Male sexual issues are more prevalent than you might believe. 31% of men, according to WebMD, experience sex-related problems like erectile dysfunction, early ejaculation, low libido, or orgasm disorders. These issues may negatively impact your quality of life, relationship, and self-worth, often hindering your peace of mind as well.
Male sexual dysfunction can have various root reasons, including illnesses, drugs, lifestyle choices, psychological disorders, and interpersonal relationships. A plethora of efficient treatments and solutions are available, including prescription drugs, therapy, counseling, workouts, technologies, and natural cures.
In this article, we will explore about sexual problems in men. We will also point out a few challenges that men with sexual problems face and the treatments for them.
Common types of sexual problems in men
Some of the most common types of sexual problems in men are:
Erectile dysfunction (ED)
This kind of problem arises when a man faces problems in maintaining an erection. Also known as impotence, this can occur in men of any age group but is mostly common in older men. Some common causes of ED include physical or psychological conditions that can lead to stress, relationship problems, and lower self-confidence.
Premature ejaculation (PE)
This is a situation where a man ejaculates during sex earlier than he or his partner would prefer. Depending on whether PE has always existed, it may qualify as lifelong. PE can also be situational or generalized, depending on whether it happens with any partner or only in specific circumstances.
Delayed ejaculation (DE)
Delayed ejaculation (DE) is a condition in which a male ejaculates later than usual or during intercourse. DE can be primary or secondary, depending on whether it has existed since the first sexual experience or only emerged after a period of regular ejaculation.
Low libido
This refers to a diminished desire for sex. Physical, psychological, relationship, or a combination of these reasons may be to blame for low libido. Men of any age can experience low libido, although it may worsen with time, stress, disease, or medicine.
Retrograde ejaculation
This is a condition in which, during ejaculation, semen runs back into the bladder rather than out of the penis. Prostate issues, surgery, medication, or nerve damage may bring on retrograde ejaculation. Retrograde ejaculation can decrease fertility, although it does not affect the ability to get an erection or orgasm.
Challenges that a man with sexual problems faces
Some of the challenges that a man may face due to these sexual problems are:
Challenges of Men with Erectile Dysfunction (ED):
ED can affect a man physically, mentally, and emotionally. Physically, ED may signify inadequate blood flow in the arteries, raising cardiovascular disease risk.
When it comes to the mind, ED can lead to stress, worry, sadness, low self-esteem, and a lack of confidence. Regarding relationships, ED can lead to partner resentment, irritation, and conflict. A man's fertility and capacity to father children can both be impacted by ED.
Challenges of Men with Premature ejaculation (PE):
PE can cause several challenges for men, including stress and relationship problems, fertility problems, self-esteem issues, and avoidance of sexual intimacy. A common complication of PE is relationship stress.
PE can sometimes make it difficult for a partner to get pregnant. This may happen if ejaculation doesn’t occur in the vagina. PE can have an impact on a man’s self-esteem and may lead to feelings of frustration, embarrassment, and anxiety. Men with PE may feel distressed and frustrated and may tend to avoid sexual intimacy as a result.
Challenges of Men with Delayed ejaculation (DE):
DE can lead to issues with self-esteem, feelings of inadequacy, failure, and negativity. Men with the syndrome may avoid intimacy with others out of frustration and fear of failing. In addition, it can result in diminished sexual pleasure, sex-related tension or anxiety, issues in marriage or relationships brought on by an unhappy sex life, and even male infertility.
Challenges of Men with Low Libido:
Low libido can indicate hormonal imbalances, such as low testosterone or high prolactin. These hormones regulate the sexual function, mood, energy, and metabolism of a man.
Low libido can indicate depression, anxiety, and stress. A man with low libido could also feel less desirable, macho, or handsome. A man's enjoyment and happiness from sex can also be impacted. It can indicate boredom, conflict, mismatched expectations, or lack of communication with the partner. These factors can damage a relationship's intimacy, trust, compatibility, and harmony.
Challenges of Men with Retrograde ejaculation:
Retrograde ejaculation can also cause physical, psychological, and relationship problems for a man. Physically, retrograde ejaculation can indicate nerve damage, surgery, medication, or prostate problems. Psychologically, retrograde ejaculation can cause embarrassment, disappointment, and loss of pleasure. Relationally, retrograde ejaculation can confuse, worry, and cause misunderstanding with the partner.
Treatments
Treatment for sexual problems in men depends on the type, cause, and severity of the problem. Some of the possible treatments are:
Medication: There are oral drugs that can help improve blood flow to the penis and enhance erection, such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), and avanafil (Stendra). There are also injections, suppositories, and hormone replacement therapy that can help with erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation, low libido, and retrograde ejaculation.
Counseling and therapy: Psychological interventions can help in addressing the emotional and mental factors that may contribute to sexual problems, such as stress, anxiety, depression, guilt, fear, trauma, or relationship issues. These include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), sex therapy, couples therapy, and psychotherapy
Exercises and devices: Some physical activities and gadgets can help improve the strength and function of the pelvic floor muscles and the penis, such as pelvic floor exercises (Kegels), vacuum pumps, penile rings, and penile implants.
Natural remedies and supplements: There are herbs, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that can help boost the sexual health and performance of men, such as ginseng, Yohimbe, maca, B3, C, D, zinc, magnesium, L-arginine, and L-citrulline.
Conclusion
Male sexual problems encompass a spectrum of challenges affecting life's physical, emotional, and relational aspects. These issues impact self-esteem, relationships, and overall well-being. If proper attention is not given to these symptoms, they may come out to be threatening and worrisome. With various treatments available, from medications and therapies to exercises and natural remedies, men can address these challenges and improve their quality of life. Not only will it improve their quality of living, but will also motivate them to stay healthy and active. As they say, 'Prevention is better than Cure.'
Written By - Khushi Bhatia
Edited By - Bhagwat Jha