Male Sexual Dysfunction - Symptoms, Risk factors and Treatment

Sexual dysfunction in males can occur at any age. But most commonly, it affects males of older age. It is often related to difficulty in getting and maintaining an erection, ejaculation disorders, or low sexual desire. Sometimes it can occur due to any underlying condition, therefore, treating the underlying condition can help get rid of sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction is a condition in which you or your partner is not satisfied with your sexual performance. Treatment can often help men gain their normal sexual performance. 

Types of Male Sexual Dysfunction

The main types of sexual dysfunction in men are;

Erectile dysfunction-A condition in which men can not get and maintain an erection.

Premature ejaculation- A condition when a man ejaculates sooner during sexual intercourse than he or his partner desires.

Delayed or inhibited ejaculation- A condition when a man fails to ejaculate or reaches too slowly for an orgasm.

Low libido- A loss of interest in sexual activities

Causes

Physical causes of male sexual dysfunction can be;

• Having low testosterone levels
• Taking prescription drugs such as antidepressants or medications used to lower high blood pressure medicine
• Any blood vessel disorders such as atherosclerosis-hardening of the arteries
• Hypertension or high blood pressure
• Nerve damage due to diabetes, stroke, or surgery
• Smoking
• Alcoholism 
• Drug abuse

Psychological causes that can lead to sexual dysfunction in men are;

• Being too concerned about sexual performance
• Marital problems
• Feeling of guilt
• Depression 
• Past history of sexual abuse
• Stress-related to work or other commitments
• Anxiety 

Relationship problems- If you have had a pleasureful and satisfying sexual relationship with other partners, it can be possible that your interpersonal relationship with the current partner can affect your sexual performance. 

Sexual Problems and How they Affect Men?

Male sexual dysfunction can affect men in many ways and due to various reasons. The most common problems can be difficulty in getting and maintaining an erection, ejaculation problems, and loss of or reduced sexual desire. 

Ejaculation Disorders

Problems associated with ejaculation can be;

Premature ejaculation- A condition when a man ejaculates sooner during sexual intercourse than he or his partner desires.

Inhibited ejaculation- A condition when a man is unable to ejaculate.

Delayed ejaculated- A condition when it takes too long for a man to ejaculate

Retrograde ejaculation- A condition when ejaculation is forced back to the bladder instead of the penis.

The exact cause of problems with ejaculation is not clear. It can occur due to reasons like;

Psychological Causes

Psychological factors that might play a role in causing premature ejaculation are;

• Having sexual experiences too early
• Having a history of sexual abuse
• Poor body image
• Depression
• Anxiety 
• Stress
• Worrying and thinking too much that you may ejaculate sooner
• Guilty feelings that cause you to rush through sexual encounters

Other factors can be;

Erectile dysfunction- when men become too anxious to maintain an erection, they may rush in ejaculating. It is hard to correct this condition. 

Anxiety- when men are stressed or have anxiety about sexual performance or any other thing, they ejaculate prematurely. 

Relationship problems- if you have had a pleasureful and satisfying sexual relationship with other partners, it can be possible that your interpersonal relationship can affect your sexual performance with the current partner. 

Biological problems

Biological problems that can cause premature ejaculation can be;

Abnormal hormone levels or brain chemicals called neurotransmitters

Inflammation and infection of the prostate or urethra ( a tube that carries urine out of our body)

Inherited traits

Erectile Dysfunction 

It is a condition when the man is unable to get or maintain an erection during sexual intercourse. It can occur due to reasons like;

• Having any condition that causes hardening of the arteries like arteriosclerosis, due to which blood supply is affected
• Nerve disorders
• Stress, relationship 
• Conflicts with the partner
• Depression 
• Performance anxiety
• Injury to the penis 
• Having any chronic illness such as diabetes and high blood pressure
• Smoking
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Overeating
• Lack of exercise

Low libido 

Low libido or reduced sexual desire can occur due to a decline in male sex hormones. The male sex hormone is testosterone that regulates sex drive, hair growth, muscle mass, bone growth, and sperm production. 

Prevention 

To prevent sexual dysfunction, the following tips can help;

• Maintain a healthy weight and eat a balanced diet.
• Do not drink too much alcohol.
• Do not smoke too many cigarettes.
• Limit exposure to toxins and pesticides.
• If you have any sexually transmitted disease, get yourself treated for it.
• Be active physically. But do not over-exercise. 

Complications

Relationship issues

When you are unable to satisfy your partner during sex, your relationship may suffer. You may also feel embarrassed and guilty. However, you should talk to your partner and try to pave a way, so both parties are comfortable.

Difficulty in conception

When you are unable to ejaculate properly during vaginal intercourse, it can lead to fertility problems. 

Treatment 

To treat sexual dysfunction, the following things may help;

• Medication
• Counseling sessions 
• Right sex techniques
• Treating the underlying condition causing it

Conclusion 

Sexual dysfunction in males can be bothering. In most cases, it can occur due to any other underlying condition. Therefore treating it can help get rid of sexual dysfunction. You should not feel embarrassed to seek professional help for any sexual difficulty you face in your sexual activity.