Question

What are the symptoms, rates, and leading causes of premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation, and female orgasmic disorder? To which phase of the sexual response cycle are they related? pp. $338-340$

Short answer

The symptoms, rates and leading causes of premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation and female orgasmic disorder are detailed and unique to each disorder, and can be found using proper reference materials. The disorder premature ejaculation generally relates to the orgasm phase of the sexual response cycle. Determining where delayed ejaculation and female orgasmic disorder fall with respect to the cycle requires a similar process.

Step-by-step solution

Identifying the Symptoms, Rates, and Causes

Firstly, we must identify the symptoms, rates, and leading causes of the three sexual health issues mentioned. A broad search in relevant textbooks, online databases or reference materials will provide the required information. We should ensure to outline the symptoms clearly, summarize the rates where possible and highlight the top causes for each issue. It's advisable to note down the details for comparison and organization.

Understanding the Sexual Response Cycle

While still using referenced sources, the sexual response cycle should be learned and understood. It comprises four phases known as desire (which involves fantasies about sexual activity), arousal (represented with physical changes), orgasm (the climax of sexual activity) and resolution (a return to a normal state). Identifying which phase each disorder occurs within is essential.

Relating the Disorders with the Sexual Response Cycle

After understanding both the disorders and the sexual response cycle, we must relate each disorder to the appropriate part of the cycle. For example, premature ejaculation often falls under the orgasm phase because it involves a lack of control over ejaculation. Carefully compare the information from Step 1 and Step 2 to complete this linking process.

Key concepts

Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation is a common sexual dysfunction that typically occurs during the orgasm phase of the sexual response cycle. The primary symptom of this condition is a man's inability to delay ejaculation for a satisfactory period during sexual intercourse. It can lead to frustration and anxiety for both partners, impacting their sexual satisfaction and relationship.

Understanding the symptoms, rates, and causes is crucial:

• Symptoms: Ejaculation often occurs within one minute of penetration, and control over ejaculation is minimal or lacking entirely.
• Rates: It affects 20-30% of men at some point in their life.
• Leading Causes: Psychological factors such as performance anxiety or stress, biological issues like abnormal hormone levels, and relationship issues can contribute.

Improving this situation may involve therapy, healthier communication between partners, and in some cases, medication.

Delayed Ejaculation

Delayed ejaculation is a less common yet equally impactful sexual dysfunction occurring in the orgasm phase. It is characterized by a prolonged effort needed to reach ejaculation during sexual activity, whether it's through intercourse or other stimulation.

Here's what you should know about delayed ejaculation:

• Symptoms: Extended time for ejaculation or an inability to ejaculate at all with a partner, despite having normal erection and sexual desire.
• Rates: It is less common than premature ejaculation, affecting around 1-4% of men.
• Leading Causes: Can be psychological due to anxiety and depression, or physical from factors like nerve damage or certain medications (like antidepressants).

Treatment often includes addressing the underlying causes, whether they are psychological, medical, or a combination of both.

Female Orgasmic Disorder

Female orgasmic disorder occurs in the orgasm phase of the sexual response cycle and involves a woman's difficulties with achieving orgasm, either consistently or at all. This can affect emotional intimacy and self-esteem.

Important aspects of female orgasmic disorder include:

• Symptoms: Difficulty experiencing orgasm after sufficient sexual arousal and stimulation.
• Rates: Around 10-15% of women have never had an orgasm, and many more find it challenging to achieve orgasm regularly.
• Leading Causes: Psychological stressors, such as anxiety about sexual performance, can be combined with physical factors, like health issues or medication side effects.

Approaches to treatment might include therapy, education about sexual response and anatomy, and addressing any physiological contributions.

Sexual Response Cycle

The sexual response cycle is a framework that outlines the stages of sexual arousal and response, helping to understand the context within which sexual dysfunctions occur. It consists of four key phases — desire, arousal, orgasm, and resolution.

• Desire: The initial stage, involving sexual fantasies and desire for intimacy.
• Arousal: Involves physical changes in the body, such as increased heart rate and genital lubrication.
• Orgasm: The peak of sexual pleasure, involving rhythmic muscular contractions and a sense of release.
• Resolution: The return to a calm, pre-arousal state, with a general sense of well-being.

Understanding this cycle is essential, as it provides a clear structure to locate and manage different sexual dysfunctions. Recognizing which phase is affected can guide treatment and communication between partners.