Understanding Somatization and Sexual Dysfunction: Insights from APA Conference

Somatization occurs when psychological distress manifests as physical symptoms that lack a complete medical explanation. Essentially, emotional or mental stress turns into physical complaints like pain, fatigue, dizziness, or gastrointestinal issues, without an underlying physical disease fully accounting for them. How does somatization relate to sexual dysfunction? Kimberly’s primary research interests are in understanding the impact of traumatic events on the development of sexual dysfunction symptoms, in which symptoms of sexual dysfunction for some individuals may be due to psychological stress manifesting into a physical symptom of sexual dysfunction. 

Physical symptoms without a medical cause are common and can lead to reduced quality of life. Somatic symptom disorder occurs in 5%-7% of the general population, while somatization symptoms are more common. One study found that 81.6% of participants reported one somatization symptom with minimal impact, such as headaches or mild pain, while 22.1% reported significant impairment with an average of 6.6 symptoms. Literature indicates somatic symptoms are associated with sexual dysfunctions, which occur in 43% of women and 31% of men. Research is limited on the comorbidity, or simultaneous occurrence, between the symptoms of sexual dysfunctions and somatization, and this research aimed to fill that gap.

Our research showed that female sexual dysfunction symptoms significantly predicted somatization. Low arousal and dissatisfaction predicted more somatization in women. Male sexual dysfunction symptoms also significantly predicted somatization. Problems with premature ejaculation predicted more somatization in men.

 

Consistent with expectations, sexual dysfunction symptoms are associated with increased somatization in both men and women. The results suggest that the mechanisms involved in somatization predict different outcomes for specific sexual dysfunction symptoms. In other words, somatization is not present with all forms of sexual dysfunction —but it is most strongly related to low desire and sexual dissatisfaction in women and premature ejaculation in men. 

As with all treatment for sexual dysfunction, sex therapists conduct comprehensive psychosexual assessments to identify the unique causes of your symptoms of sexual dysfunction and then develop treatment strategies tailored to address the causes of your symptoms to restore sexual functioning. If you have a history of trauma or associated PTSD, you might notice that your feelings show up in your body as physical sensations—sometimes called somatization. The work of therapy is to express those sensations in thoughts and language and free the body to function in healthy ways. 

To learn more about how trauma therapy and sex therapy can assist you with restoring sexual health, please contact Kimberly Keiser.