Psychosexual Disorders

Psychosexual disorders, encompassing a range of conditions from difficulties in sexual functioning to more complex disorders, can significantly impact an individual’s emotional well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life. Understanding these disorders, their prevalence, causes, symptoms, available support, and treatment options is crucial in providing comprehensive care for affected individuals.

While accurate prevalence data for psychosexual disorders in the UK can be challenging to determine due to underreporting and stigma, studies suggest that these disorders are relatively common. According to the Sexual Health and Relationships Survey conducted by the National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal), approximately 1 in 10 adults in the UK report experiencing a sexual difficulty lasting three months or more in the past year.

What are Psychosexual Disorders?

Psychosexual disorders are a group of conditions characterised by persistent and distressing difficulties related to sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, or pain during sexual activity. These disorders can manifest in various forms, including but not limited to erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, female sexual arousal disorder, and vaginismus. Additionally, conditions such as paraphilias, involving atypical sexual interests or behaviours, fall within the realm of psychosexual disorders.

How Do They Affect an Individual?

Psychosexual disorders can have profound effects on an individual’s mental and emotional well-being, as well as their relationships. Feelings of frustration, inadequacy, shame, and guilt are common among those struggling with these disorders. Intimate relationships may suffer due to difficulties in sexual functioning, leading to communication barriers, decreased sexual satisfaction, and even relationship breakdowns. Furthermore, the stigma surrounding sexual health issues can exacerbate feelings of isolation and reluctance to seek help.

Symptoms/Traits of Individuals with Psychosexual Disorders

Symptoms of psychosexual disorders vary depending on the specific condition but may include:

• Low Sexual Desire: Individuals may experience a persistent lack of interest or desire for sexual activity, leading to decreased frequency of sexual encounters and reduced intimacy with their partner.
• Erectile Dysfunction: Men with erectile dysfunction may have difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection firm enough for satisfactory sexual performance, resulting in frustration, anxiety, and self-esteem issues.
• Premature Ejaculation: This condition involves ejaculation that occurs too quickly, often before or shortly after penetration, leaving both partners dissatisfied with the sexual experience.
• Pain During Intercourse: Pain during sexual activity, known as dyspareunia, can arise from various factors such as infections, hormonal imbalances, psychological issues, or physical conditions like vaginismus or endometriosis. It can lead to avoidance of sexual activity and strain on intimate relationships.

Causes of Psychosexual Disorders

The causes of psychosexual disorders are multifaceted and may involve a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors.

• Psychological Factors: Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, and past traumatic experiences can contribute to sexual difficulties by affecting arousal, desire, and overall sexual functioning.
• Physical Health Conditions: Medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hormonal imbalances, neurological disorders, and chronic pain conditions can interfere with sexual function by affecting blood flow, nerve function, hormone levels, and overall physical health.
• Medications: Certain medications, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, blood pressure medications, and hormonal therapies, may have side effects that impact sexual desire, arousal, and performance.
• Relationship Issues: Relationship problems, communication difficulties, lack of emotional intimacy, and unresolved conflicts with partners can contribute to sexual difficulties by creating tension, stress, and insecurity in the relationship.
• Lifestyle Factors: Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, poor diet, lack of exercise, and sleep disturbances can negatively impact sexual health by affecting overall physical and mental well-being.
• Cultural and Societal Influences: Cultural or societal norms, values, beliefs, and attitudes surrounding sex and sexuality can influence an individual’s perception of their own sexuality, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, or inadequacy.

NHS Support and Treatment Options

The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK offers support and treatment for individuals with psychosexual disorders through various channels:

• General Practitioners (GPs): GPs can provide initial assessments, information, and referrals to specialised services.
• Psychosexual Therapy Services: These services, often available through NHS clinics or hospitals, offer counselling and therapy specifically tailored to address psychosexual difficulties.
• Sexual Health Clinics: NHS sexual health clinics provide confidential advice, testing, and treatment for sexual health issues, including psychosexual disorders.
• Online Resources: The NHS website offers information and self-help resources for individuals seeking guidance on sexual health concerns.

Hospital Treatment

In severe cases or when psychosexual disorders are accompanied by other physical or mental health conditions, hospital-based treatment may be necessary. Hospital-based treatment options may include: