SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION
American Psychological Association
Table of Contents
Why Practitioners Need Information
Normal age-related changes in sexual functioning can be described as
a generally slowed and slightly decreased response to stimulation at every
stage of the sexual arousal cycle. However, these changes do not prevent
arousal, sexual activities, or orgasm.
- The incidence of sexual dysfunction increases with age for both men and women, mostly because of an increase in chronic health problems and increased medication use.
- Medication can adversely affect sexual functioning. This is particularly the case with antihypertensive, antipsychotic, anxiolytic, antidepressant, and cardiac medications.
- Health problems may also affect sexual functioning. Up to 50 percent of men with diabetes report erectile difficulties, and diabetic women often experience sexual dysfunctions as well. Older men often undergo a surgical procedure to reduce enlarged prostate, known as the transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Older age is associated with a higher risk of sexual difficulties after this procedure.
- Neurological disorders are sometimes tied to a decline in sexual functioning, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke.
