Sexual health is an integral part of our overall well-being, yet it often doesn’t get the attention it deserves. While it's easy to dismiss concerns as embarrassing or trivial, ignoring sexual health problems can lead to more serious issues. Here's why you should pay attention to these common sexual health problems.
To understand why you should pay attention to common intimate health conditions, OnlyMyHealth spoke to Dr Rohan Palshetkar, Head of Unit Bloom IVF, Professor — Department of OBGyn, DY Patil School of Medicine.
Dr Palshetkar said, “Intimacy is a key aspect of every relationship. However at times there are situations which can impact intimacy between partners. Common conditions like diabetes, depression, hormonal imbalance and even cardiovascular diseases can go unnoticed but affect physical and emotional intimacy. Ignoring these signs can sometimes lead to frustration, stress and relationship strain.” He also advised, “Open communication with your partner and doctors can help address these barriers and lead to healthy physical and emotional intimate relationships with your partner.”
What is Sexual Dysfunction?
To understand this, OnlyMyHealth interacted with Khushboo Bist, Sex Educator and Social Media Influencer, Mumbai.
According to Bist, sexual dysfunction is more common than many people realise and it affects both men and women. She said, “It can happen due to various reasons such as psychological factors like stress, anxiety, depression, and past trauma, as well as lifestyle factors like smoking, relationship issues, and poor diet. Cultural factors such as shame, stigma, and lack of education also play a role. Certain medical conditions can also contribute to sexual dysfunction.”
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Adding further, she said, “For men, conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hormonal imbalances can affect erectile function. In women, hormonal imbalances, thyroid disorders, and pelvic floor disorders can impact sexual desire and arousal.”
Types of Sexual Dysfunction in Men and Women
It is a common misconception that sexual dysfunction is common in men. However, there are some conditions which are common in women as well. Below are some types of intimate dysfunction in men and women described by Bist.
Men
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Perhaps the most well-known sexual dysfunction in men, ED is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for the intercourse.
Premature Ejaculation (PE)
PE occurs when a man ejaculates sooner than he or his partner would like. PE can also be influenced by genetics, serotonin levels in the brain, or hypersensitivity of the penile skin.
Delayed Ejaculation
On the other end of the spectrum, some men experience delayed ejaculation, where they have difficulty ejaculating, even with prolonged intimate stimulation.
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Women
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
HSDD is characterised by a lack or absence of desire for intimacy, causing distress or interpersonal difficulties.
Orgasmic Disorder
Some women struggle to reach orgasm despite adequate stimulation. Orgasmic disorder may also be linked to hormonal changes during menopause.
Dyspareunia and Vaginismus
These conditions involve pain during intercourse. Dyspareunia is characterised by persistent genital pain before, during, or after intercourse, while vaginismus is the involuntary contraction of the vaginal muscles, making penetration painful or impossible.
Conclusion
Concluding, Bist said, “It’s crucial not to hesitate in seeking help, as sexual dysfunction can have an impact on quality of life and intimate relationships.” If you’re experiencing any of the above mentioned problems or any other problem related to intimacy, it is advisable to visit a healthcare professional. Both men and women can consult with their primary care physician or a specialist such as a urologist for men or a gynaecologist for women.