Sexual problems men face. The most common problems men are faced with are sexual dysfunction. However, a lot of men are battling with ejaculation, getting and keeping an erection, and reduced sexual desire.
Sexual dysfunction in males
Sexual dysfunction can affect men of all ages but is especially common in older men. The most common problems related to sexual dysfunction include ejaculation disorders, erectile dysfunction, and inhibited sexual desire. These issues can often be corrected by treating the underlying causes. However, erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get and keep an erection for the duration of sexual intercourse.
Premature ejaculation (PE)
Premature ejaculation occurs before or too soon after penetration. Inhibited or delayed ejaculation does not happen or takes a very long time. However, the exact cause of premature ejaculation (PE) is not known. While in many cases PE is due to performance anxiety during sex, other factors may be stress, temporary depression, history of sexual repression, low self-confidence, and lack of communication or unresolved conflict with a partner. Physical (as opposed to traditional) factors may also play a role.
Physical and psychological factors can cause premature ejaculation.
Premature ejaculation has been linked to many physical causes. There are very few medical reasons for premature ejaculation. In the early 1990s, research indicated that the pelvic muscles, specifically the muscles that surround the erectile bodies in the penis, are in a hyperactive state in men with premature ejaculation. Further, it is known that during the ejaculation process there is increased activity of these same muscle groups. Consequently, it is likely that men who have premature ejaculation have hyperactive muscles that are already on their way toward the threshold to producing ejaculations. Recent studies have also shown that infection of the prostate can also cause premature ejaculation.
For the majority of men with premature ejaculation, the origin is psychological. It may stem from a first sexual experience. There is an enormous of pressure to perform and premature ejaculation occurs. This can cause a feeling of inadequacy that can manifest again as performance anxiety and cause the problem to escalate. This may result in years of feeling inadequate and frustrated. Some men go through their whole lives never really experiencing control of their ejaculation.
Various urban legends exist that claim to treat or cure premature ejaculation. Generally speaking, these techniques do not work. Getting drunk, using one or more condoms, concentrating on something other than sex while having sex, biting one’s cheek as a distraction and frequent masturbation are examples of such treatments. One must bear in mind that premature ejaculation is a treatable condition even though it seems to most men to be a huge problem. Various proven techniques exist for treating premature ejaculation.
The squeeze method was developed by Masters and Johnson. This method has the partner stimulate the man’s penis until he is close to ejaculation. At the point when he is about to ejaculate, the partner squeezes the penis. This makes him partially lose his erection. The goal of this technique is to teach the man to become aware of the sensations leading up to orgasm. He then begins to control and delay his orgasm on his own.
The stop-start method involves the stimulation of the penis by the partner, where the man will communicate to his partner to stop when he feels that he is about to ejaculate, the partner stops stimulating the man’s penis before ejaculation becomes inevitable. Then as he feels he regains control, he instructs the partner to begin stimulating his penis again. The couple repeats this exercise three times a week until the man has good control, then they progress to stop-start with lubrication, and then intercourse with the woman on top and the man not moving. He again instructs her to stop moving when he senses he is losing control. The couple progresses over subsequent times to having the man move during intercourse in this position and then side by side intercourse. Instead of stopping and starting, the couple may progress to merely slowing down to enable the man to regain control of his urge to ejaculate. While the exercise methods are effective, they both rely on the cooperation of the man’s partner, which in some cases may be a problem. For that reason, other methods are used to help the man get control of the sensations leading up to orgasm.
Drug therapy – antidepressants. There have been reports in the urology literature of successful treatment of premature ejaculation through the use of low-dose antidepressants including Anafranil, Muzak, and Zoloft. Significantly delayed ejaculation is one of the known side effects of these medications. In the studies, extremely low doses of the antidepressant medication have prolonged ejaculation by at least 5-10 minutes. The medication is given approximately four hours before intercourse. It will result in a significant delay of ejaculation. Some patients have described side effects (drowsiness or nausea) with this treatment.
Drug Therapy – self-injection therapy. Recently doctors have reported significant success using self-injection therapy. Essentially this approach is a self-paced therapy and medication, which over a period of six to twelve weeks will allow one to gain control of the erection rather than the other way around. Within 5 to 10 minutes of administering the medicine to the side of the penis, a full erection will develop that will last even after ejaculation. This means that even if one ejaculates prematurely, the erection will remain firm so making love can continue. The rationale behind this approach is that it will enable extended penile contact with the vagina thereby “desensitizing” the penis. When used in conjunction with the exercise techniques described above this type of therapy has proved successful.
Drug Therapy – self-injection therapy. Recently doctors have reported significant success using self-injection therapy. Essentially this approach is a self-paced therapy and medication, which over a period of six to twelve weeks will allow one to gain control of the erection rather than the other way around. Within 5 to 10 minutes of administering the medicine to the side of the penis, a full erection will develop that will last even after ejaculation. This means that even if one ejaculates prematurely, the erection will remain firm so making love can continue. The rationale behind this approach is that it will enable extended penile contact with the vagina thereby “desensitizing” the penis. When used in conjunction with the exercise techniques described above this type of therapy has proved successful.
Frequently, marital and relationship issues may be an underlying cause of premature ejaculation. Counseling sessions to improve the success of the therapy should also address these issues.
Remember that sex is for the pleasure of both partners. The concern of satisfying your partner should mean that sexual intercourse becomes pleasurable for you. You must get rid of any beliefs that say, real men, make a woman orgasm purely by prolonged thrusting with the penis. This is not true. Most men have read stories or seen movies in which the male heroes are thrust away for hours on end and the women have multiple orgasms. But in real life, this usually does not happen because almost 75% of women can only have an orgasm by directly stimulating the clitoris. For the majority of women, a good lover is a man who can stimulate their clitoris, not a man who can thrust away with his penis for ages and ages. Many women find prolonged penile thrusting uncomfortable and they may even fake an orgasm to get the whole thing over. The benefits of foreplay and clitoral stimulation can not be stressed enough. Try to use your manual, oral, or mechanical (a vibrator) stimulation on your partner’s clitoris to bring her to orgasm before you even attempt penetration with the penis. This will take the pressure off you to perform.
For more causes of premature ejaculation click here
Common treatment options for premature ejaculation include behavioral techniques, topical anesthetics, medications, and counseling. Keep in mind that it might take time to find the treatment or combination of treatments that will work for you. Behavioral treatment plus drug therapy might be the most effective course.
In some cases, therapy for premature ejaculation might involve taking simple steps, such as masturbating an hour or two before intercourse so that you’re able to delay ejaculation during sex. Your doctor also might recommend avoiding intercourse for a period of time and focusing on other types of sexual play so that pressure is removed from your sexual encounters.
Low libido (reduced sexual desire)
Low libido means your desire or interest in sex has decreased. The condition is often linked with low levels of the male hormone testosterone. Testosterone maintains sex drive, sperm production, muscle, hair and bone. Low testosterone can affect your body and mood. Reduced sexual desire may also be caused by depression, anxiety or relationship difficulties. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain medications like antidepressants may also contribute to a low libido.
How is male sexual dysfunction diagnosed?
Your doctor may begin the diagnosis process with a physical exam. Physical tests may include blood tests to check your testosterone levels, blood sugar for diabetes and cholesterol. The doctor may also conduct a rectal exam to check for prostate cancer and examination of your penis and testicles. However, your doctor may also ask questions about your symptoms and your medical and sexual history. Though these questions may seem very personal, do not be embarrassed. It is important to answer honestly so the best treatment can be recommended.
Ways to prevent male sexual problems
Conclusion
No matter how long a man has been experiencing a problem, it can be treated successfully. Therefore the purpose of this article is to provide a better understanding of male sexual dysfunction, why it occurs, and what treatment options are now available.
Men’s Clinic International deals with any sexual problems that are related to Weak Erections, Early Ejaculation, Low Libido, STIs, or Circumcision. Do get in touch with us to book a consultation with our professional doctors who specialize in Men’s Sexual Health.
Contact us now to find out more about Men’s Clinic prices and the effects of weak erections. Or click here to book an appointment with one of our friendly doctors in your area.
To read more about sexual problems, click here.
You must be logged in to post a comment.