Overview

Sexual Dysfunction

Sexual dysfunction is defined as difficulty during any stage of the sexual act (which includes desire, arousal, orgasm and resolution) that prevents the individual or couple from enjoying sexual activity.

Sexual difficulties can begin early in an individual's sex life or they may develop after an individual has previously experienced enjoyable and satisfying sex.

The Sexual Dysfunction Program provides a complete evaluation for men with erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory disturbances. This includes the evaluation of factors that can influence dysfunction, including:

• Hormonal factors
• Vascular factors
• Neurologic factors
• Psychologic factors

Who is affected by sexual dysfunction?

The National Institutes of Health estimates that erectile dysfunction may affect as many as 30 million men in the United States. Erectile dysfunction has been found to increase as men age. Some of the most common types of sexual dysfunction include:

• Decrease in libido
• Low testosterone
• Erectile dysfunction
• Ejaculation disorders
• Difficulty in reaching orgasm

Anatomical problems may interfere with the ability to have sex, and these may be successfully treated by a urologist. If you are experiencing sexual dysfunction, you should consult with a urologist, who can help get you an accurate diagnosis, and can suggest effective treatments or procedures for it.

Coordinated care for patients with sexual dysfunction

The urologists at Northwestern Medicine have access to the latest medications and treatments not otherwise available. In addition, the program has been a national leader in drug development for topical therapy as well as new oral therapies for erectile dysfunction. Evaluation technology includes:

• Color Doppler of the penile arterial vessels
• Potential for full hormonal and hyperphylamic pituitary gonadal axis evaluation