For the past two decades swift, sweeping, scientific, cultural, technological changes and globalization have impacted the family and rendered it vulnerable. The current state of decline in society can largely be traced to the lack of importance attached to the well-being of humanity. But attacks both subtle and overt have led to the increasing breakdown of marriage and family. Hence we see families faced with various pressures and challenges that render the family dysfunction and prevent the growth of family life and strengthening of the spousal bond. My task through this presentation is to place before you the source of psycho- medical challenges, the signs of these challenges and the possible strategies so that this awareness may empower couples strengthen the spousal bond and doing so, build family which is the sanctuary of life, love and communion.
the psycho- medical challenges that prevent intimacy and life-giving relationships could be broadly classified as Internal factors within the spousal bond and External factors beyond the spousal bond.
INTERNAL FACTORS- INTRAPERSONAL
FAMILY OF ORIGIN : Our family of origin has great impact on our identity and communication. The unique person that I am has its roots in the family of origin because we wrote our life scripts there. These scripts depended on how we were loved, accepted, understood and affirmed by our caregivers. We also learnt patterns of communication in our family. that is precisely why family is the first school of relationships. the family of origin impacts our ability to love, to communicate and to contribute to the spousal relationship
SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION : Sexual dysfunction is defined as difficulty during any stage of the process of sexual intercourse,. It has to do either with Inhibited sexual desire, Inhibited Sexual arousal, Inhibited orgasm and painful sexual intercourse, which prevents the spouses from enjoying Sexual or physical intimacy.
Inhibited Sexual Desire also referred to as libido is a crisis that arises from physical or psychological factors. It presents a lack or absence of interest in sexual activity. Contributing factors include non- acceptance of sexuality as a gift, anxiety, job related stress, financial loans, unresolved spousal conflicts and self image issues. Inhibited sexual desire could result through the use of medication. the common side effect of combined oral contraceptives and the use of anti- depressants, hypertensive drugs and mood stabilizers have shown a decrease in sexual desire. Depression also has a profound effect on sexual intimacy. 75% of those with depression cause sexual dysfunction.
Inhibited Sexual Arousal is understood as the failure to achieve erection despite strong sexual desire. Erectile dysfunction is a common sign and manifests in the male as failure to achieve and maintain an erection long enough to facilitate penetration . Erectile dysfunction is often associated with Vascular disease and Diabetes Mellitus. Performance anxiety may result in inhibited sexual arousal. Premature Ejaculation features within this and is responsible for great spousal stress since the basic need of sexual intimacy is not met. Inhibited orgasm hinders sexual arousal and is often brought about by fear, embarrassment, untreated anger, stress, traumatic sexual experiences of the past as in child sexual abuse, social conditioning (Sex is for procreation only) and deeply entrenched taboos (sex is dirty). Painful sexual intercourse is seen in women in the form of Vaginimus and dysparunia both of which should be understood and treated.
SYMPTOMS
In ability to feel aroused and lack of interest. Relational / psychological problems / hormonal problems.
MEN WOMEN
1 . Delay / absence of ejaculation despite 1. Burning or pain in vulva / vagina
despite stimulation
2. Inability to have an erection 2. Inability to reach orgasm.
3. In ability to control timing of ejaculation 3. Inability to relax vaginal muscles
4 Inability to sustain erection adequately for for intercourse
intercourse. 4. Inadequate vaginal lubrication.
TREATMENT :
Accurate Understanding of Sexuality as a quality of personality. A Holistic approach to Intimacy as a process
Call you doctor if symptoms persist
Medication to treat root cause
Hormonal replacement in therapy (deficiency )
Behavioral therapy
Couple therapy- inter-persona issues / conflicts
Psycho-therapy to address anxiety fear and inhibitions.a- personal
Intra-personal factors.........Psycho- medical challenges.....infertility and diseases.
Physical deficiency in form of disease , accidents , metabolic disorders , hormonal deficiencies ,birth defects (Klinefelter syndrome , Cryptoorchidism ) absence of organs , pelvic inflammatory disease ectopic pregnancy all contribute to infertility and are a major source of stress in the life of the spouses.
Mental health disorders such as depression, Anxiety disorders, Adjustment disorders , Post-traumatic stress disorders Obsessive compulsive disorders , Paranoia , Bipolar personality disorders incapacitate the individuals and prevent them from entering fully and responding to the demands of an adult relationship .
the psycho- medical challenges that prevent intimacy and life-giving relationships could be broadly classified as Internal factors within the spousal bond and External factors beyond the spousal bond.
INTERNAL FACTORS- INTRAPERSONAL
FAMILY OF ORIGIN : Our family of origin has great impact on our identity and communication. The unique person that I am has its roots in the family of origin because we wrote our life scripts there. These scripts depended on how we were loved, accepted, understood and affirmed by our caregivers. We also learnt patterns of communication in our family. that is precisely why family is the first school of relationships. the family of origin impacts our ability to love, to communicate and to contribute to the spousal relationship
SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION : Sexual dysfunction is defined as difficulty during any stage of the process of sexual intercourse,. It has to do either with Inhibited sexual desire, Inhibited Sexual arousal, Inhibited orgasm and painful sexual intercourse, which prevents the spouses from enjoying Sexual or physical intimacy.
Inhibited Sexual Desire also referred to as libido is a crisis that arises from physical or psychological factors. It presents a lack or absence of interest in sexual activity. Contributing factors include non- acceptance of sexuality as a gift, anxiety, job related stress, financial loans, unresolved spousal conflicts and self image issues. Inhibited sexual desire could result through the use of medication. the common side effect of combined oral contraceptives and the use of anti- depressants, hypertensive drugs and mood stabilizers have shown a decrease in sexual desire. Depression also has a profound effect on sexual intimacy. 75% of those with depression cause sexual dysfunction.
Inhibited Sexual Arousal is understood as the failure to achieve erection despite strong sexual desire. Erectile dysfunction is a common sign and manifests in the male as failure to achieve and maintain an erection long enough to facilitate penetration . Erectile dysfunction is often associated with Vascular disease and Diabetes Mellitus. Performance anxiety may result in inhibited sexual arousal. Premature Ejaculation features within this and is responsible for great spousal stress since the basic need of sexual intimacy is not met. Inhibited orgasm hinders sexual arousal and is often brought about by fear, embarrassment, untreated anger, stress, traumatic sexual experiences of the past as in child sexual abuse, social conditioning (Sex is for procreation only) and deeply entrenched taboos (sex is dirty). Painful sexual intercourse is seen in women in the form of Vaginimus and dysparunia both of which should be understood and treated.
SYMPTOMS
In ability to feel aroused and lack of interest. Relational / psychological problems / hormonal problems.
MEN WOMEN
1 . Delay / absence of ejaculation despite 1. Burning or pain in vulva / vagina
despite stimulation
2. Inability to have an erection 2. Inability to reach orgasm.
3. In ability to control timing of ejaculation 3. Inability to relax vaginal muscles
4 Inability to sustain erection adequately for for intercourse
intercourse. 4. Inadequate vaginal lubrication.
TREATMENT :
Accurate Understanding of Sexuality as a quality of personality. A Holistic approach to Intimacy as a process
Call you doctor if symptoms persist
Medication to treat root cause
Hormonal replacement in therapy (deficiency )
Behavioral therapy
Couple therapy- inter-persona issues / conflicts
Psycho-therapy to address anxiety fear and inhibitions.a- personal
Intra-personal factors.........Psycho- medical challenges.....infertility and diseases.
Physical deficiency in form of disease , accidents , metabolic disorders , hormonal deficiencies ,birth defects (Klinefelter syndrome , Cryptoorchidism ) absence of organs , pelvic inflammatory disease ectopic pregnancy all contribute to infertility and are a major source of stress in the life of the spouses.
Mental health disorders such as depression, Anxiety disorders, Adjustment disorders , Post-traumatic stress disorders Obsessive compulsive disorders , Paranoia , Bipolar personality disorders incapacitate the individuals and prevent them from entering fully and responding to the demands of an adult relationship .
