Struggling with Intimacy? 5 queries to help you navigate your difficulties
Struggling with sexual difficulties? You're not alone. Unrealistic expectations about sex and orgasm are common and can lead to frustration and disappointment. Here are some questions to consider and help you navigate through conversations with healthcare professionals to address these issues.
Unattainable Expectations?
Could your unrealistic notions about sexual experiences be causing self-diagnosed problems? As many as 99% of people do not live up to the idealized portrayals of sexual activity in media, according to John Amory, a physician at the General Internal Medicine Center at UW Medical Center - Roosevelt. Lowering expectations and accepting the normal range of sexual interactions might be an essential first step for many individuals.
Enjoying Sexual Experiences
Addressing unpleasant sexual experiences may be crucial in rekindling desire. According to associate teaching professor Nicole McNichols of the University of Washington's Department of Psychology, focusing on increasing pleasure during sex can be highly effective in boosting desire. If sexual encounters are not pleasurable, it might be due to bad sex itself, rather than an underlying issue.
Stress and Exhaustion
Underlying causes of low libido include stress and exhaustion. With the demands of modern life, it's common to find oneself mentally and physically drained, which can negatively impact sexual life. It's essential to consider the division of household work and social responsibilities in relationships, to ensure both partners are not unduly burdened and suffering from burnout.
Mental Health Medications
Medications for depression, anxiety, or birth control may cause sexual dysfunction. Reports show that medications like fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), and sertraline (Zoloft) are associated with low libido and loss of sensitivity in genital areas. Women on hormonal birth control may also experience low libido. If you suspect medication is affecting your sexual life, do not hesitate to consult a healthcare provider. There may be alternatives available to alleviate these side effects.
Pain during Sexual Activity
Sexual pain during arousal is widespread, with studies indicating more than half of men experiencing erectile dysfunction at some point, and three out of four women experiencing pain during intercourse due to vaginal lubrication issues. Women suffering from sexual pain should not suffer in silence but seek help from healthcare professionals. Men should not feel embarrassed to discuss their sexual difficulties either. Help and solutions are available, ranging from erectile dysfunction treatments like Viagra or Cialis to dilators for women.
If you're dealing with any sexual dysfunction, remember that you are not alone. Sex should be enjoyable and a source of mutual pleasure, but challenges may arise. Open up about your issues, seek help, and find a healthcare provider you can trust.
- Unrealistic expectations about sex, often influenced by media portrayals, can lead to self-diagnosed problems in mental health.
- Incorporating pleasure and addressing unpleasant sexual experiences may reignite desire, according to psychologist Nicole McNichols.
- Stress and exhaustion from modern life can impact mental health and sexual-health, requiring awareness and balance in relationships.
- Certain medications for mental health issues, depression, anxiety, or birth control may lead to sexual dysfunction, necessitating consultation with healthcare professionals.
- Sexual pain during activity is common, affecting both men (erectile dysfunction) and women (lubrication issues), with solutions available through healthcare providers, including treatments like Viagra, Cialis, and dilators.
