This first area of dysfunction has been more commonly discussed in women and somewhat neglected in epidemiological research in men. Sexual arousal disorders in women can be divided into three types: genital sexual arousal dysfunction, which is absent or impaired genital sexual arousal (characterized by minimal vulval swelling or vaginal lubrication); subjective sexual arousal dysfunction is the absence of or markedly diminished feelings of sexual arousal, sexual excitement and sexual pleasure, from any type of sexual stimulation; and combined genital and subjective arousal dysfunction, which is an absence of or markedly diminished feelings of sexual arousal (sexual excitement and sexual pleasure) from any type of sexual stimulation as well as complains of absent or impaired genital arousal. In men, erectile dysfunction (ED) is an arousal disorder defined as a consistent or recurrent inability of a man to attain and/or maintain penile erection sufficient for sexual activity. It was suggested that a 3-month minimum duration be present for establishment of this diagnosis, except in some instances of trauma or surgically induced erectile dysfunction. Persistent sexual arousal dysfunction is spontaneous, intrusive and unwanted genital arousal in the absence of sexual interest and desire. Early ejaculation in men is ejaculation that occurs sooner than desired, either before or shortly after penetration over which the sufferer has minimal or no control. To this definition, actual intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT), stop watch specified, may be added [2]. Delayed ejaculation is undue delay in reaching a climax during sexual activity.

Orgasmic dysfunction in either men or women is lack of orgasm, markedly diminished intensity of orgasmic sensations or marked delay of orgasm from any kind of stimulation. Anejaculation in men is the absence of ejaculation during orgasm.

Dyspareunia is persistent or recurrent pain with attempted or complete vaginal entry and/or penile vaginal intercourse. Vaginismus is the persistent or recurrent difficulties of the woman to allow vaginal entry of a penis, a finger, and/or any object, despite the woman’s expressed wish to do so.

Sexual aversion disorder is extreme anxiety and/or disgust at the anticipation of/or attempt to have any sexual activity.

For clinical applicability of the definitions, a degree of distress or bother from the sufferer, would aid greatly the interpretation of the data collected and possible later communication of that data. It is suggested that a definition should not follow a sequential concept in terms of phases.

Definitions should be further characterized as to whether they are lifelong or acquired and whether they are global or situational.