Sexual dysfunction is a significant nursing diagnosis that can occur when an individual experiences difficulty in achieving or maintaining sexual satisfaction. It can lead to serious complications if not properly addressed. In this blog post, we will explore the NANDA nursing diagnosis of “Sexual Dysfunction” and learn about its definition, characteristics, related factors, and suggested interventions.
NANDA Nursing Diagnosis Definition
The NANDA nursing diagnosis of “Sexual Dysfunction” is defined as “a state in which an individual experiences difficulty in achieving or maintaining sexual satisfaction.” This diagnosis can be made when an individual is experiencing challenges related to sexual function, including difficulties with sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and pain.
Defining Characteristics
Subjective
- Reports decreased sexual desire or interest
- Reports difficulties with sexual arousal or orgasm
- Reports sexual pain or discomfort
- Reports dissatisfaction with sexual activity
Objective
- Observed lack of sexual interest or activity
- Observed difficulty with sexual arousal or orgasm
- Observed sexual pain or discomfort
Related Factors
- Physical health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or spinal cord injury
- Medications that can affect sexual function such as antidepressants and antihypertensive drugs
- Mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety
- Stress, relationship issues, or past sexual trauma
- Aging
Risk Population
- Individuals with certain physical health conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease
- Individuals taking medications that can affect sexual function
- Individuals with mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety
- Individuals experiencing stress or relationship issues
- Individuals with a history of sexual trauma
- Older adults
Associated Problems
- Decreased self-esteem or self-worth
- Depression or anxiety
- Stress or tension in relationships
- Decreased quality of life
Suggestions of Use
- Assess the individual’s sexual function and history
- Identify and address any underlying physical health conditions or medications that may be contributing to sexual dysfunction
- Provide education and support related to sexual function and healthy sexual behaviors
- Refer the individual to a therapist or counselor if they have a history of sexual trauma or relationship issues
- Encourage the individual to engage in regular physical activity and a healthy lifestyle
Suggested alternative NANDA diagnoses
- Impaired Sexual Relationship: This diagnosis can be used when an individual is currently experiencing difficulties in their sexual relationship
- Ineffective Health Maintenance: This diagnosis can be used when an individual’s sexual dysfunction is related to a lack of self-care or poor health habits
- Risk for Ineffective Sexual Relationship: This diagnosis can be used when an individual is at risk of experiencing difficulties in their sexual relationship
Usage tips
- Be aware of any underlying physical health conditions or medications that may be contributing to sexual dysfunction
- Provide education and support to help the individual improve their sexual function and engage in healthy sexual behaviors
- Refer the individual to a therapist or counselor if they have a history of sexual trauma or relationship issues
- Encourage the individual to engage in regular physical activity and a healthy lifestyle
NOC Results
- Sexual Function: The individual’s ability to achieve and maintain sexual satisfaction
- Self-Esteem: The individual’s level of self-worth and confidence
- Sexual Relationship: The quality of the individual’s sexual relationship
NIC Interventions
- Sexual Function Assessment: Assessing the individual’s sexual function and history
- Health Teaching: Providing education and support related to sexual function and healthy sexual behaviors
- Therapy: Referring the individual to a therapist or counselor if they have a history of sexual trauma or relationship issues
- Health Promotion: Encouraging the individual to engage in regular physical activity and a healthy lifestyle
- Medication Management: Identifying and addressing any underlying physical health conditions or medications that may be contributing to sexual dysfunction
Conclusion
Sexual dysfunction is a significant nursing diagnosis that can lead to serious complications if not properly addressed. As a nurse, it is important to be able to recognize the signs of sexual dysfunction and take steps to address it. By using the NANDA nursing diagnosis of “Sexual Dysfunction,” you can provide appropriate interventions and support to help your patients improve their sexual function and promote their overall well-being.
FAQ
What causes sexual dysfunction?
Sexual dysfunction can be caused by a variety of factors, including physical health conditions, medications, mental health conditions, stress, relationship issues, past sexual trauma and aging.
How can sexual dysfunction be treated?
Sexual dysfunction can be treated through a variety of interventions, including identifying and addressing any underlying physical health conditions or medications, providing education and support related to sexual function and healthy sexual behaviors, referring the individual to a therapist or counselor if they have a history of sexual trauma or relationship issues, and encouraging the individual to engage in regular physical activity and a healthy lifestyle.
Why is it important for nurses to be able to recognize and address sexual dysfunction?
As a nurse, it is important to be able to recognize and address sexual dysfunction because it can have a significant impact on the overall well-being of the individual. By providing appropriate interventions and support, you can help your patients improve their sexual function and promote their overall well-being.