Understanding Sexual Function: Factors Affecting Sexual Health

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What is sexual dysfunction?

Sexual dysfunction refers to a group of problems and conditions that can cause consistent difficulty in engaging in, enjoying, or desiring sexual acts. Sexual dysfunction may have physical, mental, or a combination of causes. Types of sexual dysfunction include disorders of sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and sexual pain.

What is sexual function?

Sexual function is how the body reacts in different stages of the sexual response cycle. It is defined as the ability of an individual to react sexually or to experience pleasure sexually. Relevant aspects of sexual function are described on the basis of a modified version of Masters and Johnson 's work.

Why is sexual functioning important?

Sexual functioning is an important aspect of quality of life. Our understanding of sexual functioning is influenced by not only the current state of medical knowledge but also the social values upheld in our culture.

Is sexual function a product of mind and body?

Sexual function is a product of mind and body. Physical and mental health, not just sex organs, all play a pivotal role. In fact, the brain is often considered the most significant sexual organ. Similarly, the reasons for sexual dysfunction – or any problem that prevents a person or couple from having satisfying sex – can be complex.

How does sexual dysfunction affect a person's quality of life?

Sexual dysfunction can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. A 2023 study found associations between sexual dysfunction and mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Sexual dysfunction may also indicate underlying health conditions that require treatment.

Which aspects of sexual function are relevant to the assessment?

The aspects of sexual function determined as being relevant to the assessment include; sexual desire, erection, orgasm and ejaculation. Guidelines for assessing sexual function are suggested and divided into four stages: Stage 1 deals with the documentation of the defined aspects of sexual function.

What Is Sexual Function

1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sexual-dysfunction
2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9121-sexual-dysfunction
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_function
4. https://www.healthline.com/health/what-sexual-dysfunction
5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/female-sexual-dysfunction/symptoms-causes/syc-20372549
6. https://www.who.int/health-topics/sexual-health
7. https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-1-4419-1005-9_668
8. https://www.verywellhealth.com/male-reproductive-system-5323758
9. https://health.usnews.com/conditions/sexual-disorder-dysfunction
10. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/genitourinary-disorders/male-sexual-function-and-dysfunction/overview-of-male-sexual-function-and-dysfunction

Sexual Function Information

1. https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-gb/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/female-sexual-function-and-dysfunction/overview-of-female-sexual-function-and-dysfunction