Deck 13: Sexual Disorders

Question 1

Which statement most accurately compares men's sexual problems to women's?

A) Men and women have very similar sexual problems.
B) Men's and women's problems are very different and seldom overlap.
C) Men's problems can usually be resolved with medication; women's cannot.
D) Men often have serious sexual problems; women's problems are usually minor.
E) Men's problems usually involve performance; women's usually involve feelings.

Answer 1

E

Question 2

A sex therapist would be least helpful for a

A) man who climaxes too early.
B) man who is anxious about performance.
C) woman who is unable to reach orgasm.
D) woman who has never found pleasure in sex.
E) woman who has had problems with lubrication since menopause.

Answer 2

E

Question 3

A couple who has recently developed sexual difficulties decide to consult a sex therapist. The couple can expect their therapist to

A) do physical exams of their genitals.
B) prescribe sex hormones.
C) demonstrate sexual touch during sessions.
D) teach the couple about sex, communication, and sensual touch.
E) prescribe Viagra.

Answer 3

D

Question 4

In a sensate focus exercise, the toucher should focus on

A) keeping track of the time.
B) his or her partner's pleasure.
C) identifying negative thoughts that occur while touching his or her partner.
D) locating the partner's erogenous zones.
E) the feelings at his or her fingertips.

Question 5

During his youth and middle age, a man exhibits a strong sex drive. With age, he loses interest in sex and becomes unable to perform sexually. He is most likely suffering from a _______ sexual disorder.

A) primary
B) secondary
C) situational
D) emotional
E) sensate

Question 6

A woman feels no sexual desire for her husband but intense sexual desire for her lover. Her lack of desire is a(an) _______ sexual disorder.

A) primary
B) secondary
C) situational
D) emotional
E) sensate

Question 7

What is the relationship between sexual interest and sexual arousal?

A) The phrases are synonyms.
B) Sexual arousal always triggers sexual interest.
C) Sexual interest always triggers sexual arousal.
D) Sexual interest and sexual arousal can trigger and elevate each other.
E) Sexual interest increases with a familiar partner but sexual arousal decreases.

Question 8

The Eros Clitoral Therapy Device treats sexual arousal disorder by

A) decreasing pain during coitus.
B) decreasing pain during orgasm.
C) using suction to increase blood flow to the clitoris.
D) using vibration to increase blood flow to the vagina.
E) increasing lubrication.

Question 9

Kim has extremely sensitive genital nerves, which causes constant pain in her genitals and pelvis, and suffers from genital vasocongestion, which makes her uncomfortable and constantly on the verge of an orgasm. Even activities as simple as walking trigger her symptoms. A doctor would most likely diagnose Kim's disorder as

A) dyspareunia.
B) vaginismus.
C) clitoral erectile disorder.
D) hypoactive sexual desire disorder.
E) persistent genital arousal disorder.

Question 10

In women, topical estrogen works better than lubricants for treatment of sexual pain due to

A) an infection.
B) a latex allergy.
C) vaginal dryness.
D) vaginal atrophy.
E) psychological problems.

Question 11

After a physical exam revealed no obvious problems, a gynecologist orders a set of STI tests and recommends that their female patient try switching to a gentler soap and using polyurethane condoms instead of latex condoms. It is likely that the woman came to the doctor seeking help for

A) vaginismus.
B) dyspareunia.
C) persistent genital arousal disorder.
D) anorgasmia.
E) female sexual arousal disorder.

Question 12

A woman complains that she cannot engage in coitus. The walls of her vagina, as well as her pelvic floor muscles, go into painful spasm during attempts at coitus, preventing penetration. A doctor would most likely diagnose her with

A) vaginismus.
B) vulvodynia.
C) endometriosis.
D) vaginal atrophy.
E) insufficient genital arousal.

Question 13

As part of her work with a sex therapist, a woman has been doing homework that involves inserting a narrow vaginal dilator into her vagina. This is likely

A) a sensate focus exercise.
B) part of her treatment for anorgasmia.
C) part of her treatment for vaginismus.
D) part of her treatment for dyspareunia.
E) part of her treatment for persistent genital arousal disorder.

Question 14

A 25-year-old woman raised to believe that sex is a marital duty intended only for procreation has suffered from anorgasmia with each of her partners. What is the most likely cause of the problem?

A) Her partners lack education about female genital anatomy and function.
B) Psychological factors are interfering with arousal and sexual functioning.
C) She is experiencing side effects from common over-the-counter medications.
D) She is exhibiting peri-menopausal hormonal declines.
E) She has a small clitoral glans.

Question 15

Which strategy would not be used to help a woman achieve an orgasm?

A) A vibrator
B) A vaginal dilator
C) Clitoral stimulation
D) Use of the coital alignment technique
E) Increasing the time for foreplay

Question 16

Modifying traditional coitus positions would be most helpful for anorgasmia caused by

A) menopause.
B) an antidepressant drug.
C) a small clitoral glans.
D) a sexually transmitted disease.
E) a medical condition causing neurological damage.

Question 17

Megan has had pleasurable sex for a number of years. She has recently begun a new relationship, and although she loves her new partner, she has been unable to reach orgasm with him because he transitions to intercourse before she is ready. What advice would a sex therapist most likely give Megan?

A) Fake her orgasms.
B) Try the coital alignment technique.
C) Communicate what she wants to her partner.
D) Do Kegel exercises to improve her ability to reach orgasm.
E) Pleasure herself with directed masturbation and do not expect orgasms with her partner.

Question 18

Kegel exercises would be of least use for a

A) man seeking to improve sexual function.
B) post-menopausal woman.
C) woman with a satisfactory sex life.
D) woman who has just given birth.
E) woman who suffers from urinary incontinence.

Question 19

What statement accurately describes faked orgasms during partnered sex?

A) Men can always tell if their partner fakes an orgasm.
B) Very few women have faked orgasms.
C) Faked orgasms are typically a turnoff for both partners.
D) Women sometimes fake orgasms to bring sex to an end.
E) Only about 2% of men have ever faked an orgasm.

Question 20

Low levels of sex hormones may contribute to a lack of interest in sex. This is likely to be a causative factor in all groups lacking interest in sex except

A) female athletes.
B) older men.
C) post-menopausal women.
D) women with young children.
E) women whose ovaries were removed.

Question 21

For older women complaining of low interest in sex, doctors most commonly prescribe

A) estrogen.
B) flibanserin.
C) progesterone.
D) Viagra.
E) antidepressants.

Question 22

In cases where a woman has low estrogen levels (a post-menopausal woman, for example), what benefit, if any, would there likely be in undertaking sex therapy as a treatment?

A) There would be no benefit.
B) It may have the same effect as hormone treatment.
C) It may help overcome negative beliefs and expectations.
D) Its usefulness is unknown, because no studies have been done.
E) It may be useful, but only if combined with hormone treatment.

Question 23

Marie has little interest in sex but wants to be sexually active to make her husband happy. According to Rosemary Basson's model of sexual arousal in women, Marie might enhance her own sexual desire by

A) engaging in sexual activities.
B) learning to overcome her inhibitions.
C) undergoing sex therapy with her partner.
D) taking estrogen for several weeks before having sex.
E) getting more sleep and removing stress from her life.

Question 24

One person's lack of interest in sex is most likely to be considered a problem among

A) gay couples.
B) lesbian couples.
C) heterosexual couples.
D) elderly couples.
E) couples with discrepant sexual desire.

Question 25

The stop-start method involves alternately stimulating and not stimulating the penis. The goal of this technique is to

A) increase sexual frustration to treat hypoactive desire.
B) help a man learn to control his ejaculations.
C) improve relationships by reducing the man's need for ejaculatory control.
D) teach a man to gain sexual satisfaction without ejaculation.
E) help a man identify the psychological causes of rapid ejaculation.

Question 26

Currently, the most successful treatment for premature ejaculation is

A) medication.
B) sex therapy.
C) masturbating to orgasm before partnered sex.
D) a combination of medication and sex therapy.
E) a combination of medication and mental distraction during sex.

Question 27

Refer to the figure.
The figure shows the mean time in seconds between the start of coitus and ejaculation under different treatment conditions. Both Zoloft and Paxil are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Data from this figure suggest that

A) only Paxil is effective in treating premature ejaculation.
B) only Zoloft is effective in treating premature ejaculation.
C) neither Paxil nor Zoloft is effective in treating premature ejaculation.
D) Zoloft and Paxil are both effective, but Paxil is more effective.
E) Zoloft and Paxil are both effective, but Zoloft is more effective.

Question 28

A man is unable to prevent ejaculation after about two minutes of coitus. Is he suffering from premature ejaculation?

A) Yes, he should be able to choose his time of ejaculation.
B) Yes, he should be able to delay ejaculation for at least five minutes.
C) Yes, he should be able to delay ejaculation for at least eight minutes.
D) No, healthy men can delay ejaculation for two to eight minutes.
E) No, most men ejaculate within the first minute of thrusting.

Question 29

Sixty-year-old George suffered from premature ejaculation before and during his marriage, as well as during a recent extramarital affair. George has a

A) primary condition that is most likely caused by performance anxiety.
B) primary condition that is most likely biological in origin.
C) situational condition that is most likely caused by performance anxiety.
D) situational condition that is most likely biological in origin.
E) secondary condition triggered by guilt over his affair.

Question 30

A man ejaculates prematurely during sex with his partner but not when he masturbates. Although his partner is supportive, he worries constantly during sex that she will leave him because of this problem. What does this suggest about the cause of his premature ejaculation?

A) He has a primary sexual disorder.
B) He has a sensate sexual disorder.
C) His condition is biologically based.
D) His thoughts impair performance.
E) His condition is caused by his partner.

Question 31

A young man was raised to feel guilty about sexual feelings and ashamed of the pleasure he feels while masturbating. He has recently begun his first sexual relationship and is having difficulty ejaculating. What treatment would a doctor most likely suggest?

A) SSRIs
B) Viagra
C) Psychotherapy
D) Viewing pornography before having sex
E) Discontinuing his relationship

Question 32

Which situation would a doctor be least likely to diagnose as delayed ejaculation?

A) A man achieves an orgasm but does not ejaculate.
B) A man achieves ejaculation after 10 or more minutes.
C) A man cannot achieve orgasm under any circumstances.
D) A man is unable to maintain an erection that allows him to reach orgasm.
E) A man can ejaculate during masturbation but not during sex with a partner.

Question 33

The most common cause of erectile disorder is

A) obesity.
B) smoking.
C) increasing age.
D) antidepressant use.
E) performance anxiety.

Question 34

Belisario is 45 and obese, he has hypertension and Type II diabetes, and his problems with erectile dysfunction are becoming more frequent. What would a doctor be most likely to recommend for ED treatment?

A) Diet change and weight loss
B) Discontinuation of hypertension medications
C) Use of Zoloft or Paxil
D) Sex therapy to learn techniques for maintaining an erection
E) Sex therapy to come to terms with his age and lifestyle

Question 35

Lifestyle changes would be least effective in treating erectile disorder in a man who

A) is a long-term smoker.
B) is very stressed at work.
C) has several drinks every day.
D) recently had prostate surgery.
E) bicycles as his major form of exercise.

Question 36

Viagra and Cialis will not treat erectile disorder successfully unless

A) the ED is caused by atrophy of the erectile tissue.
B) blood pressure is high enough to force blood into the erectile tissue.
C) the drugs are combined with sex therapy.
D) the nerves supplying the erectile tissue are at least partially functional.
E) the ED is caused by psychological factors.

Question 37

The drug Cialis is preferred by many men as a treatment for ED because it

A) can be taken as a daily supplement.
B) has very mild side effects.
C) is broken down very quickly.
D) begins working within 15 minutes.
E) is least likely to cause headaches.

Question 38

When a healthy man who does not suffer from ED takes Viagra it is likely to

A) have no effect.
B) increase the size of his erection.
C) increase the volume of semen ejaculated.
D) cause difficulty in getting an erection.
E) shorten the refractory period after an orgasm.

Question 39

Direct injection of the drug prostaglandin E₁ to treat ED would not help a man

A) who has recently had prostate surgery.
B) whose penile nerves are no longer intact.
C) who has diabetes.
D) who is healthy and is using it recreationally.
E) whose erectile tissue has been damaged or scarred.

Question 40

When using a vacuum device to obtain an erection, a constriction band is used

A) to prevent injury caused by over-pumping the device.
B) to increase the degree of erection.
C) to maintain the erection after the vacuum device is removed.
D) to produce a more powerful ejaculation.
E) as contraception, because it blocks ejaculation.

Question 41

A man whose erectile tissue is severely damaged would most likely benefit from which form of ED treatment?

A) A penile implant
B) Viagra or Cialis
C) Paxil or Zoloft
D) Sensate focus exercises
E) Directed masturbation

Question 42

A man has decided to have a penile implant to treat his ED. He must decide between a hydraulic device and a semirigid implant. Which factor would most likely cause him to decide against the semirigid implant?

A) It is more expensive.
B) It is harder to conceal.
C) It interferes with ejaculation.
D) It is more likely to malfunction.
E) It produces a smaller erection.

Question 43

A young man has a very low sexual desire, does not have a sexual partner, and has no interest in having one. He works long hours and is committed to his new career. A routine physical examination shows that his testosterone levels are in the low-normal range. Would a doctor likely diagnose this man with hypoactive sexual desire disorder?

A) Yes, he has very low sexual desire.
B) Yes, he has no interest in having a sexual partner.
C) Yes, his testosterone levels suggest the beginning of a disorder.
D) No, his lack of sexual interest is not causing problems in his life.
E) No, his lack of interest is short-term and will likely change as he ages.

Question 44

Testosterone supplements, such as testosterone patches, are likely to help

A) increase a man's life span.
B) decrease the risk of prostate cancer.
C) increase sexual desire in men with low testosterone.
D) increase sexual desire regardless of testosterone levels.
E) increase general health.

Question 45

Dyspareunia, or pain during coitus, is not listed as a male sexual disorder in DSM-5. This is most likely because

A) men do not admit to it.
B) men seldom experience it.
C) it is considered a female disease.
D) men avoid the pain by using condoms.
E) it only results from allergic or infectious conditions.

Question 46

Jason, a 38-year-old man, grew up with a neglectful mother who never touched him. As an adult, he feels driven to masturbate and visit prostitutes frequently, which is becoming a financial stressor. A sex therapist might diagnose Jason with which condition?

A) Hypoactive sexual desire disorder
B) An impulse-control disorder
C) Normal male sexual behavior
D) Sexual interest/arousal disorder
E) Discrepant sexual desire

Question 47

One reason some scientists do not consider "sex addiction" to be an accurate description of hypersexuality is that hypersexuality

A) lacks the craving common to addiction.
B) lacks the cyclical nature common to addiction.
C) is associated with guilt, but sex addiction is not.
D) rarely lasts past the age of 22.
E) does not involve tolerance or physical withdrawal symptoms.

Question 48

A 40-year-old man feels overwhelmed by sexual desire. He recently lost his job because he was viewing pornography at work. To control this behavior, his doctor would be most likely to prescribe

A) Viagra.
B) Cialis.
C) an SSRI.
D) controlled viewing of pornography.
E) sensate focus exercises.

Question 49

A medical or pathological cause for compulsive sexual behavior is most likely if the person

A) suffered sexual abuse as a child.
B) grew up in a strict, religious home.
C) showed a recent onset of symptoms.
D) has experienced the symptoms throughout adulthood.
E) has developed an increasing tolerance for sex.

Question 50

A man explores his erotic fantasies while surfing the web and fantasizing about the women in his daily life. He thinks about sex constantly but does not have sex with his partner because he fears he cannot fulfill her needs. This man's compulsive thoughts and behavior are most likely a

A) defense mechanism against feelings of inadequacy.
B) distraction from life stressors.
C) way to manage inappropriate sexual urges.
D) method of coping with erectile dysfunction.
E) result of brain injury.

Question 51

Refer to the figure.
This figure illustrates

A) discrepant sexual desire.
B) hypersexuality.
C) normal male sexual behavior.
D) normal female sexual behavior.
E) sexual interest/arousal disorder.

Question 52

Two middle-aged men have ended their heterosexual marriages to become a couple. Which issue are they more likely to face now than in their prior relationships?

A) Lack of sexual attraction
B) Loss of interest in sex over time
C) Shame about their sexual desires
D) Lack of open communication with each other
E) Erectile dysfunction

Question 53

A sex therapist is working with a newly married couple. Both were virgins when they got married and are finding that their uncertainty about which kind of touch their partner prefers is interfering with sex. Describe the type of exercises the therapist would be likely to assign and the reason for those exercises.

Question 54

Explain the differences among dyspareunia, vulvodynia, and vaginismus. What treatments work best for these disorders?

Question 55

Describe the treatments that have been shown to be effective in treating anorgasmia in women.

Question 56

Describe factors that contribute to low sex drive in women and effective treatments.

Question 57

A young man has struggled with premature ejaculation in all of his sexual encounters. He does not currently have a sexual partner and wants to resolve this issue before resuming partnered sex. What treatments would you recommend and why?

Question 58

A man with no history of injury or medical disorders has started suffering from delayed ejaculation. He is now able to orgasm only after lengthy, solo masturbations sessions. Explain possible reasons for his problem and suggest treatment options.

Question 59

Discuss the major physical, behavioral, and psychological causes of erectile disorder.

Question 60

A middle-aged man with erectile dysfunction wants to improve his ability to obtain and maintain erections without making his sexual partners aware of his difficulties. What treatment options would you recommend?

Question 61

Hypersexuality and sex addiction are contentious concepts. Discuss major perspectives on whether intense pursuit of sexual satisfaction should be considered a disorder and comment on which perspective is most compelling.

Question 62

Discuss the types of sexual problems experienced more frequently by sexual minorities.