Are you struggling with a lack of sexual desire or physical response? You may have a sexual arousal disorder.
In this article, we’ll explore the different types of sexual arousal disorder, their causes and symptoms, as well as the difference between sexual arousal disorder and HSDD. What is Sexual Arousal Disorder?
Sexual arousal disorder is the inability to become sexually aroused or maintain arousal during sexual activity. It’s also known as hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), which involves both physical and emotional conditions that cause a decrease in sexual desire.
While both disorders share similarities, sexual arousal disorder specifically focuses on the lack of physical response.
Types of Sexual Arousal Disorder
There are different types of sexual arousal disorder that affect both men and women. In men, it’s called male sexual arousal disorder, while in women, it’s called female sexual arousal disorder.
Women may also experience a combination of subjective, genital and combined arousal disorder, also known as FSAD. Additionally, erectile dysfunction is a type of sexual arousal disorder male’s experience.
Causes of Sexual Arousal Disorder
A healthy lifestyle can help prevent sexual arousal disorders, and the following factors are known to cause it:
Unhealthy Diet: A diet high in saturated and trans fats can affect the blood vessels that supply blood to the genitals, leading to sexual dysfunction. Smoking: Nicotine narrows the blood vessels, making it harder to achieve or maintain an erection.
Sedentary Lifestyle: Not getting enough exercise can affect blood flow and lead to sexual dysfunction. Alcoholism: Drinking heavily can affect the nervous system and cause sexual dysfunction.
Diabetes and Heart Disease: These can affect the blood vessels and nerves that supply blood to your genitals. Hormonal Imbalance: Hormonal changes, particularly in women, can cause a drop in sex drive and vaginal dryness.
Antidepressants and Antihistamines: These drugs can have an adverse impact on sexual desire. Psychological and Social Factors: Mental health issues like depression, stress, and anxiety can affect sexual desire and response.
Symptoms of Sexual Arousal Disorder
The symptoms of sexual arousal disorder can vary from person to person. Here are the most common symptoms:
Lack of Sexual Desire: You may have little or no interest in sex, and it may affect your personal relationship.
Lack of Initiation of Sexual Activity: You may have no desire to initiate sexual activity, leading to physical and emotional distance between you and your partner. Lack of Sexual Thoughts and Fantasies: You may find it challenging to have sexual thoughts, let alone being aroused enough to have sex.
Inability to Feel Physically Aroused: Even if you have sexual thoughts, you may not experience the physical response necessary for sexual activity. Need for External Lubricants or Artificial Stimulation: Vaginal dryness and difficulty achieving an erection might mean you require external lubricants or artificial stimulation.
Conclusion
Sexual arousal disorders are common, and there is no need to feel ashamed. If you are struggling with any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s essential to talk to your doctor and explore treatment options.
A healthy lifestyle, open communication with your partner, and counseling or medical treatment can help you overcome this disorder and lead a fulfilling sex life. Remember, sexual health is essential for overall wellness, so don’t hesitate to seek help if you need it.
When it comes to relationships, sexual arousal disorder can have a significant impact. The inability to become sexually aroused or maintain arousal during sexual activity can lead to a range of problems that can affect both partners.
Here are some of the ways in which sexual arousal disorder can impact relationships and some coping strategies for dealing with the disorder within a relationship.
Anxiety
One of the most significant effects of sexual arousal disorder on relationships is anxiety. When one partner is unable to find sexual arousal or satisfaction, both partners can feel anxious.
The partner without sexual arousal disorder might feel guilty, worried, or anxious about their inability to satisfy their partner. Meanwhile, the partner with the disorder may feel stress and pressure to perform and satisfy the other, leading to even more anxiety.
Self-Esteem Issues
For the partner experiencing sexual arousal disorder, self-esteem issues can be a significant concern. They might feel undesirable or unattractive, leading to negative thinking that pervades other parts of their life.
These types of self-esteem issues can have a lasting impact on the individual, and it’s important to address them before they become more severe.
Lack of Intimacy
Sexual arousal disorder can affect both emotional and physical intimacy. The lack of emotional closeness can impact the overall health of the relationship.
Meanwhile, the physical distance can lead to feelings of resentment and frustration.
Lack of Communication
Effective communication is a strong pillar of a healthy relationship. And when it comes to sexual arousal disorder, communication is crucial.
However, it can be challenging to communicate effectively when discussing sex-related issues. The stigma surrounding sex can make it challenging for some individuals to be open and honest about their experiences.
Avoidance
When couples experience sexual arousal disorder, it’s common for both partners to want to avoid the problem. It might lead to them avoiding each other or avoiding sexual encounters altogether.
Avoiding the problem or one another only complicates the matter further and may make it more difficult to find a solution.
Coping Strategies for Sexual Arousal Disorder in Relationships
Research
The first step to coping with sexual arousal disorder is to educate oneself about the condition. Take the time to research the disorder, the causes, and potential treatment options.
Make sure to use reliable sources to avoid misinformation that might do more harm than good.
Speak to a Doctor
It’s important to speak to a doctor or medical professional about the problem. The right medical professional can provide accurate information, diagnose any underlying medical issues, and suggest potential treatments.
Speak to a Partner
It’s essential to speak openly and honestly with your partner about the problem.
Avoidance only exacerbates the issue, and open communication can lead to a shared understanding and potentially discovering a viable solution.
Counseling
For some couples, speaking to a counselor might be the solution. A professional can help provide an outside perspective, offer advice, and teach the couple techniques to manage the anxiety and stress surrounding the condition.
Lifestyle Changes
Some of the underlying causes of sexual arousal disorder can be lifestyle-related. Making small lifestyle changes such as getting regular exercise, quitting smoking, lowering alcohol consumption, and eating a balanced diet can help relieve symptoms.
In conclusion, sexual arousal disorder can have an everlasting effect on relationships, but it’s essential to know that it’s treatable. The key is to recognize the problem, communicate openly with the partner, and seek professional help if the problem persists.
Remember, a little patience, understanding, and care can go a long way in managing the challenges of sexual arousal disorder. Having a partner with sexual arousal disorder can be challenging, leading to feelings of anxiety, frustration, and self-doubt.
However, it’s essential to recognize that having this disorder doesn’t mean the end of the relationship. Here are some ways to support a partner with sexual arousal disorder.
Keep Communication Open
Open communication is the key to any healthy relationship, but it’s especially important when one partner has sexual arousal disorder. The partner with the disorder may struggle with feelings of embarrassment and vulnerability, which can make it challenging to talk about their experiences.
As a supportive partner, it’s essential to create a safe space for conversation and regularly check-in about how they’re feeling. Initiate
Counseling
Counseling is a great tool for couples to help manage sexual arousal disorder in their relationship. Still, it can be difficult to take the first step and seek out counseling.
As a supportive partner, it can be helpful to initiate the conversation about counseling and to go together to provide support. It’s essential to frame counseling as an opportunity to strengthen your relationship, rather than a reflection of a problem.
Keep The Intimacy Alive
When one partner experiences sexual arousal disorder, sexual intimacy can become challenging. However, intimacy doesn’t solely revolve around sexual activity.
As a supportive partner, you can initiate non-sexual intimacy such as cuddling, holding hands or spending time together in a way that isn’t pressure-filled. Accept the fact that your partner may not always be receptive to sexual advances, but simple touches can help keep your bond strong.
Learn About Treatment Options
Each individual with sexual arousal disorder may require unique treatment options; it’s essential to educate yourself on what methods are available. Understanding the gender-based treatments available, including different medications or therapies, can be a big relief to your partner.
Knowing what options are available and educating oneself can help promote a sense of partnership, and make your partner feel supported and heard.
Seek Mental Health Support for Oneself
Supporting a partner with sexual arousal disorder can take a toll on one’s mental health, self-esteem, and self-worth. It’s essential to manage the difficult emotions that may arise, so consider seeking support from a mental health professional for yourself.
Therapy can help you work through these emotions, provide you with tools for coping, and improve relationship communication.
Conclusion
Supporting a partner with sexual arousal disorder can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that seeking help is a crucial first step to managing the situation. Maintaining open communication, seeking counseling, keeping the intimacy alive, learning about treatment options, and seeking mental health support for oneself are a few ways to support a partner through this issue.
With patience, understanding, and diligence, a supportive partner can help their loved one with sexual arousal disorder feel heard, validated, and empowered in the relationship. In conclusion, sexual arousal disorder is a common problem that can affect both men and women.
It can impact relationships in various ways, including anxiety, self-esteem problems, lack of intimacy, and avoidance. However, there are many coping strategies available, such as seeking professional help, maintaining open communication, initiating counseling, keeping the intimacy alive, and educating oneself and one’s partner about potential treatment options.
Supporting a partner dealing with sexual arousal disorder can be challenging, but it is essential to remember that there is always hope for overcoming this condition. With patience, understanding, and diligence, couples can manage the issue and maintain a healthy, fulfilling relationship.