Sexual Dysfunction

The Clinical Problem
Because there is no universal definition of normal sexual function, what constitutes sexual difficulty is determined by a person’s subjective definition of unsatisfactory sexual well-being. The condition is usually described as unsatisfactory interest, arousal, orgasm, or other aspects of sexuality (e.g., sexual self-image), and the symptoms often coexist. The term “sexual dysfunction” is used when at least one of the symptoms is of substantial concern to the affected person. Sexual dysfunction negatively affects mental health, vitality, and social functioning and has an overall effect on quality of life that is of similar magnitude to that associated with chronic back pain or diabetes.