Sexual dysfunction is a significant problem, which has ruined many relationships and marriages. It occurs during any stage of the sexual response cycle and hinders couples from getting satisfied with their sexual activities. According to McCabe et al. (2016), there are four primary categories of sexual dysfunction, including desire, orgasm, arousal, and pain disorders. The causes of sexual dysfunction can be either biological or psychosocial. Examples of physical causes in men and women include high blood pressure, hormonal imbalances, chronic diseases, neurological conditions, and urological infections. Additionally, psychosocial contributors to sexual dysfunction are depression, anxiety, stress, past trauma, or negative sexual experiences. In the couple seeking a therapist’s assistance, the husband’s overweight condition, high blood pressure, and career anxiety could be the source of his sexual dysfunction. These factors are associated with erectile dysfunction (ED) in males, representing the inability to get and maintain a firm erection during sexual intercourse. On her part, his wife experiences a desire disorder that compels her to lose interest in sex due to the husband’s erectile challenge.
Several psychosocial and biological treatments for sexual dysfunction exist, including physical exercises, eating a balanced diet, and using antidepressants, among other behavioral changes. In the couple’s case, a therapist should strive to address the challenges facing their sexual life. First, he or she should encourage the husband to eat a healthy diet and embrace physical exercise to lessen the high blood pressure and overweight problems. According to McCabe et al. (2016), men often experience erectile dysfunction due to being overweight or obese. The counselor should also advise him to reduce anxiety by thinking less about work stressors and practicing self-care. The wife only experiences a desire disorder, which arises from his husband’s disinterest in her as well as sex. The therapist should use a multi-step process, which will help the couple identify negative attitudes towards sex and develop new thinking mechanisms. The focus should shift their behaviors and adopt sexual fantasies, which will strengthen their relationship. Sexual dysfunction is a severe challenge that can ruin a marriage, but with self-will and healthy lifestyles, the couple can regain their remarkable sexual life.
Reference
McCabe, M. P., Sharlip, I. D., Lewis, R., Atalla, E., Balon, R., Fisher, A. D., Laumann, E., Lee, S. W., & Segraves, R. T. (2016). Risk factors for sexual dysfunction among women and men: A consensus statement from the Fourth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine 2015. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 13(2), 153-167. Web.