What Causes Sexual Dysfunction?

Sexual Dysfunction Mini Series

PART ONE: What Causes Sexual Dysfunction?

PART TWO: 2 Ways to Treat Sexual Dysfunction

PART THREE: How to Relax and Release Your Pelvic Floor for Better Sex

PART FOUR: The Best Exercise for Better Orgasms 

Do you have trouble reaching orgasm? Is it challenging to become aroused? Or does it take a really long time for you to get aroused? Is sex not as pleasurable as it used to be? These are common symptoms of sexual dysfunction that often get blamed on “hormonal issues.” But I’m here to tell you that your hormones are actually the least likely cause of your sexual dysfunction! The most likely cause of sexual dysfunction is pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.

While hormones are often the first to receive blame for sexual difficulties, research reveals a surprising fact. Hormonal imbalances are responsible for only a small fraction, a mere 3%, of cases of sexual dysfunction. The remaining 97% can be attributed to issues related to pelvic floor muscle function!

In part one of this 4-part mini-series, we'll dive into the causes of sexual dysfunction and why the pelvic floor is the best place to start when treating sexual dysfunction. Next, we’ll look at 2 ways to treat sexual dysfunction. Then, we’ll discuss how to relax and release your pelvic floor for better sex. Finally, we’ll cover the best exercise you can practice for better orgasms.

What Causes Sexual Dysfunction?

Sexual dysfunction is multifactorial. There are hormonal factors at play, psychogenic factors related to desire and emotion, and physical causes related to pelvic floor muscle health and blood flow. Since there are multiple variables at play, it can be confusing and overwhelming when trying to pinpoint which of these are the true cause leading to sexual dysfunction. Although it's not always easy to discern what exactly is causing sexual dysfunction, its important to first look at the underestimated but pivotal role of pelvic floor muscle health. The pelvic floor muscles play a major role in sexual function! They bring the blood flow to the genitals that is necessary for arousal, lubrication and orgasm to occur. Blood flow is everything when it comes to sexual health. If the pelvic floor muscles are unhealthy and dysfunctional, they will not be able to bring the necessary blood flow to the genitals, and then arousal and orgasm will be challenging, if not impossible.

Since research shows that only 3% of cases of sexual dysfunction come from hormonal issues, and 97% of the cases of sexual dysfunction comes from pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, we can confidently say that resolving pelvic floor muscle dysfunction will improve, if not completely cure, most cases of sexual dysfunction!

So then we must ask…what causes pelvic floor muscle dysfunction?

There are many things that can cause pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, that can end up leading to sexual dysfunction, including:

• Poor posture 

• Poor breathing patterns

• Low organs

• Digestive issues

• Trauma

• Lack of exercise 

• Too much sitting

• High impact training with core dysfunction

• Injury during childbirth

• Food sensitivities

• Stress

  All of these things can cause the pelvic floor muscles to spasm. A muscle spasm is when a muscle gets stuck in a contraction and can’t relax on its own. When a muscle is in a spasm, its blood flow is reduced. When a muscle lacks blood flow, its function becomes compromised. So anything that chronically decreases blood flow to the pelvic floor muscles can lead to sexual dysfunction.

What does sexual dysfunction feel like? 

In women, sexual dysfunction may manifest as a lack of vaginal lubrication, making intercourse uncomfortable or painful. Or it may take a very long time to become physically aroused. Difficulty achieving orgasm is also a common concern. It may feel like you are ready to orgasm, but you are unable to actually “get there”. You may only be able to orgasm from a vibrator. In some cases, orgasm is impossible. This can lead to “faking the orgasm”, which leads to even more problems with sex.

Men, on the other hand, might experience sexual dysfunction as difficulty getting an erection. You may be ready with desire, yet unable to achieve an erection. Or you may be able to get an erection, but it’s hard to maintain the erection and the penis softens too soon. This leads to a variety of psychogenic factors, and in some cases there is an inability to ejaculate at all.

How to Identify the Cause of Your Sexual Dysfunction

Identifying the true cause of sexual dysfunction can be challenging, however, there's a helpful clue that can guide you. If the desire for sexual activity is present, but you still encounter issues related to arousal and orgasm, there's a high probability that your pelvic floor muscles are main the underlying problem.

The Role of Your Pelvic Floor

Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction can significantly impact your ability to become physically aroused, sustain that arousal, and ultimately reach orgasm. These muscles play a crucial role in facilitating blood flow to the genital region, which is essential for arousal and sexual pleasure.

Arousal involves both psychological and physical processes. While we often talk about the psychological side of desire, we rarely consider the physical aspect. Here, the role of pelvic floor muscles becomes clear. When these muscles don't work properly, they block blood flow, making it difficult to get aroused, feel pleasure and achieve orgasm.

Staying physically aroused (easily) is important for a satisfying sexual experience. Once again, the pelvic floor muscles are key players. When they're working well, they are able to maintain that heightened state of physical arousal—blood flow and lubrication. But if they're not functioning properly, it's harder to stay aroused because the necessary blood flow is not present. Without proper blood flow, difficulties with arousal and dissatisfaction with the sexual experience can result.

Now, when it's time for that big moment—the orgasm—strong unobstructed blood flow is essential. During orgasm, the pelvic floor muscles help ensure optimal blood circulation. Healthy muscles create a smooth steady flow of blood, intensifying the experience. But when these muscles are dysfunctional, they act as roadblocks, obstructing blood flow and making it harder (or impossible) to reach orgasm.

Exploring Solutions for Sexual Dysfunction and Pelvic Health

The good news is that addressing sexual dysfunction caused by pelvic floor issues is often very straightforward with the right treatment. If you're experiencing sexual difficulties or challenges with arousal, optimizing your pelvic floor muscle health can be the key to resolving these issues. The Core Recovery Method® is a simple, doctor-formulated protocol that can heal pelvic floor dysfunction for good, allowing you to have great sex. In the Core Recovery Method® Online Program, you will learn an incredibly effective and comprehensive protocol that heals and strengthens your pelvic floor muscle, ultimately enhancing your sexual function and enjoyment.