ABSTRACT
Sexual dysfunctions are longer lasting, occur more often, and result in much more emotional and relationship distress. Masters and Johnson emphasized the psychological, relationship, lifestyle, and cultural nature of what they believed to be the cause of the majority of sexual dysfunctions. This chapter explains five of the most important areas, namely medical factors, individual factors, partner and relationship factors, lifestyle Stressors and sociocultural influences to consider when looking at sexual dysfunctions. Relationship distress may add to sexual dysfunctions. It is essential to review the effect that family of origin, social, and religious factors have on sexual functioning. Sex therapy begins with a thorough assessment of medical, psychological, relational, cultural, and lifestyle factors that might impact sexual functioning. Sometimes, as therapy and Sensate Focus progress, a sexual dysfunction that at first seemed to be caused by something medical begins to improve.
