An Integrative Health Approach to Common Sexual Problems
A well-balanced, happy, and wholesome life has many important components, including having emotionally and physically satisfying relationships with ourselves and with our partners.
When sexual problems arise, individuals often find themselves struggling with complex emotional responses: anger, frustration, depression, and embarrassment. A sense of failure and profound grief are common, potentially hurting many others areas of life.
A deep sense of shame may keep one from reaching out and asking for help, making it quite difficult to estimate the number of those impacted by various sexual dysfunctions. Statistics suggest that over 40% of women and a third of men admit experiencing various sexual problems during their sexually active years, and the actual numbers may be even higher. This silence is tragic, leading to unnecessary suffering.
Common Sexual Problems
Men and women encounter gender-specific physical difficulties that create different symptoms based on their physiological differences, yet the essential anatomy of male and female sexual response cycle is similar, and the cause of the disorders may be the same as well.
Based on this, each gender's sexual problems can be differentiated by either the time of occurrence or the cause of the physical difficulty.
1. The Problem's Timing
The sexual response cycle is built of 4 components, with dysfunctions possible during any or all of these, preventing individuals or couples from having a satisfying sexual experience.
Excitement Phase
Problems in the excitement phase for both genders can manifest as lack or significant decrease of libido — the desire or interest in sexual intercourse.
Plateau Phase
In the plateau phase the desire for sexual intercourse exists, but there is a problem with experiencing adequate physical arousal and excitement. This difficulty can translate as an inability to achieve or maintain an erection for men, or lack of proper lubrication for women, leading to problems with the relaxation of vaginal muscles to allow penetration.
Orgasm Phase
During the organsm phase, the problems are related to not being able to reach climax at all, or only with great difficulty. For men, this can mean delayed or missed ejaculation versus the lack of conscious control of the timing of the ejaculation. Women may also have problems with not experiencing orgasms.
Resolution Phase
Problems are still possible in the final resolution stage, immediately after sexual intercourse which cause regular, mutually satisfying sexual encounters difficult. Instant pain or prolonged discomfort may be experienced. For men, the refractory period (the time of recovery from sexual excitement, when no further physical arousal is possible) may be longer than ideal.
The Problem's Cause
Sexual problems of both genders can also be categorized based on the physical or psychological origin of the dysfunction.
Physical Causes
Various medical conditions are known to cause sexual dysfunctions. Some of these may be:
diabetes
obesity
metabolic syndrome
cardiovascular diseases
hypertension
hormonal problems
neurological disorders
cancer
chronic conditions
sleep disorders
smoking
substance abuse: alcohol and drug addiction
depression
Certain medications are also known to cause side effects that negatively affect sexual function.
Psychological Causes
Stress and emotional problems experienced in virtually any area of life may easily lead to prolonged and serious sexual dysfunction. Some of these are:
work and career-related worries
relationship problems
financial difficulties
negative body image
guilt about enjoying sex
shame about sexual difficulties
past sexual trauma or flashbacks
inability to communicate desires or preferences
Integrative Medicine in the Treatment of Sexual Problems
The good news to all those who suffer from various sexual disorders is that most of these conditions are relatively easy to treat. It is, however, crucial to seek the expert advice of a highly trained professional as early as possible.
The primary focus of integrative health care should always be to uncover the root of the problem and to develop a personalized treatment plan that is effective for each individual's unique needs. Your integrative physician will work with you to find real-life solutions for both physical and psychological dysfunctions.
The first step is a thorough evaluation since a definite diagnosis is usually required to set up a treatment regimen. The goal is always the overall improvement of health, which can be accomplished by making desirable lifestyle changes which may result in losing weight, normalizing blood sugar, decreasing cardiovascular disease, and/or rebalancing hormones. Supplementation may be necessary to optimize physical well-being and enable the body to support the recovery of optimal sexual function as well.
Integrative health care has an equally important role in aiding stress relief, mental health improvement, and finding lasting emotional balance; all of which are essential components in experiencing a general enhancement of health and betterment of sexual problems alike. It is imperative to develop a trusting and honest relationship with your integrative physician. Shame and embarrassment about these disorders may be difficult to overcome. Since you deserve to enjoy a satisfying and wholesome sex life, make sure to mention any concerns during your regularly scheduled doctor’s visit.
AUTHOR
Dr. Payal Bhandari M.D. is one of U.S.'s top leading integrative functional medical physicians and the founder of SF Advanced Health. She combines the best in Eastern and Western Medicine to understand the root causes of diseases and provide patients with personalized treatment plans that quickly deliver effective results. Dr. Bhandari specializes in cell function to understand how the whole body works. Dr. Bhandari received her Bachelor of Arts degree in biology in 1997 and Doctor of Medicine degree in 2001 from West Virginia University. She the completed her Family Medicine residency in 2004 from the University of Massachusetts and joined a family medicine practice in 2005 which was eventually nationally recognized as San Francisco’s 1st patient-centered medical home. To learn more, go to www.sfadvancedhealth.com.