Question 1

Trent has decided to seek treatment because he has never been able to ejaculate through masturbation, even as a young boy. He thought the problem may be due to lack of a partner, but now he has a partner and is still not able to ejaculate. What type of sexual problem would this likely be classified as?

Accepted Answer

Trent has never been able to ejaculate through masturbation, which is an indication of a primary sexual problem. Additionally, he is unable to ejaculate with a partner, indicating a global problem. This rules out choices A and C, which suggest that the problem is situational. The fact that Trent has never been able to ejaculate suggests that this is a primary problem, ruling out choice D.

Question 2

If a sexual problem is classified as primary, it is more likely to have what type of cause?

Accepted Answer

Primary sexual problems refer to lifelong difficulties in sexual functioning and are more likely to have a biological or physiological cause. This may include hormonal imbalances, a structural issue, or a genetic predisposition.

Question 3

Brad is able to maintain an erection and ejaculate during masturbation. Before his breakup with his previous partner, he was also able to maintain an erection and ejaculate during sex. He now has a new partner and has not been able to maintain an erection during sex. What is a more likely cause for his problem?

Accepted Answer

Brad's ability to maintain an erection and ejaculate during masturbation suggests that his problem is not medical in nature. While cardiovascular problems can cause erectile dysfunction, there is no information in the scenario to suggest this is the case. Similarly, there is no information to suggest that Brad has caught an STI. However, it is possible that performance fears or comparisons to his previous partner are impacting his ability to maintain an erection during sex. There is no information to suggest that dissatisfaction with the size or shape of his penis is causing his problem.

Question 4

How does the EROS clitoral therapy device work to treat sexual arousal and desire disorders?

Accepted Answer

The EROS clitoral therapy device works by increasing vaginal lubrication and vasocongestion, which can help treat sexual arousal and desire disorders. It does not necessarily stimulate orgasm or help with penetration, nor is it specifically designed to address discomfort with masturbation.

Question 5

If the doctor uses a test that indicates if a man is having nighttime erections, what is he likely checking for?

Accepted Answer

Nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) tests are used to distinguish between physical and psychological causes of erectile dysfunction. As erections during sleep are often an indicator of physical health, if a patient has normal NPT this suggests a psychological cause for their erectile dysfunction. If there is an absence of NPT, this suggests the problem is more likely to have a physiological cause.

Question 6

If a couple is experiencing a discrepancy in desire, meaning that one partner desires sex more frequently than the other, which partner might be identified as having a sexual problem?

Accepted Answer

The partner with the lower level of sexual desire may be identified as having a sexual problem because they are not meeting the needs of their partner.

Question 7

Which sexuality based disorder currently has more treatment options than any other sexual disorder?

Accepted Answer

Erectile disorder currently has the most treatment options, including medication, therapy, and medical devices such as vacuum erection devices and penile injections. While there are treatments available for other sexual disorders, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy for premature ejaculation and hormone therapy for female sexual dysfunction, the treatment options for erectile disorder are currently the most extensive.

Question 8

What is the name for a substance that increases, or is believed to increase, a person's sexual desire?

Accepted Answer

An aphrodisiac is a substance that is believed to increase a person's sexual desire. Sex stimulant and enhancers are similar in meaning but not as commonly used or recognized. Vasodilators are substances that widen blood vessels, often used to treat conditions like high blood pressure and angina, but they are not specifically related to increasing sexual desire.

Question 9

What symptoms are associated with sexual interest/arousal disorders?

Accepted Answer

All of these symptoms are associated with sexual interest/arousal disorders. People with this disorder experience a lack of sexual desire, fantasies, and thoughts, as well as reduced pleasure and genital sensations during sexual activity.

Question 10

What hormone is primarily responsible for male sexual desire?

Accepted Answer

Testosterone is the primary hormone responsible for male sexual desire. It is produced in the testes and plays a crucial role in the development of male reproductive tissues and secondary sexual characteristics. Testosterone levels naturally decrease with age, which can lead to a decrease in libido in aging men.

Question 11

If a woman comes to sex therapy complaining of a low or absent desire for sexual activity, what would the most appropriate diagnosis be?

Accepted Answer

Hypoactive sexual desire is the most appropriate diagnosis for a woman who complains of low or absent desire for sexual activity. Dyspareunia refers to pain during sexual activity, sexual aversion is a strong avoidance or repulsion towards sexual activity, and hypersexuality is an excessive or compulsive desire for sexual activity.

Question 12

What has recent research found related to the use of Viagra for female sexual arousal and desire disorders?

Accepted Answer

Recent research has found that Viagra (sildenafil) provides little benefit in the treatment of female arousal and desire problems. Studies have found that while it can increase genital blood flow in women, it does not necessarily lead to increased sexual desire or satisfaction. Additionally, the use of Viagra in women has not yet been approved by the FDA and can cause potential health risks.

Question 13

What is a criticism of how the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) classifies sexual problems?

Accepted Answer

The DSM is criticized for being heterosexist in its classification of sexual problems because it assumes that sexual activity is only between opposite-sex partners and does not consider the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community.

Question 14

What is the first thing that most sex therapists do when beginning treatment of most sexual problems?

Accepted Answer

Taking a medical history is usually the first step in treating most sexual problems. This includes asking about physical health issues, medications, and any history of sexual trauma or abuse. It helps the therapist determine if there are any underlying medical or psychological factors contributing to the problem.

Question 15

Ever since giving birth to her second child, Amber is no longer able to orgasm during intercourse. She is able to orgasm during masturbation and she used to be able to orgasm through intercourse. How would her problem likely be classified?

Accepted Answer

Since Amber was able to orgasm through intercourse prior to giving birth, her problem would be classified as secondary rather than primary. However, since she is still able to orgasm through masturbation, the problem is situational rather than global. Therefore, the best choice is C, secondary and situational.

Question 16

If a male is using the nocturnal penile tumescence test, one could suspect he is being assessed for:

Accepted Answer

The nocturnal penile tumescence test is used to assess for erectile disorder, also known as erectile dysfunction. During the test, the male wears a device that measures the frequency and strength of his nocturnal (nighttime) erections. This information can help diagnose the cause of erectile dysfunction, such as physical, psychological, or neurological factors. Premature ejaculation disorder, hypoactive desire disorder, and sexual aversion disorder are all different conditions that would not be diagnosed through the use of the nocturnal penile tumescence test.

Question 17

According to your text, the reason that aphrodisiacs can be effective is because:

Accepted Answer

The effectiveness of aphrodisiacs is largely due to the placebo effect - the belief that they will work. While some aphrodisiacs may contain substances that can improve blood flow or mimic natural arousal processes, the power of suggestion is often the primary factor in their effectiveness.

Question 18

Erectile disorders in younger men are more likely to be _______ based, whereas erectile disorders in older men are more likely to be _______ based.

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that younger men are more likely to experience erectile dysfunction due to psychological factors such as anxiety or stress, while older men are more likely to experience physical causes such as vascular disease or medication side effects. Therefore, option B is the best choice.

Question 19

In men, what disorder is classified as a sexual arousal disorder?

Accepted Answer

Erectile disorder is classified as a sexual arousal disorder in men, which is often characterized by difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient for sexual activity. The other options listed are also sexual dysfunctions, but they do not fall under the category of sexual arousal disorders.

Question 20

Ben enters sex therapy and shares with his therapist that he is having difficulty maintaining an erection but only during oral sex. When he is masturbating or having vaginal intercourse, he maintains his erection with no problems. How would his therapist likely classify this problem?

Accepted Answer

The fact that Ben is able to maintain his erection during vaginal intercourse and masturbation suggests that his erectile dysfunction is not global or primary. Additionally, the fact that the problem only occurs during oral sex suggests that it is situational. Therefore, the best classification for Ben's problem is situational.

Quiz 14: Challenges to Sexual Functioning