The Impact of Partner/Male Sexual Problems on Female Sexual Function

Abstract

Sexuality represents a key domain in our lives and an important bonding factor for many relationships. Assessing and treating men and women with sexual difficulties or concerns necessitates a discussion about a partner’s response both to the problem itself and their own sexual functioning. As Masters and Johnson quoted ‘there is no such thing as an uninvolved partner in a relationship where sexual dysfunction exists’ (Masters and Johnson, Human sexual response, Churchill, London, 1966). Questions related to the age and health status of a partner should be asked and enquiring whether a partner is male or female identifies an opposite or same sex relationship. This is important both in terms of the information and support that is offered but also if psychosexual therapy is advised some patients may prefer to access therapy via an organisation that specialises in sex, gender and relationship diversity such as www.pinktherapy.com. Erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation (PE), delayed ejaculation (DE) and loss of sexual desire are common sexual problems experienced by men, with organic ED being age dependent (Porst H, The ESSM syllabus of sexual medicine, Medix, Amsterdam, 2012). In clinical practice, delayed ejaculation related to partner penetration has increased dramatically over the past 10 years primarily related to high frequency masturbation and pornography consumption. Whilst masturbation habits can negatively impact on sexual function, in some circumstances it can be beneficial to encourage self-stimulation for men with ED without a partner or for those in relationships with little or no sexual intimacy. Suggestions that encourage experimentation with touch and masturbation re-training techniques are often used in psychosexual therapy to heighten arousal and improve ejaculatory control. Encouraging women to explore their body and genital area reduces feelings shame and promotes exploration of sensation and arousal. Women who have experienced changes in their sexual responses may need to discover new forms of touch to improve sexual pleasure, stimulate blood flow and nerve responses especially around the time of the menopause.