Sexual Dysfunctions: Therapeutic Approaches
Sexual dysfunctions affect a significant proportion of the population: about 40% of women and 30% of men report at least one significant sexual difficulty. Desire, arousal, orgasm disorders or sexual pain: sex therapy offers effective, validated protocols for most of these disorders.
Classification
DSM-5 and ICD-11 classify sexual dysfunctions into four categories: desire, arousal, orgasm and pain disorders. They can be primary/secondary, generalized/situational, with psychological, organic or mixed origins.
Male Dysfunctions
Erectile disorder: CBT, sensate focus and performance anxiety work. Premature ejaculation: squeeze technique, stop-start, 60-90% success rate. Delayed ejaculation: stimulation modification and psychotherapy.
Female Dysfunctions
Hypoactive desire: Nagoski's 'brakes and accelerator' model. Anorgasmia: education, Kegel exercises, guided self-exploration. Dyspareunia/vaginismus: progressive dilators, pelvic physiotherapy, desensitization — 90%+ success rate.
Research Evidence
Meta-analyses confirm CBT effectiveness for premature ejaculation, vaginismus and psychogenic erectile disorder. Combined medical-sexotherapy treatment yields best results.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes. Sexual dysfunctions require medical assessment to rule out organic causes.
Medical Disclaimer
The information presented in this article is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment prescription. If in doubt, always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare professional. The techniques described do not replace conventional medical treatment.