What is sexual dysfunction?

Sexual dysfunction is generally classified into four types or categories: Pain disorders Orgasm disorders (either delay or absence of orgasm) Desire disorders (lack of interest in sex or of sexual desire) Arousal disorders (inability to become physically aroused during sexual activity) For men, symptoms of sexual dysfunction include: Inability to control the timing of ejaculation, such as early (premature) ejaculation or retarded ejaculation, which is the absence or delay of ejaculation Erectile dysfunction, or the inability to achieve or maintain an erection hard enough for intercourse In women, symptoms of sexual dysfunction typically include: Inability to relax the vaginal muscles for intercourse, resulting in painful intercourse Inadequate vaginal lubrication before and during intercourse, which can lead to dryness and irritation Inability to become aroused or achieve orgasm If you or your partner suffer from any of these symptoms, then you may not be experiencing your optimal sexual wellness. Most of these dysfunctions and disorders are highly treatable, if not reversible.

Why is sexual wellness important?

Sex is a vital part of being human. How we feel in intimate physical relationships can impact how we feel about ourselves and how we move about the world, as well as the overall quality of our lives. Sexual wellness is more than just intercourse; it includes all manner of sexual intimacy and activities and their various expressions, from hugging and holding hands to orgasm and everything in between. A healthy and fulfilling sex life—and the accompanying intimacy—can help improve self-esteem, mood, and even blood pressure, releasing beneficial hormones like: Human Growth Hormone (HGH), which helps fight signs of aging in the skin, muscles, and hair Prolactin, which can help improve sleep Oxytocin and other endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers, immune system supporters, and mood boosters Serotonin, which can reduce the symptoms of depression Orgasm in particular also signals the release of immunoglobulin A (IgA), an antibody that helps fight off infection. All of this leads to additional benefits like: Improved stress levels and self-esteem Reduced risk of developing serious health conditions like heart disease or prostate cancer Improved emotional health through better communication and intimacy Reduced atrophy or shrinkage of the vagina, prostate, and related muscles and ligaments, so sex is more enjoyable

Sexual Wellness Services in Scottsdale, AZ

Two middle aged men smile at each other while jogging in the evening sun.

For Him

For Her

Sexual health and wellness are essential to our emotional, social, mental, and physical well-being, and they remain just as important in our later years as in our youthful ones. Despite the commonly held belief that waning interest in sexual activity is an inevitable aspect of aging, research consistently proves otherwise. Among individuals aged 65 and older, almost three-quarters report having a romantic partner, with around half of those surveyed remaining sexually active two or three times a month, and just under a quarter engaging in sexual activity one or more times per week.

However, as our bodies change with age, fluctuating hormones and physical decline can hamper the ability of both men and women to maintain optimal sexual wellness, affecting important aspects like libido, enjoyment, and the ability to become aroused.

Led by renowned hormone and sexual wellness specialists Dr. John Robinson and Dr. Cristina Bosch, The Hormone Zone provides innovative treatment solutions that can help you rediscover the pleasure and the benefits of a healthy and fulfilling sex life. Since 2006, our team of board-certified physicians has been at the forefront of sexual health and wellness, providing proven, research-backed modalities that are tailored to your unique needs and designed to deliver the best results possible.

The Role of Hormones in Sexual Wellness

Hormones act as the messengers of the body, responsible for delivering complex and vital signals that facilitate everything from healing and recovery to physical attributes and performance. Without the proper balance of hormones, the body begins to function less efficiently and becomes more vulnerable to the effects of aging or other external factors, such as stress or medication.

There is a wide array of hormone types, all of which play specific roles in different bodily functions such as immunity, growth, metabolism, and stress management. One group of hormones in particular, commonly and collectively referred to as the “sex hormones,” impacts sexual drive and desire, the underpinnings of sexual health and wellness.

Testosterone. Although a predominantly “male” hormone, both men and women produce testosterone, and it’s an important hormone in increasing libido and encouraging sexual activity.

Estrogen.Like testosterone, both men and women produce estrogen, although it is typically considered the “female” hormone. Estrogen is important in promoting vaginal lubrication and increasing sexual desire.

Progesterone. Progesterone is produced in the ovaries and has various responsibilities throughout the reproduction cycle. High levels can contribute to mood swings, bloating, and breast tenderness, while low levels are often associated with menopause-type symptoms like decreased libido, hot flashes, and abnormalities in the menstrual cycle.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Produced in the adrenal gland and the brain, DHEA is used by the body to create testosterone and estrogen. It typically peaks in people’s late 20s to early 30s, then begins a steady decline.

What Happens When Hormones Are Unbalanced

Hormones can become imbalanced for a wide range of reasons, but no matter the cause, hormone levels that are just a little off can cause a lot of problems.

For men, hormone imbalances may present as some form of erectile dysfunction (ED), low testosterone, lower libido, shorter and/or weaker orgasms, or even trouble reaching orgasm. For women, imbalanced hormones can cause a decline in sexual interest or performance as a result of menopause—which causes a decrease in both female hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and testosterone, which drives libido—and/or as a result of changes in vaginal atrophy and loss of elasticity, which can lead to burning, painful intercourse, bleeding after sex, and increased vulnerability to tears and infection.

In addition to these specific challenges, both men and women with hormone imbalances are also likely to face additional challenges to being interested in or engaging in sexual activity, such as:

Weight gain
Stress and fatigue
Mood swings
Reduced muscle tone and stamina
Chronic health conditions
Effects of aging, like loss of skin elasticity and wrinkles

Trust Your Sexual Wellness to The Hormone Zone

Sexual wellness is deeply intertwined with everything from how you feel about your body to how you feel in your body, which is why The Hormone Zone takes a holistic and personalized approach to every patient. Here, we do more than treat the symptoms keeping you from a fulfilling sex life; we make you better from the inside out so you can engage in your relationships and live your life with confidence. Find out just how good you can look, feel, and function with effective and comprehensive sexual wellness treatment options like:

Unlike other hormone pellet practices that focus only on sex hormone deficiencies, The Hormone Zone combines the best in traditional and alternative methods for integrative treatment that optimizes every one of your body’s processes. From hormone therapies that keep you healthy on a cellular level to wellness services like IV nutritional therapies, weight loss programs, and aesthetic medicine, The Hormone Zone can help you discover your very best self.

FAQs

Sexual dysfunction is generally classified into four types or categories:

Pain disorders
Orgasm disorders (either delay or absence of orgasm)
Desire disorders (lack of interest in sex or of sexual desire)
Arousal disorders (inability to become physically aroused during sexual activity)

For men, symptoms of sexual dysfunction include:

Inability to control the timing of ejaculation, such as early (premature) ejaculation or retarded ejaculation, which is the absence or delay of ejaculation
Erectile dysfunction, or the inability to achieve or maintain an erection hard enough for intercourse

In women, symptoms of sexual dysfunction typically include:

Inability to relax the vaginal muscles for intercourse, resulting in painful intercourse
Inadequate vaginal lubrication before and during intercourse, which can lead to dryness and irritation
Inability to become aroused or achieve orgasm

If you or your partner suffer from any of these symptoms, then you may not be experiencing your optimal sexual wellness. Most of these dysfunctions and disorders are highly treatable, if not reversible.

Sex is a vital part of being human. How we feel in intimate physical relationships can impact how we feel about ourselves and how we move about the world, as well as the overall quality of our lives. Sexual wellness is more than just intercourse; it includes all manner of sexual intimacy and activities and their various expressions, from hugging and holding hands to orgasm and everything in between. A healthy and fulfilling sex life—and the accompanying intimacy—can help improve self-esteem, mood, and even blood pressure, releasing beneficial hormones like:

Human Growth Hormone (HGH), which helps fight signs of aging in the skin, muscles, and hair
Prolactin, which can help improve sleep
Oxytocin and other endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers, immune system supporters, and mood boosters
Serotonin, which can reduce the symptoms of depression

Orgasm in particular also signals the release of immunoglobulin A (IgA), an antibody that helps fight off infection.

All of this leads to additional benefits like:

Improved stress levels and self-esteem
Reduced risk of developing serious health conditions like heart disease or prostate cancer
Improved emotional health through better communication and intimacy
Reduced atrophy or shrinkage of the vagina, prostate, and related muscles and ligaments, so sex is more enjoyable