Sexual Disorders & Problems

Sexual Disorders and Problems Sexual dysfunction—consistent disturbance in sexual desire, arousal, or orgasm that causes psychological distress and interpersonal difficulties 41% of women and 31% of men report sexual problems Low desire and arousal problems common among women Premature ejaculation and erectile problems common among men Sexual problems were most common among young women and men older than age 50. Stress and emotional problems were associated with sexual difficulties

Categories of Sexual Dysfunctions Hypoactive sexual desire disorder is characterized by little or no sexual desire Sexual aversion disorder is characterized by active avoidance of genital sexual contact because of extreme anxiety, fear, or disgust Dyspareunia is characterized by genital pain before, during, or after intercourse Male erectile disorder is characterized by a recurring inability to achieve or maintain an erection Male orgasmic disorder is characterized by recurring delays or a complete absence of the ability to achieve orgasm through intercourse

Categories of Sexual Dysfunctions Premature ejaculation is characterized by orgasm occurring before it is desired, often immediately or shortly after sexual stimulation or penetration Female orgasmic disorder is characterized by consistent delays in achieving orgasm or the complete inability to achieve orgasm. Vaginismus is characterized by the persistent, involuntary contractions or spasms of the vaginal muscles, which result in uncomfortable or painful intercourse Sexual dysfunctions may be caused by physical or medical conditions or by psychological factors. Many sexual dysfunctions can be successfully treated by psychologists and physicians who have received specialized training in sex therapy

Paraphelia Any of several forms of nontraditional sexual behavior where sexual gratification depends on an unusual experience, object, or fantasy The exact causes of paraphilias remain obscure. –Exhibitionism—arousal from exposing one’s genitals to strangers –Fetishism—arousal in response to inanimate objects (shoes, leather) –Frotteurism—arousal from touching or rubbing against a non consenting person, such as in a bus or subway – Transvestic fetishism—in heterosexual males, sexual arousal from cross-dressing in women’s clothes – Pedophilia—sexual fantasies, urges, or behavior involving sexual activity with a prepubescent child

Paraphelia (continued) Voyeurism—sexual arousal from observing an unsuspecting person who is disrobing, naked, or engaged in sexual activity Sexual sadism—sexual arousal achieved through intentionally inflicting psychological or physical suffering on another person Sexual masochism—sexual arousal in response to actually being humiliated, beaten, bound, or otherwise made to suffer.

Gender Identity Disorder Feeling Trapped in the Wrong Body Persistent discomfort about one’s physical gender along with the desire to be a member of the opposite sex Previously termed “transsexualism” – See “The Pregnant Man” video clip from ABC 20/20“The Pregnant Man” video clip May undergo hormone treatment or sex-reassignment surgery in which the existing genitalia are removed and the genitals of the opposite sex are surgically constructed A British soldier returns from Iraq and becomes a woman. (NBC Report – 2 min)NBC Report – 2 min

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) STD—any of several infectious diseases transmitted through sexual intercourse or other sexual contact Of the 12 million cases of STDs diagnosed annually in the US, about 8 million are among people under 25 years of age Many STDs have mild or no symptoms, yet left untreated can cause serious health problems STDs include bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections

The Aids Epidemic

What is AIDS? Acquired immune deficiency syndrome—caused by exchange of bodily fluids (blood, blood products, semen) containing the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which attacks and weakens the immune system HIV can stay in the body for many years without apparent symptoms When the virus becomes active, it selectively attacks a key component of the body’s immune system: the helper T cells. The person becomes greatly susceptible to other diseases, including cancer, pneumonia, and encephalitis; eventually, the person succumbs to some opportunistic infection Highest risk groups are gay men, IV drug users sharing needles, and people with multiple sex partners but largest group with AIDS is the heterosexual community.

Prevention and Treatment There is no cure for AIDS yet. However, combinations of three or more anti-AIDS drugs, called “drug cocktails,” have improved both the quality and duration of life for those infected with HIV. There are steps that any person can and should take to reduce the likelihood of getting a sexually transmitted disease, such as using condoms and spermicides and not engaging in high-risk sexual activity with new sexual partners.

Aids Epidemic in U.S. 2003

Global Aids Epidemic 2004