Home > Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders > Sexual dysfunctions

Definition

Sexual dysfunction disorders are problems that interfere with the initiation, consummation, or satisfaction with sex. They occur in both men and women and are independent of sexual orientation.

Description

Probably nowhere in human health do the body and mind interact more than during sex. There are four generally recognized phases of sexual activity, involving both mental and physical responses and are applicable to both men and women. These phases are in sequence:

• desire or appetite-fantasies or thoughts about sex.
• excitement-physical changes to prepare the body for intercourse and accompanying sense of sexual pleasure
• orgasm-physical response that leads to the peak of physical pleasure and release of sexual tension
• resolution-physical...