by Preda A
(Sexual Aversion; Sexual Apathy; Hypoactive Sexual Desire)

Definition

A person with psychosexual dysfunction is not aroused or satisfied during sex. It can lead to relationship and self-esteem problems.

Causes

Psychosexual dysfunction is caused by mental health problems, such as:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Prior abuse or rape
  • Guilty feelings
  • Stress
  • Not feeling good about yourself
si2011.jpg
Brain in silhouette
Mental or emotional problems are at the center of the dysfunction.
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:

  • Having any of the mental health problems that cause it
  • Problems at work
  • Problems with the people in a person's life
  • Hormone changes or postpartum depression from having a baby
  • Worrying about your sexual orientation
  • Worrying about having sex
  • Prior bad feelings or pain
  • Conflict with your partner
  • Guilt or worry because of religion or the way of life where you live
  • Money problems
  • Family problems
  • Abuse from your partner

Symptoms

Symptoms differ for men and women.

Men:

  • Not able to keep an erection
  • Ejaculate too soon or not at all
  • Not able to be aroused at the right moments
  • Not able to reach orgasm
  • Lessened desire for sex

Women:

  • Not able to reach orgasm
  • Low desire for sex
  • Muscles around the vagina that tighten without control and cause pain
  • Pain during sex
  • Dry vagina

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam may be done. A mental health exam may also be done. Blood tests may also be done.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. One or both of these methods may be used:

  • Medicines to balance hormones or treat mental health problems
  • Individual or couples therapy

Prevention

There are no known guidelines to prevent this health problem.

RESOURCES

American Psychiatric Association  https://www.psychiatry.org 

National Institute of Mental Health  https://www.nimh.nih.gov 

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian Mental Health Association  https://cmha.ca 

Canadian Psychiatric Association  https://www.cpa-apc.org 

References

Erectile dysfunction. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/erectile-dysfunction. Accessed November 19, 2020.

Female sexual dysfunction. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/female-sexual-dysfunction. Accessed November 19, 2020.

Hatzimouratidis K, Giuliano F, et al; European Association of Urology (EAU). Guideline on Male Sexual Dysfunction. EAU 2019.

Overview of female sexual function and dysfunction. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/sexual-dysfunction-in-women/overview-of-female-sexual-function-and-dysfunction. Accessed November 19, 2020.

Premature ejaculation. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/premature-ejaculation-19. Accessed November 19, 2020.

Revision Information

  • Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Adrian Preda, MD
  • Review Date: 09/2020
  • Update Date: 04/16/2021