They are any problem of a physical, psychological or social nature that prevents and / or hinders the sexuality enjoyment in any of the sexual response phases (desire, arousal and orgasm). Epidemiological studies place these sexual problems at percentages that range between 38% and 64%, depending on different variables, such as age or a medical disease presence. 

Sexual dysfunctions can appear throughout all the sexual life, although they can also appear after having had a sexual activity period considered as normal. In the same way, they can appear every time we try to have a relationship / sexual activity, or happen in a concrete situation, only related to some specific couples or to certain moments. Some of the main symptoms that can be experienced are: the inability to achieve orgasm, the feeling of fear, panic or disgust at a brief sexual contact or at the mere fact of thinking about sex, the lack of interest in any type of sexual activity, the inability to experience arousal which, in the men cases, manifests itself in difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection; and in the women case, difficulty in achieving or maintaining lubrication, or the pain appearance during intercourse or in sexual activities that seriously interferes with sexual intercourse.

Problems in sexual functioning generate dissatisfaction, stress and difficulties in the couple’s relationship. However, in many cases they usually appear as a result of a previous relationship problem. The communication deterioration, loss of trust due to infidelity, low involvement in the relationship, lack of positive interactions or adaptation to a life change such as the birth of a child, loss of job or illness, are some variables that can influence the appearance of a sexual and relationship problem. 

The evaluation of these problems is carried out through individual interviews, and as a couple if appropriate, through which an attempt is made to discover what factors are influencing the appearance and maintenance of certain sexual problems. In some cases, a medical evaluation is also recommended to rule out any condition that may affect the problem, and occasionally, psychophysiological aspects of the sexual response are measured. The new integrative treatment models combine sexual and couple therapy in a set of psychoeducational based techniques, which differ depending on the problem to be treated. However, they have in common the work on beliefs, attitudes, emotions and behaviors, which interact to cause a sexual dysfunction.