Introduction

Sexual problems arise when someone does not feel satisfied with his/her sex life. The risk increases with age and in people with multiple medical problems. Causes:

• Physical/ medical illness-diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, pelvic diseases, injury.
• Psychological/ psychiatric disturbance-depression, anxiety disorders, post traumatic stress disorder, stress.
• Alcohol/ drug abuse, smoking.
• Social factors
• Side-effects of medications
• Menopause in women

Signs and symptom

Common sexual problems are:

• Lack of sexual desire in both sexes
• Lack of sexual arousal in both sexes
• Male:
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Premature ejaculation
• Female:
  • Pain during sex (dysparunia)
  • Failure to reach orgasm

Complication

Sexual problems may affect a couples relationship. It may also cause low self esteem, lack of confidence and anxiety in the affected person which may worsen the sexual problem. It may also lead to depression.

What to do if you have sexual problem?

• Seek professional help.
• Your doctor may do some investigation to identify the cause of the problems.
• The treatment will be given according to the underlying cause of the problem.
  • Treatment for medical or psychiatric illnesses
  • Behavioural and psychological intervention
  • Medication
• Involvement of your spouse is very important during treatment

Prevention

You can prevent sexual problems through:

• Leading a healthy life style-do not smoke or abuse drugs and alcohol, control your weight and take measures for injury prevention.
• Complying/ adhering to treatment for your medical/ psychiatric problems
• Practising safe and healthy sexual life
• Managing your stress

Rehabilitation

1. Pelvic floor exercise
2. Relaxation technique

Support groups

Malaysian Psychiatric Association

Malaysian Mental Health Association

Malaysian Urology Association

Malaysian Menopause Society