Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Sexual dysfunction refers to a problem occurring during any phase of the sexual response cycle that prevents an individual or couple from experiencing satisfaction from the sexual activity.
Related terms
Erectile Disorder: This is a specific type of sexual dysfunction where an individual has consistent difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance.
Female Orgasmic Disorder: Another specific type of sexual dysfunction, this disorder is characterized by delays in, infrequency of, or absence of orgasm after ample sexual stimulation.
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: This disorder involves a lack or absence of sexual fantasies and desire for sexual activity causing significant distress or interpersonal difficulties.