Sexuality is a delicate, intimate and personal subject , which, in addition to exploring intimate tastes and pleasures, seeks to satisfy and allow the best area of eroticism to be enjoyed .
However, not everyone enjoys it in the same way, it is natural to have sexual problems , even more so because sexual relations are a physical exercise, sometimes very demanding. Therefore it requires commitment and maturity .
In this article, you will learn about the 8 most common sexual problems in couples, present in men and women alike, as well as their treatments and timely prevention.
What are sexual problems?
There are many definitions, several by personal opinion. Professional opinion explains that sexual problems are a difficulty that is present at any stage of the sexual act .
Note: As a consequence of the sexual problems, there is no satisfaction in the sexual act of the couple and the desire is lost.
Many times the main problems are present in the elderly , but it can also be present in adolescents and young adults , since its causes are multiple depending on the individual. They also affect men and women equally.
Causes of sexual problems
Sexual problems occur due to many factors, both physical and psychological , it is important to recognize them, in order to know if at some point they have suffered from it. The main causes are the following:
psychological alterations
It could be said that psychological or emotional disturbances are the main causes of sexual problems, since they cause the brain to weaken in thought and the individual does not achieve concentration, affecting behavior and conduct.
Note: Among these alterations are anxiety , aggressiveness or social phobia.
physical disorders
Physical disorders can go hand in hand with psychological disorders, since they are just as serious and are often due to problems in internal organs of the body.
Note: The main disorders are made up of blood circulation problems in stressful environments (which causes erectile dysfunction in men) and muscle contractures, which greatly affect the pelvic muscles, which make the sexual act long.
stress and anxiety
Anxiety and stress are good friends, in order to overwhelm a person in front of life, both can not only lower the defenses of the immune system , but also cause lack of concentration , loss of voluntary control, sweating and generate involuntary tachycardia. This makes the sexual act not enjoyable and can become uncomfortable.
Important: A study mentions that “Having stress or anxiety is being under great pressure, feeling frustrated, bored, finding yourself in situations where it is not easy to control them, having marital problems, etc. ” (1)
trauma
It may not be that common, but it is very likely in many people with sexual problems.
The traumatisms can become serious and unexpected , being the most frequent bruises , pain and burning in the genitals, urinary infections and muscular pain (including the pelvic muscles).
drug effects
Dependence on medicines or drugs can negatively influence development and sexual acts, because they can significantly alter the central nervous system and contaminate the body , which even affects the muscles and functioning of the sexual organs. .
Important: Thanks to a study it is known that “Among the physical and medicinal factors that cause sexual problems are: drugs (alcohol, nicotine, narcotics, stimulants, some antihypertensives, antihistamines and some psychotherapeutic medications)”. (two)
Most common sexual problems in couples
There are several sexual problems, some more present than others in couples, but it is important to know about them. Among the main sexual problems, are the following.
1. Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction, or impotence , is only common in men, some older or younger.
It constitutes the inability of a man to achieve and retain an erection , many times it does not even reach the point of obtaining it.
Its causes are varied, often physical , such as: fatigue, alcoholism or diabetes. As well as psychological , stress and anxiety, are the most common.
Note: Despite everything, one study revealed the following: “Although erectile dysfunction is often believed to be due to psychological problems, it is now known that the level of 80 to 90% of impotence cases are caused by problems physical, usually related to the blood supply to the penis. (3)
2. Vaginismus
This occurs only in women , being their most recent sexual dysfunction . It can be defined as the contraction of the vagina (open or close) before the attempt of penetration, making the sexual act impossible or very difficult . It can be considered as a reflex action of the female genitalia.
Important: A study adds that “There is a primary vaginismus, which may be related to predominantly psychogenic factors while the secondary usually represents a conditioned response to physical pain.” (4)
3. Premature ejaculation
A common and unwanted problem for men, while it is repudiated by couples.
It is a sexual disorder that mostly occurs in men , where they can ejaculate at the time of starting penetration or even before starting the sexual act.
This problem usually generates anguish and a lot of dissatisfaction within couples. It can be permanent or acquired (which can be adequately treated).
Note: It is known thanks to a study, that “Premature ejaculation is the most common male sexual disorder, and whose prevalence varies from 20-30% in men who experience the known erectile dysfunction. Even those who suffer from heart failure.” (5)
4. Anorgasmia
It is a health problem that greatly affects women, which is a blockage or inability to have an orgasm, before excitement or penetration.
Therefore, it prevents the woman from having an orgasm and may even be forced to fake one, psychologically affecting the person who suffers it. Poor communication is a psychological factor in this disorder.
Note: One study estimates that 6-11% of women have never had an orgasm and 50-75% have had it very irregularly. (6)
5. Altered sexual desire
Also known as hypoactive sexual desire , this occurs very frequently and is a serious sign for couples.
It is defined by the absence or deficiency of having sexual thoughts or desires towards someone, without insisting and without feeling like it. This can affect personally and in love relationships, since it does not strengthen intimacy .
6. Sexual arousal disorder
It refers to the lack of response to sexual , physical or mental stimuli, where there is no reaction to masturbation , caresses and even kisses.
People suffering from this disorder do not react to a naked person and do not feel emotions or love for it.
Note: One study summarizes that “Sexual arousal disorders generally fall into four categories: sexual desire disorders, sexual arousal disorders, orgasm disorder, and sexual pain disorders . ” (7)
7. Sexual rejection
This can affect self – esteem and personal privacy . It is when people have a deep feeling of rejection , either by their partner or by other people.
This is perhaps because they do not want to engage in sexual relations and despise the body of others. Here the psychological factors are very present.
8. Dyspareunia
Dyspareunia is considered a terror in sexual activity, especially for women. More than sexual problems, they are direct problems to the genitals of men and women.
It is about pain , discomfort or burning, at the moment of penetration , which causes the vagina to contract, causing intense pain to the woman , losing excitement and not enjoying sex at all.
Treatment for sexual problems
As sexual problems are not at all desired in any couple, there are several treatments that can be taken to avoid and control these problems that can occur, nothing more and nothing less than in intimate life . Among those are:
specialized medical care
Medical attention will always be necessary, such as gynecologists and physiologists , who evaluate the functioning of the geniuses and prescribe necessary and appropriate medications.
Important: It is necessary to see a specialist doctor when sexual problems become very serious.
psychological therapy
Psychological therapies help to face mental and personal problems. Among those are, attack anxiety and control stress .
As well as giving answers to oppressed feelings that a person may have. This helps a lot in self-esteem and personal value.
Prevention of sexual problems
There are simple, key and direct ways to avoid sexual problems . It all starts with a small but necessary change, those are the following.
Maintain a healthy diet
It is necessary to have a healthy and balanced diet , since this influences a very strong system and organism with great functioning.
Tip: It is recommended to eat foods rich in vitamins and proteins , which help blood circulation and the development of the human body.
To avoid the use of tobacco
Tobacco has many harmful chemicals, and is the protagonist of cancers and sexual problems.
Note: It is necessary and mandatory to quit smoking , in addition to extending life, it helps prevent many unwanted personal ills, as well as having a healthy and long life .
Reduce stress
Stress is reduced with thought control, you must analyze and know how to digest the various situations to which you are exposed.
In cases of problems, do not panic and think of solutions. It is also important to maintain a calm life without thoughts of anguish or worry.
Perform physical exercise
Physical exercises help drain harmful thoughts and also strengthen muscles. This can even help your pelvic muscles, making intercourse more favorable and longer.
Tip: You can try simple exercises at home, like crunches or Kegel exercises .
Strengthen self-esteem
You must have a high and honest self-esteem . Have deep confidence and believe in yourself for sure.
This should be applied not only in privacy, but also in daily life , since this is transmitted to others, even to your own partner, with whom miscommunication should be avoided.
Go for regular medical checkups
It never hurts to do regular medical check -ups , always go to find out how our body is, if you don’t have injuries, illnesses and if we don’t have some strange disorder that affects our sexual and even daily life.
Key Findings
- Sexual problems can affect many people, regardless of gender or age.
- Its causes can be physical or psychological.
- Smoking, lack of exercise and obesity can greatly affect sexual and daily life.
- It is necessary to do exercises that strengthen the pelvic muscles to prevent sexual problems.
- Sexual problems have many treatments, which can even be achieved at home.
- You have to have communication and help from a partner , if you suffer from mutual sexual problems.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.