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Sexual Difficulties

n   Sexual satisfaction subjective

n    

“Sexual Dysfunction”

Self-Concept Questionnaire

Sexual Difficulties

n   Individual factors

¨ self-concept; emotional problems

¨  

¨ sexual abuse & assault

n   Physiologic factors

¨ Disruptions of the vascular, endocrine, & neurological systems

¨  

¨ medications

n  psychiatric drugs

n  anticancer

n   Cultural influences

¨ negative childhood learning

¨ sexual double standard

¨ narrowly defined sexuality

¨  

n   Relationship factors

¨  

¨ ineffective communication

¨ fears about pregnancy or STIs

¨  

Desire Phase Difficulties

n   Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSD)

¨  

n   Sexual aversion disorder (SAD)

¨  

Excitement Phase Difficulties

n   Female sexual arousal disorder

¨  

n   Male erectile dysfunction

¨  

Orgasm Phase Difficulties

n   Female orgasmic disorder

¨ anorgasmia =

n   Male orgasmic disorder

¨  

n   Premature ejaculation

¨  

n    

¨ common & frequent among those that do

¨ due to performance pressure, lack of hope or ability to achieve orgasm

¨  

Vaginismus

n    

n   fear or ambivalence due to assault, hostility, pain, or sexual taboos

n   vicious cycle can be created

Sexual Enhancement & Therapy

n   Cautionary statements

¨  

¨ professional help may be needed

¨ see an MD to assess physical causes

n    

n   Self-awareness

¨ knowledge of beliefs, needs, and how body responds

¨ self-examination

¨  

n   Communication

n    

¨ touching & communicating without any goal à less pressure to perform

¨  

n   Cultural values and masturbation

Sexual Enhancement & Therapy

n   Masturbation with partner present

Specific Suggestions for Women

n   Becoming orgasmic

n   Experiencing orgasm with a partner

n   Dealing with vaginismus

¨ relaxation & self-awareness activity

¨  

¨ penile penetration

¨ may require professional help

Specific Suggestions for Men

n   Strategies for delaying ejaculation

¨  

¨  

¨ change positions

¨ communication à slow down

¨ alternative activities

¨  

¨ medical treatment

n  small doses of antidepressants

n   Dealing with erectile dysfunction

¨   

¨  restore confidence with success

¨   

¨  final phase of treatment is intercourse

¨  medical treatment

n   Reducing male orgasmic disorder

Treating Hypoactive Sexual Desire

n   Some suggestions same as other dysfunctions

Seeking Professional Assistance

n   What happens in therapy?

¨ identify & clarify problems & goals

¨ medical, sexual, relationship history

¨ often given homework

¨  

Seeking Professional Assistance

n   Selecting a therapist

¨ referral from trusted source

¨ ask about credentials, training, & experience

¨