Sexual Dysfunction

Sexual Dysfunction is the inability to achieve sexual satisfaction at any sexual response phase. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the sexual response cycle is in 3 stages: desire, arousal, and orgasm.

Sexual dysfunction is a problem that can happen in any phase of the sexual response cycle, and it happens in humans at any age but is more common in adults of older years from age 45 and above.

Sexual Dysfunction Causes

Stress, sexual trauma, and psychological problems
Diabetes
Heart illness or other medical problems
The use of drugs
Using alcohol
Several drugs

Source– scientificamerican.org and iStockimages.com

Sexual Performance Anxiety Treatment

Sexual dysfunction can lead to emotions of poor self-esteem and worthlessness, which can exacerbate sex anxiety. This reduces sexual satisfaction for both you and your partner while also adding to depressive symptoms.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension and fear characterized by physical, psychological, and cognitive symptoms. These symptoms include: feeling nervous, rapid breathing, sweating, trembling, feeling tired, having trouble concentrating, and an unsettling feeling of impending danger. They are often caused by genetics (runs in the family), environmental stress, medical conditions, and drug withdrawal or misuse. Anxiety is classified and includes panic disorder, specific and social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), acute stress disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. However, the most common and referred to of them is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

How To Cope With Sexual Performace Anxiety

When the feeling of anxiety comes, here are some practical tips for coping with it.

Take things at your pace. Do not work at another person’s speed; stick to yours.
Take a time out when getting stressed. Lose the tension by practising yoga, taking short walks, getting a massage, or learning relaxation techniques that work for you.
Limit the intake of caffeine and alcohol.
Get enough sleep.
Exercise daily.
When the situation gets tough, take slow and deep breaths while counting to 10 till you regain control over your emotions at the moment.
Maintain a positive and open mind to anything that might come.
Most importantly, talk to someone. Get a confidant who can understand and help you in such situations. It could be a therapist, spouse, friend, or sibling.

Depression and Sexual Drive

Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistently depressed mood and loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life. It negatively affects how you think, how you feel, and how you act. They are often caused by age, certain medications, conflicts, abuse, losses, substance misuse, severe illnesses, and sometimes, personal issues and insecurities. Although uncommon, family genetics could also cause or risk factors for depression.

Source– ngopulse.org

Research suggests that sexual dysfunction is joint, but most people do not like talking about it as it is said to be a sore spot. However, a person dealing with this illness is bound to face anxiety due to their inability to satisfy their partner, resulting in depression over time if not adequately addressed. In times of danger and extreme stress, symptoms of anxiety and depression are expected, but it becomes an issue when it becomes severe and persistent. In a study carried out in May 2019 by the WHO, 32.8% of men and 22.8% of women showed signs of sexual dysfunction, with 4.2% of men and 3.6% of women showing signs of these disorders (depression and anxiety).

The Link Between Sex, Depression And Anxiety Scientifically Explained

Sexual desire is cultivated in the brain, and sex organs rely on chemicals to promote libido and the changes in the blood flow needed for the sexual act. Sexual desires start with chemicals in the brain called Neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters act as the go-between between the brains and the sex organs, thereby triggering the blood flow to cause arousal that becomes evident in an erection or vaginal lubrication. In a person with depression or anxiety issues, the sex-related chemicals (Neurotransmitters) are out of balance, causing the sexual desire to become low and eventually become non-existent if not treated. (Cleveland Clinic, 2017)

Best Medicine For Erectile Dysfunction Without Side Effects

Sildenafil (Viagra): Viagra is used to treat Erectile Dysfunction; Oral Use: Take 1 hour before sexual activity; however, sildenafil can be taken up to 4 hours before sexual activity. The highest suggested frequency of administration is once per day. Adult Dose: 50 mg once day, one hour before sexual activity; may be raised to 100 mg or decreased to 25 mg once daily, depending on efficacy and tolerance. You can buy Viagra 100mg and Viagra 50mg in Nigeria at 8mg Health.
Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn): It Is Indicated For The Treatment Of Erectile Dysfunction. Buy similar drugs like Vardirose 20mg.
Tadalafil (Cialis)
Avanafil (Stendra)

Role Of Social Media On Anxiety And Depression In People With Sexual Dysfunction

For an individual dealing with sexual dysfunction, social media plays a vital role in coping and handling this ailment, both positively and negatively. Below are ways they affect mental health.

Social Media Positivity

Social media gives affected people an avenue to get on platforms, such as 8mg Health, get enlightened on what their illness is all about, know ways to cope and deal with the disease and get treatments without feeling like their privacy is being violated.

Social media also helps affected individuals to connect with people dealing with similar ailments and undergo online group therapy sessions to get better at handling emotional distress or trauma caused by sexual dysfunction.

Social Media Negatively

Extended use of social media puts affected persons at risk of slipping into depression and elevating anxiety levels when they begin to make a comparison between themselves and other people who seem to have healthy sexual lives.

In addition, emotional traumas resulting from the extensive use of social media could disrupt sleep patterns and induce more stress, thereby elevating anxiety and, by extension, blood pressure.

How To Manage The Effect Of Social Media On Mental Health (Anxiety and Depression)

Healthy mental health is needed while dealing with sexual dysfunction as the connection between the brain, and the sex organs have to be balanced to enjoy healthy sex life. Below are ways of developing healthy mental health.

Experts limit the amount of time spent on social media because the more time spent, the higher the risk of becoming lonely, anxious, and eventually depressed.
When a particular site or post stirs you up negatively, exit the site immediately and if it is an account, kindly hit the unfollow button.
Use social media to connect with people with similar interests and get on platforms that contribute positively to your growth and wellbeing.

If you need a Doctor/ Therapist, you can get one here at 8mg Health a Nigeria telehealth and telemedicine platform.

Sexual Dysfunction | Anxiety and Depression in Sexual Health – 8MG Health