Sexual Problems in Men

Studies show that sexual problems are common in men, though many of them are shy to talk about it. Sexual dysfunction increases with age, but it becomes common among those aged 40 to 70 years. Sexual dysfunction is a problem that prevents you from performing effectively during sexual activity. It affects your sexual health, relationships, happiness, and general well-being. Therefore, it is important to reach out to a doctor or a certified health provider when you have a problem with your sexual organs.

Source: https://medlineplus.gov/sexualproblemsinmen.html

What are the Symptoms of Sexual Dysfunction in Men?

Men experience the following when they have sexual problems:

• Lack of interest in sexual activity
• Pain when having sex
• Inability to feel sexual desire or physically aroused. Some men also find it difficult, to maintain an erection. They often lose it quickly.
• Low or no discharge of semen

• Burning and itching in the penis
• Feeling of pain when having to use the bathroom: It is a common type of sexual problem found in men. It refers to when a man has a desire to have sex but is unable to get physical satisfaction from it. The man is unable to or finds it difficult to get an erection to have sex. It is also known as impotence.

Types of Sexual Dysfunction

• Erectile dysfunction: this involves when you have a problem with having and maintaining an erection
• Premature Ejaculation: This is also referred to as quick or early ejaculation. It involves a man ejaculating during sex earlier than he would like to. You should consult your healthcare provider if you have premature ejaculation frequently.
• Delayed Ejaculation: this happens in men when they can only ejaculate after a long period of arousing them to action.
• Prolonged Erection: Prolonged erection happens when blood is confined in the penis. It causes one to have pain during sex.
• Dry orgasm: this happens when a man has an orgasm without discharging semen during intercourse. There is no discharge of semen, or it makes its way back to the bladder.

Causes of Sexual Dysfunction

Problems with sexual functions can be caused by different reasons such as stress and psychological or medical conditions. 

• Medical conditions: conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney failure, and liver failure can affect your ability to have sex. 
• Hormone imbalance can affect one’s desire for sex. Hormones influence men’s energy, emotion, arousal, and sex drive. The male sex hormone is called testosterone. When testosterone is low, it can lead to a decrease in the sex drive and possibly cause erectile dysfunction. You can control your hormones by having a healthy diet and avoiding the use of illegal drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamines.
• Also, side effects of antidepressant drugs can affect sexual functions in men. Antidepressant drugs, used to treat eating, bipolar, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other illnesses have long-term effects on the brain and body. After years of continuous use of antidepressant drugs, it can cause emotional numbness and sexual problems. Medications such as diuretics, b-blockers, and propranolol used to treat high blood pressure could have side effects on the sexual activity of men. Let your doctor know about any changes you notice in your sexual drive after starting a new medicine. 
• Psychological effect: Depression, anxiety, and lack of confidence can cause sexual problems in men. When a man is worried about his sexual performance or has a relationship problem, it will affect him sexually. Anger, guilt, and issues with your partner can also affect a man’s ability to have sex. Studies have shown that physical and psychological conditions are associated with sexual problems.
• Unhealthy lifestyle: Having an unhealthy lifestyle such as drinking alcohol, drug abuse, and being overweight are also associated with sexual problems in men. These unhealthy lifestyles can affect your sexual health.

Factors associated with the risks of having a sexual problem such as STI include:

• Having unprotected sex without the use of a condom
• Having multiple sex partners

It is very important to talk about and engage in safe sexual practices with your partner for a healthy sexual life.

Other factors that contribute to sexual dysfunction in men include stress, lack of sleep, abuse in the past, fear, anxiety, alcohol, and drug abuse.

Diagnosis 

There is no simple alternative diagnostic procedure for sexual dysfunction yet. Although side effects of drugs have been discovered to be a common factor which results in sexual dysfunction in men. The drugs that may lead to erectile dysfunction in men include antidepressants, opioids, and anxiolytics.

Usually, you can recognize when there is a change in your attitude about sex which can be caused by fear, sexual trauma from the past, and anxiety. This information will help your healthcare provider to understand the cause of your problem and provide you the right treatment. 

There are some sexual problems that are difficult to diagnose and 

may require a comprehensive evaluation. This evaluation may include medical history assessment, physical examination, laboratory tests (such as hormone level testing), and possibly psychological assessments.

How to Manage and Treat Sexual Problem

Your doctor can recommend the right treatment for you after understanding what could be the cause of the problem. In the case where the problem is associated with stress, anxiety, or fear, your doctor or health provider could refer you for counseling. 

In the case related to a health condition, they may examine you or do some tests including a blood test. After knowing your test results, they could recommend the best treatment for you.

• Medications for erection issues could either be a pill or a shot. Examples include Levitra, Viagra, tadalafil, or Alprostadil. They can help to increase blood flow to the penis to improve your sexual ability.
• Surgery to correct penis deformities
• Penile traction therapy. This therapy involves you wearing a device on your penis to help correct or improve your condition.
• Counseling: it helps you address depression and manage stress, anxiety, guilt, or fear. Book sessions with a professional counselor. They can help you overcome the trauma you had in the past and have a good sexual relationship with your partner.
• Hormone treatment for hormone imbalances such as testosterone replacement theory
• Education and Communication: Discussing with your partner about your worries and what you want can help you enjoy a healthy sex life. 
• Having a healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help you cure erectile dysfunction or any other sexual problem. Ensure you have a healthy diet, and avoid unsafe sex and illegal substances that can affect your health. Living a healthy lifestyle plus treatment recommended by your doctor will help improve your sexual health. Avoid drinking too much alcohol, and have a healthy lifestyle to improve your overall well-being and sexual health. You could also engage in regular exercise and learn how to manage stress well to make your sex life better. 
• Vitamins and supplements: supplements such as ginseng, and L-arginine may be effective in managing erectile dysfunction. Other supplements that aid sexual health include Maca, horny goat weed, fenugreek and Vitamin E which is good for healthy sperm count

Cooperate with your healthcare professional. Do not feel shy or nervous about letting them know about your sexual problems. Let your doctor and partner know your worries and trust them to help you overcome them.