Sexual Problems

Erectile Dysfunction, Vaginismus & Lack of Sex Drive

An active sex life is an enjoyable and important element of a healthy relationship. However, many people encounter sexual problems at some point in their lives. There are lots of physical and emotional reasons why this can happen, such as stress, tiredness, illness, family and work pressures, even a new baby.

If you are suffering with a sexual problem such as-

  • Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence)
  • Vaginismus (Difficulty/inability to allow penetration for intercourse)
  • Lack of Sex drive (Libido)

Then you are probably also suffering from one, or more of these other symptoms as well - a dislike of being 'put on the spot', a fear of being judged (how the world sees me), a negative self image, feelings of inferiority, over-sensitivity to criticism, a fear of rejection, finding it difficult to be assertive.

Vaginismus 

Vaginismus may not only result from past sexual trauma but also the patient having strong inhibitions about sex stemming from a strict family & or social environment.

This disorder does not mean that women suffering from this disorder are frigid. Many are very sexually responsive and may have orgasms through clitoral stimulation. Many women with vaginismus may seek sexual contact and sexual foreplay as long as actual intercourse/vaginal penetration is avoided.

 

Erectile dysfunction 

Erectile dysfunction (impotence) is more likely to be psychological rather than physical; especially if the man can still wake with a morning erection or can still manage to masturbate with no problems.

 


Physical causes

Anaemia, lack of iron in the blood
Alcoholism.
Drug abuse.
Major diseases such as diabetes.
Post childbirth - many women are too exhausted to have sex.
Prescribed drugs, particularly tranquillisers.
Hyperprolactinaemia – an overactive pituitary gland

Common psychological causes of erection difficulties include:

Nerves - especially about performing
Guilt - having an affair
Relationship problems –
Latent homosexuality
Anxiety
Stress
Depression
Exhaustion.

Low Sex Drive (libido)

Lack of sex drive (lack of libido) is common in women, but is quite rare in men. It's understandable that when a woman is having a bad time emotionally, she may lose interest in sex. As is the case with men, lack of desire in women can also be of either physical or psychological origin.

Psychological causes

Psychological causes include:

Depression
Stress and overwork
Anxiety
Hang-ups from childhood
Past sexual abuse or rape
Latent lesbianism
Serious relationship problems with your partner
Difficult living conditions, eg sharing a home with parents or parents-in-law.