Female and Male Sexual Dysfunctions -
Sexual Health Problems

Overview of Sexual Health Problems (Clinical Syndromes)

The author has adapted this table from a list found in the report published in 2001 by PAHO/WHO/WAS.

1. Sexual dysfunctions Sexual aversion Inhibited sexual desire Pain during sexual activity Vaginismus Problems of tumescence (absent or weak erection, absent or weak lubrication) Problems of orgasm (unsatisfactory timing of orgasm, no orgasm) 2. Problematic behavior patterns (largely a matter of degree. Not all of these behaviors are necessarily problematic as such. In any case, some are relatively harmless, but some others can become dangerous to the individual concerned and/or to society. The need for therapy therefore depends on the degree or severity of the presenting difficulties and on their effect on others. In some cases, the behavior is clearly harmful. When it is criminal, it also requires interventions by the police and the courts. EJH) Exhibitionism Voyeurism Fetishism Fetishistic transvestism Frotteurism Sexual masochism Sexual sadism Pedophilia Compulsive sexual behavior Sexual aggressiveness 3. Problems of Gender Identity and Sex Assignment Gender Dysphoria (gender role and gender identity problems) Intersex syndromes                                                                                                   (Intersexuality is a physical, not a psychological condition. Most intersexual persons do not have problems with their gender identity. However, some may be misdiagnosed at birth and thus be assigned to the wrong sex. This sex assignment may later have to be corrected. EJH) 4. Syndromes Related to Violence and Victimization Syndromes following sexual abuse in childhood Syndromes following sexual harassment Syndromes following rape or other sexual violence Sexual phobias (e.g. erotophobia, homophobia) Patterns of unsafe sexual behavior (habitually risking sexually transmitted infections). 5. Clinical Syndromes Related to Reproduction Sterility, infertility, related psychological problems Psychological problems related to unwanted pregnancy Psychological problems related to abortion 6. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Infections (viral, bacterial) Infestations 7. Clinical Syndromes Related to Other Conditions Clinical syndromes secondary to disability or infirmity. Clinical syndromes secondary to physical or mental illness Clinical syndromes secondary to medication or other medical and surgical interventions Clinical syndromes secondary to other conditions