At some point in their lifetimes, men will experience sexual dysfunction. In fact, sexual problems are on the rise in men.
Sexual health is something men should take seriously. When men experience sexual dysfunction, it can be a traumatic event that makes them feel less than masculine.
It is important to be educated on the different causes of men’s sexual problems so that men can take steps to avoid or treat them.
Many men are embarrassed to seek medical attention for these issues, which is why they are not always discussed by doctors.
With this blog post, we hope to shed light on 7 facts all men should know about sexual problems and dysfunction!
Fact 1: What are Male Sexual Problems?
Male sexual problems are on the rise.
Sexual dysfunction can have a devastating effect on mental health, bringing about feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and depression.
What are some of the most common sexual problems men face?
Erectile dysfunction: a condition in which men cannot get or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual functioning.
Premature Ejaculation: Premature ejaculation is when a man cannot delay his orgasm and discharge, which happens very early on in the process. This leaves him unsatisfied for both parties involved as well. as embarrassing because it’s not enjoyable by either person at all times of sex–just before or during climaxes respectively.
Male orgasmic disorder: Male orgasmic disorder is the inability to achieve an orgasm from a partner or during intercourse. Orgasms are sometimes only achievable through masturbation or oral sex
Inhibited or hypoactive sexual desire: either disinterested in or completely lacks any interest in having sexual contact.
Retrograde ejaculation: it is when the semen goes back into the bladder instead of coming out of the penis. It’s not dangerous and is often a side effect of medications.
Priapism: A prolonged erection without sexual desire and should be treated as soon as possible.
Fact 2: Sexual Problems may signal cardiovascular or other medical issues
Any man should talk to their doctor if they experience a change in libido, erection, or ejaculation.
If an issue lasts for months, it may signify a more serious medical problem, so it’s critical to contact a doctor to rule out more serious medical conditions
Early ejaculation can develop as a side effect of medication, nerve damage, or urinary conditions.
Diabetes can affect your body in many different ways, and the first sign may be a change in libido or erection.
A hormonal imbalance could also be the reason for your low libido or erectile issues.
Erectile dysfunction may be a sign of chronic heart disease or prostate cancer.
Fact 3: What’s the link between sexual function and mental health?
Depression and other psychiatric illnesses can lead to sexual disorders, such as erectile dysfunction in men and decreased libido in women. It is clear that there is a clear connection between Erectile Dysfunction and depression. Therefore, to improve sexual function, one should treat his psychiatric illness first.
Sexual function may even improve when these conditions are addressed or managed properly with therapy such as mindfulness-based techniques like meditation and relaxation exercises to help the individual learn how they cope in stressful situations more effectively.
Fact 4: Medications for mental illness may cause sexual function changes
There is a misconception that the medications for psychological illness can cause sexual problems, but what many people don’t know is that it’s actually not true. Sexual function can actually improve in some cases and no one should ever avoid taking medication because of potential side effects.
Fifty to seventy percent of men experience no sexual side effects from medications, but those taking them for serious psychiatric disorders are more likely to have an improvement in their sexual function.
Dr. Parish stressed the importance of mental health for sexual well-being and explained that it is best to treat the mental disorder first followed by the sexual disorder before managing side effects.
Some changes in sexual function are normal parts of aging. As men get older, they may need more time for foreplay or direct stimulation.
If this isn’t enough to improve normal age-related changes in sexual behavior, going through sex therapy can be very beneficial as it provides you with personalized advice on how best to treat your own unique situation.
Fact 5: Can Other Medications Cause Sexual Dysfunction?
There are many medications that can cause sexual dysfunction. The most common include:
- Drugs used to treat high blood pressure
- Diuretics
- Histamine blockers (antihistamine and decongestants)
- Antidepressant medications
- Antipsychotic medications
- Sedatives
- Medications used to treat anxiety
- Use of drugs, including alcohol, methadone and heroin, anabolic steroids, and tobacco
Fact 6: Environmental Factors in Sexual Problems
Others may find it difficult to enjoy sex for these reasons:
- No safe, private place to relax and allow yourself to become sexual
- Fatigue from being overworked or drained of energy by both aspects of life
- Many parents find they can no longer be sexually intimate with their partners because of the demands and presence from children.
- Fear of contracting HIV
- The difficulties of striving for “safer sex”
- Psychological effects of discrimination
Fact 7: How Can an Overall Health Improve Sexual Performance?
Healthy living is the key to a healthy body and mind. An overall health can help improve sexual function by improving many different systems including cardiovascular, neurological, hormonal or psychological — all which play their own role in your sex lives!
A healthy lifestyle can help improve sexual function — improving diet, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly.
Achieving an overall balanced physical & mental state of well-being is important for both your heart as well as other parts that may impact how you experience love through intimacy with your partner.
A cardiovascular system in good shape will mean improved blood flow throughout all areas which gives rise to increased stamina and endurance; neurological functions are improved by exercising regularly as does hormonal balance (low cortisol levels); which affects hormonal balance including testosterone – this leads to increased muscle mass development amongst many benefits.
Psychological attributes like self confidence play integral roles too!
You may be surprised to learn that your overall health can have a big impact on how you feel about sex.
A healthy body means more energy, better moods and less stress which all lead toward having an enjoyable time with your partner!