Sexual Dysfunction © 2000 John B. Pryor, Ph.D. Department of Psychology Illinois State University

Organic Factors that can cause sexual dysfunction Neurogenic Disorders Vascular Disorders Endrocrine Disorders Debilitating Diseases Drugs

What is the psychological condition of wanting too much sex?...For a woman?...For a man?

Stereotypes of sexual desire a satyr a nymph

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) (1994) Sexual Desire Disorders Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder Sexual Aversion Disorder

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) (1994) Sexual Arousal Disorders Female Sexual Arousal Disorder Male Erectile Disorder

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) (1994) Orgasm Disorders Female Orgasmic Disorder Male Orgasmic Disorder Premature Ejaculation

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) (1994) Sexual Pain Disorders Dyspareunia Vaginismus

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) (1994) Sexual Dysfunction Due to a General Medical Condition Substance-Induced Sexual Dysfunction Sexual Dysfunction Not Otherwise Specified

Positive emotions Accurate perception of erection & arousal Attention focused on erotic thoughts Increaseed autonomic arousal (sexual arousal) Attention focused increasingly on erotic thoughts Successful functioning DesireSex Demand for sexual performance PositiveFeedbackLoop

Negative emotions (anxiety) Inacccurate perception of erection & arousal Cognitive interference: Attention on failure & other non-erotic ideas Increaseed autonomic arousal (anxiety) Increaseed cognitive interference Dysfunction AvoidSex Demand for sexual performance NegativeFeedbackLoop

Some typical components of behavior treatment programs for sexual dysfunction Education Education Redirection of sexual behavior Redirection of sexual behavior Focus on giving sexual pleasure Graded sexual exposure Graded sexual exposure Start with massage

Specific techniques: 1. Increase Specific techniques: 1. Increase Self- Understanding Education re: anatomy, physiology, sexual response cycle Instruction on how to masturbate Homework to masturbate in private & later in partner’s presence

Specific techniques: 2. Sensate Focus Exercises Both partners remove clothes One partner “gives” while the other “receives” (& gives feedback) Initially, no “sexual” touching (gradually build up to touching genitals, orgasm & intercourse) Purpose?

Specific techniques: 3. Stop-Start Technique Manually stimulate penis until close to orgasm Stop stimulation until calmer Repeat May be done by a partner or by masturbation

Specific techniques: 4. Change position

Specific techniques: 5. Communication Why is it hard to talk about sex? Talk about sex in the news What terminology to use? Use of “I” statements