WHAT IS SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION?

Sexual dysfunction (or sexual malfunction or sexual disorder) is difficulty experienced by an individual or a couple during any stage of sexual activity, including:

physical pleasure, desire, preference, arousal, or orgasm. 

Sexual issues can occur at any time in a persons’ life, can be caused by many things and can cause a great deal of heart ache and frustration.

IS IT NORMAL TO EXPERIENCE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION?

Many people find talking about their sexual issues embarrassing but research shows that 43 percent of women and 31 percent of men report some degree of difficulty when it comes to sexual function.

WHAT ARE THE CLASSIFICATIONS OF SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION?

Sexual dysfunction generally is classified into 4 main categories:

1. Desire disorders - lack of sexual desire or interest in sex

2. Arousal disorders - inability to become physically aroused or excited during sexual activity

3. Orgasm disorders - delay or absence of orgasm (climax), or premature ejaculation

4. Pain disorders - pain during intercourse

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION FOR MEN?

In men symptoms can include:

• Inability to achieve or maintain an erection (erectile dysfunction)

• Absent or delayed ejaculation despite sexual stimulation (retarded ejaculation)

• Inability to control the timing of ejaculation (early or premature ejaculation)

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION FOR WOMEN?

In women symptoms can include:

• Inability to achieve orgasm (Anorgasmia)

• Inadequate vaginal lubrication before and during intercourse

• Inability to relax the vaginal muscles enough to allow intercourse (Vaginismus)

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION IN MEN AND WOMEN?

Symptoms seen in men and women:

• Lack of interest in or desire for sex

• Inability to become aroused

• Pain with intercourse

Physical Causes

Many physical conditions can cause problems with sexual function.  These conditions include:

• diabetes,

• heart and vascular disease,

• neurological disorders,

• hormonal imbalances,

Chronic diseases such as:

• kidney or liver failure,

• and alcoholism

• and drug abuse.

Some medications can affect sexual function, including some antidepressant drugs and blood pressure medications

Psychological Causes

• Work-related stress and anxiety,

• concern about sexual performance,

• marital or relationship problems,

• depression,

• feelings of guilt,

• concerns about body image,

• and the effects of a past sexual trauma.

BUT FIRST

It is important that you first consult with your doctor to rule out any underlying medical cause for sexual dysfunctions.

If the cause is deemed to be psychological then it is extremely likely hypnosis and hypnotherapy can help.

HOW I WORK WITH CLIENTS

We start with three sessions and then add on more sessions as needed. 

Step One:

Teach and educate - education and explanation can go a long way in helping.

Step Two:

Release guilt and shame - without the need to talk in depth about it

Step Three:

Address trauma with hypnotherapy - if there is any

Step Four:

Normalize sexual function - sometimes we just need to know we are normal.

Step Five:

Communication and connection - Learn new ways to communicate and eliminate the emotional blocks

Step Six:

Enjoyment and permission for pleasure - this is the goal!