Patient's question:
Hello doctor, I have sexual dysfunction.Doctor's answer:
It can be roughly divided into three categories: biological factors, psychological factors, and cultural factors, with psychological factors being particularly important. The more direct psychological factors affecting sexual function mainly include:(1) Incorrect sexual attitudes
Sexual anxiety arising from the fear of sexual failure may be the most common cause of impotence. Inappropriate demands regarding sexual ability or forcing one's partner to engage in sexual activity are also fundamental causes of sexual dysfunction. Additionally, another important reason for sexual dysfunction is acting as a "spectator"—when one party during sexual activity becomes anxious and obsessively focuses on their partner's reaction, causing distraction and hindering the establishment of moderate sexual arousal and the attainment of orgasm.
(2) Past sexual experiences
If a person has suffered strict control, harsh treatment, or harm during past sexual experiences, it may leave them with difficult-to-heal psychological trauma, easily forming conditioned reflexes. When they are faced with sexual situations again, they may unconsciously recall past sexual traumas, leading to impotence, lack of sexual climax, and other sexual dysfunctions.
(3) Interpersonal tension
This primarily refers to conflicts between sexual partners, such as suspicion, jealousy, and distrust. Obviously, one party's strong disappointment or hostility can trigger a similar response in the other, which is harmful to sexual desire. For example, women are very sensitive to being "used," believing that their partner is only interested in their body and ignores their humanity. They may view sexual intercourse as exploitation, domination, and degradation, leading to a lack of sexual response or even aversion to sexual activity.
(4) Various external factors
These can also affect sexual function. The fast-paced modern life, busy work or household chores, interpersonal conflicts, competition and setbacks at work, as well as an individual's education level and social status, can all create psychological pressure. Since sexual desire and sexual ability are influenced by psychological factors, these external pressures can contribute to sexual dysfunction.
In addition to the above cases, sexual dysfunction can also have organic causes. When diagnosing sexual dysfunction, it is necessary to rule out relevant physical diseases, such as chronic inflammation of the sexual organs, trauma, or related neurological disorders. Certain endocrine diseases, long-term use of certain medications, or mental illnesses like depression or anxiety neurosis may also lead to sexual dysfunction.
(5) Diabetes patients
With prolonged diabetes, sexual function may decline to varying degrees, and some patients may even experience complete sexual dysfunction. The of diabetic sexual dysfunction is that conventional aphrodisiacs often have little effect. The most common factors contributing to diabetic sexual dysfunction include:
1. Psychological and behavioral causes
This includes disharmony between partners, anxiety, depression, and other psychological factors. Diabetes patients often experience fatigue, peripheral neuropathy, and peripheral neuritis, all of which can affect their mood and lead to increased sexual dysfunction. This is a psychological problem caused by physiological factors, known as psychosomatic disease.
Recommendation: Adjust your mood, engage in positive social activities, and consult a psychologist if necessary.
2. Hormonal secretion deficiency
Diabetes is an endocrine disorder, and some doctors believe it can affect the secretion of sexual hormones. However, Nie Wentao argues that if the deficiency is due to hormonal insufficiency, aphrodisiacs that stimulate hormone secretion may be effective. However, these are often ineffective in diabetic patients, suggesting that the evidence for hormonal deficiency is insufficient.
Recommendation: Increase the intake of nutritious foods such as goji berries, Chinese chives, onions, and lamb.
3. Microvascular disease
Both male and female reproductive organs are rich in microvessels. With prolonged diabetes, metabolic function gradually declines, and microvascular disease worsens, affecting blood flow to the reproductive organs and reducing sexual arousal. Chronic reduction in sexual arousal can lead to sexual dysfunction.
Recommendation: Reduce social engagements, quit smoking or reduce smoking, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, control diet, and increase grain intake. Consult a doctor if necessary.
4. Nerve receptor damage
In the later stages of diabetes, limb numbness often occurs, reducing the sensitivity of nerve receptors. This type of nerve receptor damage is common in diabetic patients. Sexual arousal requires high coordination among various senses (eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, mind) and mental focus. The decline in metabolic function in the later stages of diabetes leads to nerve receptor damage, which is a significant cause of sexual dysfunction in diabetic patients.
Recommendation: Follow the treatment methods for diabetic complications.
Sexual dysfunction is often secondary, making it easier to see treatment effects.