Introduction
Sexual dysfunction is characterized by any activity that is a malfunction in the process that characterizes the sexual reaction cycle or by pain associated with sexual intercourse. Sexual dysfunction may consist of:
- continual or recurrent sensation or change in bodily function that is experienced by a patient and is associated with one of the four phases of the sexual cycle, like desire, excitement, orgasm, and resolution,
- the cause which may be easily noticeable by psychological suffering.
It can also be referred to as a condition whereby an individual is impotent or incapable to partake in a sexual relationship as they would wish.
Classification
Sexual disorders are classified based primarily on the first three phases of the sexual reaction cycle. Sexual physical conditions in which there is a disturbance of normal functioning affecting the desire phase are: hypoactive sexual desire disorder and sexual aversion disorder; those affecting the state of being emotionally aroused and worked up phase are female sexual arousal disorder and male erectile disorder; and those concerning the orgasm phase are female orgasmic disorder, male orgasmic disorder, and premature ejaculation. For the sake of this paper, we are going to discuss erectile dysfunction.
Erectile Dysfunction
Penile erection is described as a neurovascular observable fact which is determined by hormonal, biochemical, and biomechanical factors both centrally and locally surrounded by the penis. This is a widespread problem affecting sexual function in men. This type of dysfunction is a sentry sign for a number of reversible conditions as well as peripheral and coronary vascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Synchronous conditions such as depression, late-onset, hypogonadism, Peyronie’s disease, and lower urinary tract symptoms may drastically worsen erectile function, in addition to other sexual relationship issues and penis dysmorphophobia. This problem of sexual arousal has sometimes been regarded as impotence in males and frigidity in females.
Causes of erectile dysfunction
There are several effects of Erectile Dysfunction and we are going to discuss some of them in this paper.
Thyroid disease
Hyperthyroidism can cause Erectile Dysfunction, probably secondary to a reduced libido arising due to increased levels of circulating estrogens and sex hormone-binding globulin.
Neurogenic
Any disease process or injury affecting the brain, spinal cord, or pelvic nerves can cause Erectile Dysfunction.
Disorder of the spinal cord and central nervous system
Erectile Dysfunction is widespread in many patients of the spinal cord and central nervous system. In some cases, erectile problems involve only one of the multiple disabilities caused by common diseases within the central nervous system.
Surgical
Surgery can cause impotence, usually by damaging the nerves or arteries that are necessary for a normal erection.
Treatments of erectile dysfunction patients
Drug-induced Erectile Dysfunction is not restricted to difficulties in starting and maintaining erections. However, certain drugs have been reported to produce a deficiency of ejaculation. Some tamsulosin and silodosin have been linked with this remarkable development, purportedly through a recreation of the seminal vesicles.
Consequently, erectile dysfunction as we have discussed is a consequence of several diseases hence treatment cannot be generalized but based on a specific disease that might have caused the dysfunction.
In conclusion, as life expectancy improves, a rising number of men are likely to seek treatment for erectile dysfunction. However, a wide variety of psychological and organic factors may contribute to the problems, which must be considered when planning treatment.
Reference List
Baur, K. & Crooks, R. (2007). OUR SEXUALITY. Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning.
Sethia, K. & Eardley, L. (2003). Erectile dysfunction: current investigation and management. London. Elsevier Health Sciences.