Sexual arousal disorder

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Sexual arousal disorder is generally defined as the inability to attain or maintain typical responses to sexual arousal. The disorder is found in the DSM-IV.

The term is often used in the diagnosis of women, while the term erectile dysfunction (ED) is often used for men.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of the disorder include:

• Lack of vaginal lubrication
• Lack of vaginal dilation or lengthening
• Decreased genital tumescence or swelling
• 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.

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.

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) increasing sexual desire in both male and female was in clinical tests until 2007. It was pulled from further testing due to adverse effects to the cardiovascular system.

See also

• Female sexual arousal disorder
• Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder