Sexual dysfunction
What is sexual dysfunction?
Sexual difficulties are common throughout the world and have many causes, including physical, psychological and emotional. Issues around sex may arise under certain circumstances but they are more often attributed to a combination of different factors.
Symptoms
It can be very difficult for people to talk about sexual problems, even with their partner, and yet many people will go through periods where sex is not enjoyable and can act as a knock on effect for further emotional feelings.
Symptoms will vary between men and women but some will be shared, including:
- Lack of desire for sex
- Problems getting aroused. For women, you may not be able to get aroused while men may have problems getting or maintaining an erection.
- Difficulty in reaching an orgasm
- Pre-ejaculation
- Penetration is painful or impossible
- Childhood issues relating to negative messages about sex
Who is affected?
In short, anyone can be. Sexual health problems are encountered by every kind of person and show no discrimination. Adults who are straight, gay, lesbian, married or single are prone to issues regarding sexual performance and relationships.
The difference between men and women
Research in Europe has suggested that men in the UK are more likely to deal with problems such as early ejaculation and erectile dysfunction than their European counterparts, while British women are more likely to experience a lack of interest in sex and a lack of pleasure.
Social pressure
The range of emotions encountered during sexual relations is so vast that it is almost inevitable that people will experience emotional highs and lows. The emphasis in today's society on performance and the relation between sexual prowess and capabilities adds further pressure to people and sometimes that pressure can get too much to handle.
As a result, some people may be prone to feelings of low self-esteem, lack of confidence, issues with their appearance and body image and their ability to find a partner. These questions can lead to anxiety and, in some cases, depression.
How Priory can help
Talking to health professionals about sexual problems can be daunting. In the European survey, only 26 per cent of men and 17 per cent of women had discussed their sexual problems with a doctor.
Priory has been helping to treat people with sexual dysfunction for over 25 years. We know that everyone's situation is different, which is why we ensure that everyone has a unique treatment plan tailored to their needs.
The type and length of treatment is dependent on the individual's circumstances and the severity of the condition. Some patients are treated as outpatients, which means they come to Priory for hourly sessions with their consultant, psychologist or therapist. Others require a more structured treatment approach which can include taking part in group therapy as part of our daycare programme.
For more information or to request an initial assessment, please call 0845 2 PRIORY (0845 2 774 679) or email info@priorygroup.com
To view a list of the Priory hospitals that can help with sexual dysfunction please click here.
For more support
If you feel you may be affected by sexual dysfunction and would like help or more information, you can ask your GP or contact any of the following organisations:
The Sexual Dysfunction Association
www.sda.uk.net
0870 774 3571
The Samaritans
www.samaritans.co.uk
08457 909090
Priory
www.priorygroup.com
0845 2 774 679
If you are interested in receiving treatment from us, your GP will be able to refer you.