Sexual Dysfunction

Enhancing Sexuality With Education & Resources

Many people struggle to enjoy a fulfilling sex life, causing frustration and preventing deeper connections with their partners. Whether because of emotional, physical, or psychological factors, intimacy and sexuality issues can interfere with mental, physical, and emotional well-being. While there are many reasons people experience a lack of intimacy, there is hope for recovery. Seeking a professional sexuality therapist who specializes in enhancing sexuality through counseling and therapy can help you identify the root cause of your intimacy concerns and experience a more pleasurable sex life.
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Why Is Enhancing Sexuality Important? 

Intimacy and sexuality go hand in hand when it comes to enjoying a fulfilling sex life. While there is a difference between emotional intimacy and sexual arousal, both are essential components of sex. Long walks, cuddling, holding hands, or other physical gestures can make couples feel closely connected, deepening the desire for sexual intercourse. When people experience a healthy sense of intimacy with their partner, they want to explore a deeper sexual connection.
Enhancing sexuality can provide numerous mental and physical health benefits, such as better mood, increased cardiovascular health, and reduced depression. Spending the time to work on intimacy with therapy from a sexuality therapist can also:

● Reduce stress
● Lower the risk of age-related diseases
● Increase longevity
● Lower blood pressure

It’s natural for people to lose interest in sex at some point. However, if this continues long-term, it can decrease physical and mental health and interfere with relationships.  

What Causes a Lack of Intimacy of Sexual Pleasure?

Most people want to feel close to their partners before, during, and after engaging in sexual intimacy. Intimacy and sexual pleasure are essential for a long-lasting and pleasurable sex life. However, there are several reasons why people may experience a lack of sexual satisfaction, making it difficult to experience the benefits of sexual intimacy. 

Psychological Issues

Sexual dysfunction or distress that causes a lack of intimacy can result from a variety of causes, including psychological issues. Depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns can prevent men and women from desiring or fostering a sexual connection. Trust issues, betrayal, or a fear of close connection can prevent the flow of communication, causing more intimacy issues. 

Physical Factors

Several physical factors can affect intimacy and sexuality in any relationship. If one partner is dealing with an underlying medical condition, disability, or unexplained health issue, it can limit intimacy and reduce sexual activity. 

Sexual Dysfunction 

Sexual dysfunction in men and women can reduce intimacy and sexuality. Erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation in men and painful sex or anorgasmia in women are some reasons people avoid sexual contact. Seeing a healthcare professional and talking with a sex therapist can help individuals enhance sexual functioning and pleasure.

Medications

Some medications can alter the sex drive, leading to decreased sexual desire, arousal, and/or response. Antidepressants, oral contraceptives, or recreational drugs are some of the medications that have been found to impact sexual functioning.

Hormonal Imbalances

As individuals age they may experience a decrease in sexual functioning because of natural changes in the body. For example, decreasing levels of testosterone in men can trigger unwanted symptoms, including low libido and difficulty maintaining erections. Women can suffer from hormonal changes during pregnancy, after childbirth, or during menopause. In some instances sex can feel painful, and changing hormones can trigger anxiety and reduce a woman’s sexual desire.
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Stress or Exhaustion

Stress and exhaustion are primary factors that play an essential role in intimacy and sexuality. Finding a balance in work, home, and relationships can be overwhelming, pushing sex connections further out of mind. Individuals in relationships may feel neglected if their partner isn’t making sexual intimacy a priority.  

Types of Trauma

Many types of trauma or having posttraumatic stress can impact intimacy and sexuality. Childhood abuse and neglect, adult sexual assault, PTSD, surgery, childbirth, or other physical trauma or illness can prevent a healthy sexual arousal and response, causing a lack of intimacy and sexuality.

About Kimberly Keiser

Kimberly Keiser is licensed professional counselor, AASECT certified sex therapist, AASECT certified sex therapist supervisor, EMDRIA certified EMDR therapist and trauma expert providing client care, clinical supervision, and clinical consultation. Kimberly is a researcher in Dr. Kristine Jacquin's clinical forensic neuropsychology lab at Fielding Graduate University. Kimberly develops educational training, presentations, CEUs, and webinars for professional and lay audiences in the fields of sex therapy and trauma therapy. 
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Get in Touch With an Intimacy Therapist Today

If you’re experiencing a lack of intimacy or sexuality in your relationship, we want you to know there is a better way of life. We invite you to contact our intimacy therapy specialists at MendEd today. Our courses can help you identify the source of your intimacy issues and enhance your sexuality, so you can experience a more fulfilling sex life.

Ask Me Anything

If you aren’t sure whether this course is right for you, submit an anonymous question that Kimberly will respond to through our Ask Me Anything inquiry. 
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Schedule a Call

If you would like a complimentary 15-minute consultation with Kimberly to ask any questions related to your specific experience, feel free to reach out to Kimberly directly at kimberly@mendeducation.com or schedule your 15-minute consultation online.