The Family Planning Association (FPA) issued a policy statement on
sexual dysfunctions; the number one statement: “The FPA recognizes that sexual
dysfunction[s] can affect both men and women of all ages and can have a
significant detrimental impact on their relationships, their quality of life
and their partners” (FPA, 2011, p. 1).
Sexual desire disorders are often misunderstood as the inability to
obtain an erection, become lubricated, or achieve orgasm. This is not true, according to Rathus, et.
al. (2005), many people with low sexual desire enjoy the closeness, physical
contact, and intimacy of sexual activity; although, genital stimulation may be
difficult. Although a low sex drive,
known as hypoactive sexual desire, is one of the most common sexual
dysfunctions it can be subjective because every person’s desires are
different. However, sexual aversion
disorder demonstrates clear signals of sexual repulsion (Rathus, et. al.,
2005).
Low sex drive can be caused by many issues such as a hormonal
imbalance, depression, a troubled relationship, stress, or advancing age. Anxiety; however, is a major factor in low
sex drive; fear of being viewed or judged negatively, sexual assault, or
certain medications also contribute to low sexual desires (2005). Whereas, sexual aversion disorder can be
considered a sexual phobia or panic disorder; fear and anxiety contribute to
the avoidance of all sexual situations (Kaplan, 1987 as restated by Rathus, et.
al., 2005). Furthermore, sexual trauma,
rape, or childhood abuse can also contribute to a sexual aversion disorder.
Most treatments for sexual dysfunctions are designed to address
the biological and psychological factors involved: changing self-defeating
beliefs and attitudes, teaching sexual skills, enhancing sexual knowledge,
improving sexual communication, and reducing performance anxieties. For both hypoactive sexual desire and sexual
aversion disorders this may involve self-stimulation, erotic fantasy, and some
form of sensate focused exercises; stressing communication and sexual
skills. For deep rooted and unresolved
anger issues, Helen Singer Kaplan’s in-sight-oriented approach may be helpful
(Kaplan, 1987 as restated by Rathus, et. al., 2005). When biological, hormonal, or depressive
issues are involved a pharmacological treatment may be added (e.g.
testosterone, anti-depressant, or anti-anxiety medication).
It is easy to see that sexual desire disorders can arise in many
situations and run from mild, allowing the individual to function sexually, to
an extreme case, with any sexual contact a repulsion; each case varies,
depending on the factors involved.
Treatment of sexual desire disorders that encompass both biological and
psychological issues may work if both partners agree to change self-defeating
beliefs and attitudes, enhance his or her sexual skills and knowledge, improve
sexual communication, and adequately reduce his or her performance anxieties. In some cases in-sight-orientation and
medication may help to attain the goal of a healthy sexual relationship. For most people addressing the issues may be
the only way to overcome sexual desire disorders.
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