- 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men have little or no sex
drive, totaling 25% of the population.
- 20% of women 5-20% of men face sexual arousal issues. This includes lack
of lubrication and erectile dysfunction.
- 1 in 4 women have an orgasmic disorder (e.g. inability to orgasm),
while about 1 in 3 men experiences premature ejaculation.
- An estimated 3-6% of Americans struggle with sexual addiction, including
compulsive masturbation, porn use, and cybersex.
It's easy to feel ashamed if you have a sexual problem. The media inundates men and
woman alike with conflicting messages about what sexuality should be – fast/long,
hard/soft, multiple partners/save your virtue, multi-orgasmic/earth shaking,
etc. Other forces
encourage us not to discuss sex at all, including abstinence-only sex
education and avoidance of the topic in many families and religious/cultural groups.
Considering all this, it’s no surprise that many feel alone and ashamed when sexual problems arise. Yet, 43% of women and 31% of men struggle with a significant sexual problem abd most if not all couples face a
sexual issue at one point or another.
So, if you’re
struggling with a sexual issue, know that what you're experiencing is normal. Sex is a complex interaction of personal
expression and interpersonal connection, ripe for both pleasure and difficulty.
What Causes
Sexual Problems?
Sexual difficulties may arise from:
- Fear of poor sexual performance
- Psychological issues
- Trauma, sexual or otherwise
- Pent up resentment and other relationship issues
- Stress
- Lack of time
- Aging
- Physical issues, e.g. chronic health
conditions
- Medication side effects, including
antidepressants
- Smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, and
other lifestyle choices
It’s important to look at all potential causes when identifying
the cause of a sexual issue, as some issues are multi-faceted (while others are quite
simple and straightforward). A great way
to do this is by speaking with a professional who specializes in sexuality such as a primary care doctor or therapist who specializes in sexuality.
Therapy for Sexual Dysfunction
While they can feel insurmountable, you can manage
and even overcome sexual problems by unraveling their psychological roots. A therapist who specializes in sexuality can help you do just that.
Both couples and individuals can seek out therapy for sexual issues such as:
- Cheating, including online affairs
- Erectile Dysfunction (E.D.)
- Best sex practices
- Sex drive differences in a couple
- Low or high libido
- Premature Ejaculation
- Difficulty orgasming
- Sex and infertility, pregnancy, and birth
- Sex and aging
- Sex addiction, including addiction to porn
- Sexual assault, violence, and child abuse
- Psychoeducation for better sex, e.g. info
on anatomy, sexual positions, etc.
- Vaginitis, vaginismus, and other issues that cause
vaginal pain during sex
- Transgender, sexual orientation, and other
queer identity exploration
- Polyamory, kink, and alternative sexuality
questions
Therapy for sexual problems may include a range of activities, from education about the mechanics of orgasm
to an in-depth exploration of your past sexual experiences. As a therapist specializing in sexuality, I offer advice, tips, and concrete tools that you and your partner can benefit from in the short term. I also help you understand and resolve the emotional roots of your sexual difficulties that can't be solved with quick tricks.
If you
would like to learn more about how therapy can help you resolve your sexual problem and build a fulfilling sex life,
please contact me at (510) 595-5500, ext. 36 or jessicaengle@livingartscenter.org
for a free 30-minute consultation.
Resources
