If you have sexual dysfunction, there is help. Treatments are available to help you with both
physical and psychological causes
.
Sexual dysfunction is normally treated by correcting or addressing the underlying problem or problems that are causing the dysfunction. If the cause is physical, the treatment will likely be medication or mechanical aids. If it is psychological, counseling, therapy, behavior modification and education may work. Some people with sexual dysfunction may have both physical and psychological causes, and in that case, both will need to be treated.
Treatment for Sexual Dysfunction
may include:
Medication or medical treatment
If you have a medical condition that is causing your dysfunction, your doctor will work with you to correct that problem. A common cause is hormonal imbalance. Both men and women can have hormone therapy to help them restore proper sexual function. There are also drugs, like Viagra (generic name sildenafil), that can help increase blood flow to the penis. If your dysfunction is related to a medication you're taking, your doctor may be able to prescribe a different medication that won't interfere with your sexual activity.
Mechanical aids
Men who have difficulty getting or maintaining an erection may have success with special vacuum devices, or penis pumps. Penile implants are an option for some men, especially those who have lost sensation due to spinal injury. Women who have vaginismus can sometimes be treated with special dilators that can help relax the muscles in the vagina.
Therapy
Both psychotherapy and sex therapy can help with the psychological causes of sexual dysfunction. Counselors can help people work through fear, stress, anxiety, past trauma, body image issues, and other issues that can keep people from a fulfilling sex life. Sex therapists can help couples who are experiencing sexual problems as well. Sex therapists can help couples delve into problems in a way that most physicians aren't equipped to do.
Both counselors and sex therapists may recommend education, practicing communication, and behavioral treatments that can address underlying issues and help individuals and couples find techniques that work for them.
If you have
signs or symptoms of any type of sexual dysfunction
, talk to your doctor. There are treatments available that may be able to help.
The
Women's Urology Center
at Beaumont treats female sexual dysfunction through a multidisciplinary approach. Call 248-898-0898 to make an appointment.
Learn more about sexual dysfunction
: