Sexual arousal disorder
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sexual arousal disorder is a disorder found in the DSM-IV that is generally defined as the inability to attain or maintain typical responses to sexual arousal.
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[edit] Signs and symptoms
The term is often used to diagnose women (as the term erectile dysfunction (ED) is often used for men), particularly those with sexual symptoms such as:
- Lack of vaginal lubrication
- Lack of vaginal dilation or lengthening
- Decreased genital tumescence
- Decreased genital or nipple sensation
Contrary to popular belief, the disorder is not always caused from a lack of sexual arousal. Possible causes of sexual arousal disorder include psychological and emotional factors, such as depression, anger, and stress; relationship factors, such as conflict or lack of trust; and medical factors, such as depleted hormones, reduced regional blood flow, and nerve damage.
[edit] Diagnosis
It is, therefore, important for a licensed psychologist to first remove doubt of psychological or emotional problems, a trained sex therapist to then remove doubt of relationship concerns, and a medical doctor to further investigate medical causes.
[edit] Treatment
Depending on the cause of the disorder, hormone therapy or a blood-flow enhancing medication, like Viagra, may be appropriate.
A new medication, bremelanotide (formerly PT-141), is directly increasing sexual desire in both males and females, and is currently in clinical tests. A scientific study on bremelanotide is available at PNAS 101: 10201 (2004).
