Sexual dysfunction : social factors

Abstract

Sexual dysfunction refers to the disturbance of any sexual response, or lack of pleasure, at any stage of sexual activity that results in impairment of individual social and sexual functioning and produces significant distress. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), male sexual dysfunction refers to the following sexual disorders: delayed ejaculation, premature (early) ejaculation, erectile disorder, and male hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Female sexual dysfunction includes female sexual interest/arousal disorder, female sexual orgasmic disorder, and genito-pelvic pain/ penetration disorder. When diagnosing sexual dysfunctions, in addition to medical factors, social factors—including personal, partner, relationship, cultural, and religious factors—should also be assessed. An understanding of these social influences can inform treatment and assist in alleviating individual distress