief and there's often a lot of ground to cover, it's a good idea to be well pr…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Alternative Medicine

Coping and Support

Preparing For Your Appointment

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9