1. Sexual Problems in Adolescence and Young Adults
CSL
Class 8 A
November 1, 2016

2. Adolescence – 14 – 25
Sexual experiences in adolescence and young adulthood are the foundation on which adult sexual lives are based.
Positive sexual functioning is clearly an essential component of sexual health.
There is limited research on the sexual functioning of young adult populations and almost none among adolescents.

3. Fifteen percent of the young women reported having orgasms less than half the time or never compared with 2.6% of the young men.
In a study by O’Sullivan & Majerovich the prevalence of difficulties among men that occurred “sometimes” or “always” included:
Climaxing too quickly
Anxiety about performing sexually
Difficulty maintaining an erection
Engaging in unwanted sexual activity
Inability to climax

4. In the same study difficulties among women that occurred “sometimes” or “always” included:
Inability to climax
Climaxing too quickly
Insufficient lubrication
Performance anxiety
Painful intercourse
Unwanted sexual activity
Lack of interest or pleasure

5. Pleasure increased with sexual experience
Follow-up qualitative interviews with 30 of the individuals in the preceding study found:
Pleasure increased with sexual experience
Sexual difficulties frequently led to sex avoidance
Sexual activity may have been high even when sexual interest was low
Pain was often linked to low arousal

6. Assessment and Diagnostic Issues
There are no age criteria for any of the sexual dysfunctions included in DSM 5
If using assessments with adolescents or young adults it is recommended that clinicians employ existing measures designed for adults.
The new genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder is far more expansive and descriptive than before and now may capture young people’s experiences.

7. Resources
Sex, Therapy, and Kids: Addressing their Concerns through Talk and Play – by Sharon Lamb
It’s Perfectly Normal; Changing Bodies, Growing up, Sex, and Sexual Health – by Robie Harris
Nurturing Queer Youth: Family Therapy Transformed – by Linda Stone Fish and Rebecca G. Harvey