Male erection problem
Sexual disorders type people -- they come in all shapes, sizes, and
kinds. A sexual disorder doesn't mean something is "wrong" with you,
only that you're experiencing the kind of issue that can suddenly affect
anyone, at any time in their lives, for any reason or no reason whatsoever.
While many sexual issues can be traced back to a physical problem or a sudden
change in one's life circumstances, many sexual disorders' causes are not general.
The good news is that nowadays,
having a sexual concern such as erectile
dysfunction (ED) or problems with getting aroused is no big deal. There are
a wide variety of treatments -- from medications to a specific form of
psychotherapy -- that can help virtually everyone with a sexual disorder, no
matter what the problem.
Keep in mind as you read through
this section that sexuality exists on a continuum. A concern only rises to the
level of a "sexual disorder" if it is causing the person a great deal
of distress in their life, and they would like to rectify the behavior or
problem. Some of the disorders listed below are otherwise considered healthy
parts of normal human sexuality. For instance, if a person has a fetish and he
or she is fine with it (and it's not causing other trouble in the person's
life), then it's not considered a disorder.
We've compiled a growing library of
articles and information related to sexual dysfunction, as well as other
articles on more general sexuality and relationship concerns. Check below for
symptoms associated with sexual disorders, and on the left-hand menu for
additional information and articles on sexuality
and relationships.
Symptoms
of Sexual Disorders
- Dyspareunia
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
- Exhibitionism
- Female and Male Orgasmic Disorders
- Female Sexual Arousal Disorder
- Fetishism
- Frotteurism
- Gender Identity Disorder
- Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
- Male Erectile Disorder
- Premature Ejaculation
- Sex Addiction (not a recognized diagnostic category at this time)
- Sexual Masochism and Sadism
- Transvestic Fetishism
- Vaginismus
- Voyeurism
Treatments
of Sexual Disorders
One of the most common sexual dysfunctions, erectile
dysfunction, is readily treated with medications. There are three drugs
approved by the FDA to treat erectile dysfunction: Cialis, Levitra, and Viagra.
All three of these medications are available only by prescription and work by
increasing the blood flow to the penis. This allows for an easier erection in
the man when he is sexually stimulated. Levitra works a little longer than
Viagra and both take effect in about 30 minutes. In both of these medications,
the effects can last between 4 and 5 hours. Cialis works a bit faster (within
about 15 minutes), and the effects can last much longer -- up to 36 hours in
some cases.
For other sexual disorders and
concerns, psychotherapy
is usually the best option. You should look for a therapist who specializes or
is well-experienced in sex therapy, a specific type of psychotherapy that is focused on
helping a person or couple with their sexual issues. (Sex therapy does not
involve any type of sexual or physical interaction with the therapist.)
Psychotherapy is nonjudgmental. A
professional therapist is there to help you address the sexual concern is a
safe and supportive environment.
