For many students, the phrase “sexual dysfunction” conjures up images of serious sexual problems, but in reality most dysfunctions are common and treatable.

In “Loving and Relating in the 1990s,” Dr. Domeena Renshaw spoke to about 45 people on relationships between families, parents, children and couples Thursday at the Holmes Student Center.

Renshaw outlined eight factors of sexual problems among couples, including anxiety, anger and depression in relationships.

Together, a couple could combat these factors through a building of trust in each other, the use of touch, spending quality time with one another and talking about their sexual desires and fantasies, Renshaw said.

Renshaw also said women’s expanded roles and power in relationships leads to problems. Women today have a higher economic status and are more career-oriented, leading to independence and a tendency to put off marriage. Although these changes are good, they do have a downside.

One study found that single women 40 and older have a 1.3 percent chance of marriage. The fear of being alone for the rest of their lives is a very hard one to manage, Renshaw said.

Renshaw heads the dysfunction clinic at Loyola Medical School in Maywood.

The lecture was sponsored by NIU’s psychological services center, the department of psychology, psychology counseling and special education, Human and Family Resources and the Graduate Colloquium Committee and was free.