A Primer to Sexual difficulties

Published on July 25, 2018

Talking about sex is taboo in our land of Kamasutra. There is a need for an honest conversation about sex and its place in relationships. Public knowledge and attitudes towards sex are shaped by lay sources which risk being poorly informed and inaccurate. People are often unclear as to what is normal sexual behaviour and what isn’t. Studies show that sexual difficulties are common and have a devastating effect upon people’s lives. About 1 in 4 couples experience sexual difficulties at some point in their lives.

What sexual difficulties do couples experience?

Couples can experience difficulties in sexual desire, arousal or orgasm. These manifest differently in men and women. Men may experience problems due to low or excessive sexual interest (a desire problem), an inability to achieve or sustain an adequate erection (an arousal problem) or poor ejaculatory control with premature or delayed ejaculation (a problem with orgasm). Women can also experience low or excessive sexual desire, reduced or excessive excitement and arousal, pain and/or other problems with orgasm. These symptoms are not uncommon and often resolve spontaneously. When these difficulties persist, they can destroy relationships, kill confidence and self-esteem.

Why do sexual difficulties occur?

Many factors contribute to sexual difficulties. The quality of the relationship is a crucial factor though upbringing, attitudes, expectations, misconceptions acquired through internet, masturbatory practices and previous experiences play a role too. Medical illnesses such as Diabetes, Thyroid disorders, Psychological illnesses such as Depression, some types of medicines, alcohol, tobacco & illicit drugs impair sexual performance.

Who should one consult for these difficulties?

A psychiatrist should be your first point of contact. It is important for both partners to visit for a comprehensive assessment. This will include a detailed physical and psychological evaluation. Your doctor may ask for further psychological and physical investigations. A multidisciplinary approach may be helpful in certain situations.

People suffer in silence for long before they get help. Some sexual problems have simple solutions and most sexual problems are treatable. The sooner you seek help, better the outcomes.