What Are the Common Causes of Sexual Dysfunction in Men and Women

Sexual dysfunction is a widespread issue that affects both men and women, disrupting not only their personal lives but also their emotional and mental well being. Despite its prevalence, discussing it often feels taboo, leaving many people struggling in silence. Understanding the causes physical, psychological, and lifestyle related can pave the way for effective solutions and open dialogue.

There are a number of causes of sexual dysfunction . They are grouped into two categories: physical causes and psychological causes.

Physical Causes of  Causes of Sexual Dysfunction in Men and Women

There are many physical causes of sexual dysfunction. For example, the following diseases and conditions can lead to problems with sexual function:

• Urological infections or cancer

• Diabetes

• Cardiovascular disease (heart disease and blood vessel disease)

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol

• Hormonal imbalances

• Alcoholism

• Drug abuse

• Neurological disorders

• Chronic diseases, such as kidney failure

• Nerve damage

Many medications can cause problems with normal sexual functioning, including blood pressure medications and antidepressants, as can alcohol and recreational drug use. Some medical treatments can affect sexual function as well. For example, some surgical procedures can cause nerve damage that can affect sexual function.

Psychological Causes

Many people have psychologically induced sexual dysfunction. Things like concern about sexual performance, feelings of guilt about sexual desire and activity, relationship problems, depression, stress, anxiety self-esteem or body image issues, and the effects of past sexual trauma, such as rape, molestation or a negative sexual experience can all have a negative effect on sexual function.

Physical vs Psychological Causes of Sexual Dysfunction

• Men:

• Physical Causes: 70% (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular diseases).

• Psychological Causes: 30% (e.g., stress, performance anxiety).

• Women:

• Physical Causes: 60% (e.g., hormonal changes, pain disorders).

• Psychological Causes: 40% (e.g., trauma, body image issues).

 

What are the 4 categories of sexual dysfunction?

• Desire disorder: A condition that people also refer to as hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), in which a person lacks sexual desire, resulting in distress. The condition manifests differently in males and females.

• Arousal disorders: A person with an arousal disorder may find it difficult or impossible to respond to sexual stimuli, despite their desire for sexual activity. 

• Orgasm dysfunction: People with orgasm dysfunction find it difficult or impossible to reach orgasm despite experiencing sexual arousal and responding to stimulation.

• Pain disorders: Sexual pain disorders, such as vaginismus, dyspareunia, and painful ejaculation, can result in pain that prevents sexual enjoyment.

Sexual dysfunction in males

Sexual dysfunction is common among males. Research has found it affects more than 50%

 of males ages 40-70 years.

Conditions that cause sexual dysfunction in males most often involve erectile dysfunction (ED) and ejaculation disorders.

Erectile dysfunction

ED is a condition that prevents a person from getting or maintaining an erection firm enough for enjoyable sexual activity. The condition is common and most commonly affects males over 40 years old

Symptoms of ED include a person being:

• Unable to get an erection at any time.

• Able to get an erection some of the time but not every time they want to engage in sexual activities.

• Able to get an erection but not able to maintain the erection long enough for sexual activity.

Ejaculation disorders

There are three main types of ejaculation problems:

• Premature ejaculation: Premature ejaculation is a common sexual dysfunction, in which a male persistently ejaculates more quickly than they or their partner would like during sexual arousal.

• Delayed ejaculation: A male with delayed ejaculation may be unable to ejaculate despite having a normal erection, or may experience a significant delay before they can ejaculate.

• Retrograde ejaculation: Retrograde ejaculation is more uncommon than the other main ejaculation disorders. It occurs when semen passes backward into the bladder rather than through the urethra.

Sexual dysfunction in females

Sexual dysfunction is also common in females. Researchers have found it affects 41% of females of reproductive age.

Common types of sexual dysfunction in females include pain and discomfort during sex and difficulty reaching orgasm.

Pain and discomfort

Pain may occur in the vagina or pelvis during sex. Pain may be due to:

• a lack of sexual arousal

• vaginal dryness as a result of menopause

• irritation from latex condoms or spermicides

Psychological responses to past trauma may also result in painful sex.

Various health conditions can result in sexual pain and discomfort in females. These include:

• vaginismus, when the vagina tightens when a person attempts to insert something inside it

• an infection, such as a sexually transmitted infection (STI)

• endometriosis

• genital injury

• pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

• fibroids

• cystitis

• ovarian cysts

• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

• uterine prolapse

Difficulty having orgasm

Difficulty reaching orgasm can be primary or secondary:

• Primary: This means a person has never had an orgasm.

• Secondary: A person has had orgasms in the past but cannot achieve them anymore.

Some females may be able to orgasm alone but cannot orgasm with a partner. The causes of orgasm disorders may be physical, psychological, or both.

Unpacking Sexual Dysfunction: A Closer Look

Sexual dysfunction presents differently in men and women. Men commonly face erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation, or low libido, while women often struggle with conditions like anorgasmia (inability to orgasm), low sexual desire, or dyspareunia (pain during intercourse).

Underlying these issues are physical and psychological factors, often intertwined with hormonal imbalances and lifestyle choices. Addressing these root causes is the first step toward reclaiming sexual wellness.

Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunction by Gender

• Men:

  • Erectile Dysfunction: 52% of men aged 40–70 (Source: Massachusetts Male Aging Study).

  • Premature Ejaculation: Affects 30–40% of men at some point in life.

• Women:

• Low Libido: Affects 32% of women aged 18–59 (Source: National Health and Social Life Survey).

• Pain Disorders (Dyspareunia): Affects 10–20% of women.

Types of Sexual Dysfunction in Men and Women

Sexual dysfunction is a common problem among both men and women. It can be caused by physical problems and medical conditions, such as heart disease and hormone imbalances, or by psychological problems, like anxiety, depression and the effects of past trauma.

There are four main types or categories of sexual dysfunction :

Desire disorders

These disorders affect sexual desire and interest in sex, are also known as libido disorders or low libido. Low estrogen and testosterone levels can cause decreased libido, as can hormonal changes, medical conditions (like diabetes and heart disease), relationship problems, sexual inhibitions, fatigue, fear, depression, and anxiety, among other things.

• Arousal disorders

These disorders make it difficult or impossible to become physically aroused during sexual activity, and can occur in both men and women. The most common type in men is erectile dysfunction. When a person has arousal disorder, he or she may be interested in sexual activity, but be unable to get any physical satisfaction from it.

• Orgasm disorders

These involve the absence of orgasm or delayed orgasm, are a common problem with women, but they can also occur in men. Pain during sexual activity, stress, fatigue, hormonal changes and reduced libido can all lead to delayed or absent orgasm.

• Pain disorders

These involve pain during intercourse, and can affect both men and women. In women, pain may be caused by vaginal dryness, vaginismus (a condition that affects the vaginal muscles), urinary tract infections (UTIs), hormonal changes during menopause, and other conditions. In men, pain may be caused by Peyronie's disease (physical damage to the penis), infections like UTIs, prostatitis and yeast infections, genital herpes and skin conditions.

• Physical Causes of Sexual Dysfunction

Physical health is a significant contributor to sexual dysfunction. Common culprits include chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity. For men, erectile dysfunction is often linked to poor blood flow or nerve damage, both of which are prevalent in diabetes patients. Women frequently encounter issues stemming from hormonal changes due to menopause, pregnancy, or medical treatments like chemotherapy.

Certain medications can also impact sexual function. For example, antidepressants and blood pressure medications are known to suppress libido or cause arousal difficulties. Additionally, hormonal imbalance and sexual dysfunction are closely connected, as reduced levels of estrogen in women or testosterone in men can lead to reduced libido, vaginal dryness, or erectile challenges.

Psychological Causes of Sexual Dysfunction

The mind plays a critical role in sexual health. Stress, anxiety, and depression are among the leading psychological causes of sexual dysfunction. Men often experience performance anxiety, which can hinder their ability to maintain an erection. Women may grapple with body image concerns or emotional distress, which reduce their interest in intimacy.

Past trauma, such as abuse or negative sexual experiences, can leave deep emotional scars that manifest as sexual dysfunction. Relationship dynamics also play a key role; unresolved conflicts, lack of communication, and trust issues can exacerbate these problems. Many individuals find solace in online counselling sessions, which provide a confidential space to address such concerns and work through barriers.

Hormonal Changes and Their Impact on Sexual Health

Hormones act as messengers that regulate libido and arousal. In women, estrogen ensures proper vaginal lubrication, and testosterone, though present in smaller amounts, influences sexual desire. Men rely on testosterone for maintaining libido and erectile function.

During menopause, pregnancy, or conditions like hypothyroidism, hormonal changes can disrupt these processes, leading to sexual difficulties. For example, female sexual dysfunction causes often include a sharp decline in estrogen levels, resulting in dryness and discomfort during intercourse. Men with low testosterone levels frequently report reduced sexual drive and erectile dysfunction.

Impact of Lifestyle on Sexual Dysfunction

• Risk Factors in Men:

• Smoking: Increases ED risk by 40%.

• Obesity: Increases ED risk by 30%.

• Risk Factors in Women:

• Obesity: Reduces libido by 25%.

• Alcohol: Excessive consumption linked to 15% of arousal issues.

The Lifestyle Factor in Sexual Dysfunction

Your daily habits can either nurture or hinder your sexual health. Smoking and excessive alcohol intake are known to reduce libido and impair circulation, leading to issues like ED in men or low arousal in women. Sedentary lifestyles and poor diets contribute to obesity, which negatively impacts hormonal balance and overall sexual wellness.

On the other hand, a healthy lifestyle can significantly improve sexual function. Regular exercise boosts blood flow and improves confidence, while a balanced diet supports hormonal stability. Reducing stress through activities like yoga and mindfulness also enhances intimacy and emotional connection.

Breaking the Gender-Specific Challenges

Gender-specific factors often contribute to sexual dysfunction. Men commonly face erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation due to vascular or neurological conditions. Women often experience causes of anorgasmia or dyspareunia, linked to hormonal imbalances, endometriosis, or pelvic floor disorders.

Stigma remains a significant barrier, particularly for women, who may feel hesitant to discuss these issues with a doctor. Men, too, face societal pressures, equating their sexual performance with masculinity, which can lead to emotional distress and reluctance to seek help.

Age Groups Affected by Sexual Dysfunction

• Men (Erectile Dysfunction):

• Ages 30–40: 5%

• Ages 40–50: 20%

• Ages 50–60: 40%

• Ages 60+: 70%

• Women (Low Libido):

• Ages 18–30: 15%

• Ages 30–50: 35%

• Ages 50+: 50%

When to Seek Help and How to Address It

Recognizing the signs early and seeking help is crucial. Psychological support through online counselling sessions has proven effective for addressing emotional and relational barriers. Therapy helps individuals identify triggers, resolve underlying issues, and rebuild confidence in intimacy.

Medical interventions, such as hormone therapy or medications, may be necessary in some cases. Additionally, pelvic floor therapy is highly effective for women with pain disorders, while lifestyle modifications can complement treatment plans for both genders.

FAQs

1. What are the primary physical causes of sexual dysfunction?

Chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hormonal imbalances are leading physical causes. Lifestyle factors like obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption also contribute to dysfunction.

2. How does stress impact sexual health?

Stress affects hormone levels, reducing libido and causing performance anxiety. Chronic stress can disrupt intimacy and lead to long-term sexual health issues.

3. Can online counselling sessions help with sexual dysfunction?

Yes, online counselling sessions provide a safe, convenient space to address psychological and relational causes of sexual dysfunction. They are especially helpful for individuals with busy schedules or limited access to local therapists.

4. What is the connection between hormonal imbalance and sexual dysfunction?

Hormonal imbalances, such as low testosterone in men or reduced estrogen in women, lead to issues like erectile dysfunction, low libido, and vaginal dryness. Treatments like hormone replacement therapy can help restore balance.

5. What are the common female sexual dysfunction causes?

Hormonal changes during menopause or pregnancy, medical conditions like endometriosis, and psychological factors like body image issues are common causes of female sexual dysfunction.

6. Are sexual dysfunction issues reversible?

In many cases, sexual dysfunction can be treated successfully through a combination of medical treatment, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Early intervention is key to achieving the best results.

Conclusion

Sexual dysfunction is more common than most people realize, but it doesn’t have to define one’s life. Understanding the physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors behind these challenges is the first step toward seeking help. Whether through medical treatment, therapy, or lifestyle modifications, solutions are available for those willing to take action.

At Click2Pro, we provide compassionate, expert support to help you navigate these challenges. Take the first step toward a healthier, happier you by exploring our online counselling for 

Sexual Dysfunction sessions today.

About the Author

Naincy Priya is a Senior Psychologist at Click2Pro with extensive experience in addressing mental health and relationship challenges. She specializes in providing evidence based solutions to individuals and couples, helping them overcome barriers to emotional and sexual wellness. Through her work, Naincy aims to break the stigma surrounding mental and sexual health, empowering people to lead fulfilling lives.