Sexual Health Disorders
Overview
The maintenance of good sexual health is very important for the general, as well as mental well being of an individual. Problems in a person’s health can often be source of great embarrassment, and constant discomfort. The important sexual health disorders can be divided into the following categories:
- Infections of the reproductive system (STDs, Endogenous infections, Infections induced via medical procedures)
- Congenital disorders of the reproductive system (Intersex, androgen insensitivity syndrome)
- Functional sexual disorders (Impotence, Premature ejaculation, Hypoactive sexual desire disorder, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia)
- Cancers of the reproductive system (prostate cancer, testicular cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer)
Causes
The cause of each sexual health disorder varies with the specific disorder.
- Reproductive tract infections – sexual intercourse with multiple partners, unprotected sex.
- Congenital disorders – problems in maternal health during pregnancy
- Functional disorders – psychological, blood vessel disorders, hormonal imbalances
- Cancers – genetic and environmental factors
Symptoms
The general symptoms that are associated with most sexual health disorders are:
- Inability to have sexual intercourse
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Decreased sex drive
- Depression and anxiety
- Pain or discomfort in the genital region
Diagnosis
The following tests are all helpful in diagnosing sexual health problems:
- Pap smear
- Semen analysis
- CT scan pelvis
- Ultrasound pelvis
- Biopsy
Treatment
Treatment depends on the specific disorder. Lifestyle alterations, medications, and surgery all play a role in one disease or the other.
