Both men and women can experience a wide variety of sexual dysfunctions . Some of these disorders involve pain, difficulty reaching orgasm, or difficulty maintaining sexual arousal.

Suffering from sexual problems is a complex experience, because many times this situation not only affects the person who suffers it, but also his partner. Although expert psychologists in sexual therapy deal daily with patients who come to their consultations for this type of disorder, many individuals find it difficult to take the step and seek professional help, mainly because of the shame they feel.

Main sexual problems

What are the main sexual problems suffered by both men and women? What disorders affect the sexual well-being of a person or a couple?

In the following lines you can find a list of the most common sexual problems and how to treat them.

1. Disorder of sexual desire

Lack of interest in sex, or lack of sexual desire, is a frequent problem in both sexes ; however, it is more frequent among women. In fact, it is considered the most common sexual dysfunction in women, reaching an incidence of 33% between 18 and 59 years and up to 45% at menopause. This apathy includes not only lack of interest in sex, but also in all sexual behaviour, such as masturbation.

The causes can be both physical and psychological. With regard to the latter, the following stand out: couple problems, other sexual dysfunctions (vaginismus, erectile dysfunction, etc.), mood disorders, anxiety and stress, tiredness or monotony.

2. Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is the inability of a man to achieve and/or maintain an erection of the penis and, therefore, to have satisfactory intercourse. It is one of the most feared sexual problems among men, and can have a severe impact on the life of the affected person, especially on his self-esteem and interpersonal relationships.

It happens for different reasons, although execution anxiety is one of the psychological origins that can cause this sexual limitation and that turns this problem into a vicious circle from which it is difficult to get out.

  • If you want to know more about this disorder, you can read the article written by the Mensalus Center for Psychology: “Erectile Dysfunction (impotence): what it is and how it is treated”.

3. Sexual Arousal Disorder in Women

A woman’s arousal disorder refers to the inability to experience physiological changes during sexual arousal , such as vaginal lubrication, rapid heartbeat and muscle tension; a situation that lasts throughout sexual activity. As with erectile dysfunction, arousal disorder in women has a high incidence.

The psychological factors that are most important in the appearance of this sexual problem are the anticipated fear of having a new sexual failure and the anxiety that this fear causes.

4. Vaginism

Vaginismus is a female sexual dysfunction that is characterized by the impossibility of achieving vaginal penetration due to the contraction of the muscles that surround the entrance of the vagina. It occurs through a reflex spasm that causes the muscles in this area to contract, thus causing the vaginal opening to close.

The cause is often found in the fact that some women relate penetration to a sense of danger. The anxiety that results from this situation causes a stress response that makes it impossible to relax the vaginal muscles.

5. Early ejaculation

Premature ejaculation is a disorder of the male orgasm in which the male ejaculates his semen prematurely , without his wanting to, in a recurrent manner in response to sexual stimulation either before, during or after penetration. It can originate from different causes, with psychological factors being predominant.

Psychological causes include: low self-esteem, performance anxiety, depression, anxiety and nervousness.

6. Anorgasmia

Anorgasmia is another type of orgasmic disorder that affects both men and women ; however, it is more frequent in the case of the latter (female anargosmia). It is defined as an absence or delay of orgasm during normal sexual activity, and as in the previous case, psychological factors usually predominate over organic ones.

  • If you want to know more about the causes and consequences of this disorder, you can read our article: “Female anorgasmia (inability to reach orgasm): causes and treatment”

7. Pain disorder

Dyspareunia is persistent and recurrent pain in the pelvic area during or shortly after penetration , erection or ejaculation, and can be suffered by both men and women, although it is more common in women (dyspareunia in women). Scientific studies conclude that approximately 12% of women suffer from it. Female dyspareunia is usually associated with vaginismus problems.

8. Sex Aversion Disorder

People suffering from this disorder, also called sexual rejection, actively and passively avoid all genital contact . The cause is usually extreme anxiety and panic about the sexual act. It tends to occur more frequently in women.

Treating Sexual Problems

Talking about sexual problems can be difficult, in large part because people in this situation may feel ashamed, guilty, failed, and defeated both in life and in front of their partners. This circumstance only feeds the disorder, as the individual enters a vicious cycle that is difficult to break.

Therefore, the best option is to seek professional help, either in person or from a distance . On most occasions sexual disorders have a psychological origin, and therefore sexual psychotherapy is an effective way to treat these problems and thus overcome the suffering and improve well-being.

Mensalus Institute: trusted sex therapy (face-to-face and online)

If you are going through a situation similar to the one described above and are suffering from a sexual problem, do not be discouraged because it is possible to overcome it. Since suffering sexual problems is a sensitive subject, it can be delicate to start a therapeutic program of these characteristics. That is why it is necessary to find a reliable clinic, where you feel comfortable exposing your problem.

One of the most prestigious psychology centres in the treatment of sexual problems is the Mensalus Institute in Barcelona, which has both a face-to-face and online therapy service. The distance service is really useful in this type of problem, as it offers anonymity, comfort and attention from anywhere in the world.

This clinic has been offering psychotherapy and improving the emotional health and quality of life of people for more than 35 years , and it is formed by a multidisciplinary team highly specialized in sex and couples therapy, since sexual limitations can have a multi-causal origin and this implies that professionals specialized in this type of therapy must deal with mixed causes (that is, with psychological and organic elements).

Its team of professionals applies techniques and strategies aimed at addressing problems in sexual performance so that you can achieve full and satisfying sexuality.

  • If you wish to contact Mensalus Institute, just click here.