What Is Sexual Arousal Disorder?
In this blog post, I’ll explore the causes, symptoms, and potential treatments for Sexual Arousal Disorder, shedding light on this often-misunderstood condition.
The term “Sexual Arousal Disorder” alone indicates that this must be something painful, debilitating, life-restricting. It is not a term frequently used in conversation, not even something that’s discussed often in a doctor’s office. There is too much shame attached to it. It’s one of the conditions, most people don’t want to admit to and/or speak about it.
But what is it really?
Sexual Arousal Disorder (SAD) is a condition that affects a person’s ability to become sexually aroused or maintain arousal during sexual activity. That’s not a big deal, you might think. Why bother to even give it a second thought, when you’re affected by it?
SAD is a type of sexual dysfunction that can cause significant distress and impact relationships.
Sexual Arousal Disorder is characterized by a persistent or recurrent inability to attain or maintain sexual arousal. This condition can affect both men and women, though it is more commonly discussed in the context of female sexual dysfunction.
SAD can be classified into two main types:
1. Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD): Involves difficulty in becoming aroused or maintaining arousal during sexual activity.
2. Male Sexual Arousal Disorder (MSAD): Involves difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient for sexual activity.
Causes of Sexual Arousal Disorder
The causes of Sexual Arousal Disorder (SAD) can be complex and multi-factorial, often involving a combination of physical, psychological, and relational factors.Physical causes include hormonal imbalances, such as low levels of estrogen in women and low testosterone in men, which can affect sexual arousal.
Medical conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurological disorders can also impact arousal.Additionally, certain medications, including antidepressants and blood pressure drugs, can interfere with sexual function.
Psychological causes encompass high levels of stress and anxiety, which can inhibit sexual arousal, as well as depression, which can decrease libido and affect arousal.
Experiences of sexual abuse or trauma can contribute to difficulties with arousal. In such cases, treatment with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can help reduce the trauma, freeing the individual from images, memories, and fears related to the past abuse.
Relational causes involve problems in a relationship, such as lack of communication or unresolved conflicts, which can impact sexual arousal. A lack of emotional intimacy is another significant factor, as emotional connection is crucial for sexual arousal, especially for women.
Symptoms of Sexual Arousal Disorder
In women, the symptoms of SAD can vary, but they generally include the inability to become lubricated or maintain lubrication during sexual activity, a lack of sexual excitement or pleasure during sexual activity, and reduced or absent sexual fantasies and desire for sexual activity.
For men, symptoms may include difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, decreased sexual desire or interest in sexual activity, and reduced penile sensation or pleasure during sexual activity.
Treatments for Sexual Arousal Disorder
Treating SAD often requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of the condition.
Medical treatments can include hormone replacement therapy for those with hormonal imbalances and medications like PDE5 inhibitors (e.g., Viagra, Cialis) for men or topical estrogen for women.
Psychological treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help address negative thought patterns and anxiety related to sexual activity.
Working with Sexual Freedom Hypnosis can help individuals and couples improve communication and intimacy.
Lifestyle changes are also important; stress management techniques such as hypnosis for mindfulness, as well as yoga and meditation can reduce stress and improve sexual function.
Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise can enhance overall well-being and sexual health. A weight loss program that includes hypnosis can address underlying sexual issues while simultaneously improving body image. Persons who seek treatment for the condition, often find me on my website and call me to explore how Sexual Freedom Hypnosis can help them.
I assure the callers confidently that Sexual Freedom Hypnosis can be an effective treatment for SAD by addressing underlying psychological issues and promoting relaxation and keys for positive sexual experiences. Hypnosis helps individuals access their subconscious mind to re-frame negative beliefs and reduce anxiety related to sexual activity.
Daniela’s Journey to Recovery
Daniela, a 35-year-old woman, had been struggling with FSAD for several years. She experienced difficulty in becoming aroused and maintaining arousal during sexual activity, which led to frustration and strain in her relationship. Daniela sought help through hypnotherapy, where she worked with me to address her past trauma and reduce anxiety.
Through guided hypnosis sessions, Daniela was able to access and re-frame her negative beliefs about sexuality. She learned relaxation techniques and visualizations that helped her feel more comfortable and confident during sex. Over time, Daniela reported significant improvements in her sexual arousal and overall satisfaction with her sex life.
Conclusion
Sexual Arousal Disorder is a complex condition that can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life and relationships. Understanding the causes and symptoms is crucial for seeking appropriate treatment. With the right combination of medical, psychological, and lifestyle interventions, individuals can overcome SAD and enjoy a fulfilling and satisfying sex life. If you or someone you know is struggling with Sexual Arousal Disorder, consider exploring hypnotherapy as a potential treatment option.