Sexual disorders are categorized into three general groups. Thegroups are sexual dysfunctions, sexual deviations, andhomosexuality. These are not necessary abnormal, but what isconsidered out of the norm by either the mental healthestablishment, or society, or both.The first group, sexual dysfunctions, have increasedsignificantly over the last decade. Which, in turn, hasincreased the progress in the study and treatment of sexualdysfunctions. One important aspect that came out of Williammasters and Virginia Johnsons research is classifying thevarious forms of dysfunctions. Closely related is Kaplanssystem which groups sexual dysfunctions according to the phase inthe sexual response cycle in which they occur.There are three phases in the sexual response cycle. Thefirst one, called the desire phase, involves sexual fantasies andinterest in sexual activity. Failure to feel this in either aman or woman is called hypoactive sexual desire. The secondphase is called the excitement phase. In this phase, the sexualfantasy, or encounter is usually followed by physiologicalchanges. The absence or weakness of these responses is callederectile dysfunction (or impotence) in men, and general sexualdysfunction in women. The third phase is called the orgasmphase. This is the phase of sexual response. If the man isunable to exert control, and ejaculates very quickly, this iscalled premature ejaculation. If, on the other hand, ejaculationis greatly delayed, or does not happen at all, this is calledretarded ejaculation. A delay or absence of orgasm in women iscalled orgastic dysfunction.There are two more types of sexual dysfunction that do notfit completely with this typology. The first is a femaledisorder called vaginisimus. This occurs when, during coitus,the walls of the vagina contract involuntarily, making insertionof the penis difficult or impossible. The second disorder isdyspareunia, or pain during intercourse. This occurs in b...
