Sexual Pain Disorder
Sexual Dysfunctions
Sexual Dysfunctions may occur in both heterosexual and homosexual relationships. Of the different stages in the sexual response cycle, three of them - desire, arousal and orgasm —are each associated with specific sexual dysfunctions. In addition, pain can become associated with sexual functioning in women, which leads to an additional dysfunction.
Sexual Dysfunctions can be:
- Lifelong -- Present during entire sexual history.
- Acquired – Interrupts normal sexual pattern.
- Generalized – Present in every encounter.
- Situational – Present only with certain partners or at certain times.
Sexual response stages are -
Desire: Sexual urges occur in response to sexual cues or fantasies.
Arousal: A subjective sense of sexual pleasureand psychological signs of sexual arousal; in males, penis tumescence (increased flow of blood into the penis); in females, vasocongestion (blood pools in the pelvic area) leading to vaginal lubrication and breast tumescence (erect nipples).
Plateau: Brief period occurs before orgasm.
Orgasm: In male, feelings of the inevitability of ejaculation, followed by ejaculation; In females, construction of the walls of the lower third of the vagina.
Resolution: Decrease in arousal occurs after orgasm (particularly in men).
About Sexual Pain Disorder:
A sexual dysfunction specific to women refers to difficulties with penetration during attempted intercourse or significant pain during intercourse. This disorder is called Genito Pelvic Pain/ Penetration Disorder for some women, Sexual desire is present, and arousal and orgasm are easily attained, but the pain during attempted intercourse is so severe that sexual behavior is, disrupted. But the most usual presentation of this disorder is referred to as vaginismus, in which pelvic muscle in the outer third of the vagina undergo involuntary spasms when intercourse is attempted.
SYMPTOMS
1. Difficulties with vaginal penetration during intercourse.
2. Pelvic pain during vaginal intercourse or penetration attempts.
3. Anxiety about pelvic pain in anticipation of, during, or as a result of Vaginal penetration.
4. Tensing or tightening of the pelvic floor muscles during attempted vaginal penetration.
CAUSES OF SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION
As with most disorders, biological psychological and social factors contribute to the development of Sexual Dysfunction.
Biological contributions:
- Neurological or other nervous System.
- Problems.
- Vascular disease.
- Chronic illness.
- Prescription Medication.
- Drugs of abuse, including alcohol.
Psychological Contributions:
- Distraction.
- Underestimates of arousal.
- Negative thought processes.
Sociocultural contributions:
- Erotophobia, caused by formative experiences of sexual cues as alarming.
- Negative experiences, such as rape.
- Detoriation of relationship.
TREATMENT FOR SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION
Treatment programs, both Psychosocial and medical, offer hope to most people who suffer from sexual dysfunctions. Psychosocial treatment include therapy program to facilitate communication, improve sexual education and eliminate anxiety. Both the partners should participate fully.
Medical treatment includes almost all interventions focus on male erectile disorder, including drugs, prostheses and surgery. Medical treatment is combined with sexual education and therapy to achieve maximum benefit.
Find Treatment Program here
REFERENCE
David H. Barlow, BOSTON UNIVERSITY
V. Mark Durand, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA- ST. PETERSBERG
2. ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY: 9TH EDITION
Davision G.C., Neale, J.M. and Kring, A.M.
3. ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY
Allov. L.B.: Riskind, J.H. and Manos, M.J.
4. ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY AND MODERN LIFE. NY: Harper and Collins. 2000
Carson. R.C. and Butcher. N.J.