s*xual health issues in men can have a great impact on their overall health and quality of life. These problems cover a wide range of issues that affect – s*xual desire, satisfaction as well as performance.
In India, many people feel ashamed talking about s*xual problems as it is considered taboo. This leads them to avoid discussing or seeking help for these problems.
While dealing with these problems in itself is quite challenging, they also often lead to other issues like loss of interest in s*x, depression, anxiety, etc. It is crucial to understand these common men’s s*xual problems and their available treatment options.
Common treatments for these problems are – lifestyle changes, counselling, medications, or a treatment plan as a combination of both. If you need professional help, visit Prime Purush – a solution for all your s*xual health problems.
In this article, we’ll discuss the common men s*xual problems and their treatment options. We will also provide tips to help prevent these problems from occurring.
What Is s*xual Dysfunction?
s*xual dysfunction refers to any problem that prevents an individual from enjoying their s*xual relationships fully, including both physical and psychological influences.
Most causes of s*xual dysfunction can be treated, so consulting a Planned Parenthood health centre nurse or doctor could be invaluable in pinpointing its source and finding effective remedies.
These problems are most frequently caused by – low levels of testosterone, wrong use of prescription drugs, diabetes, high blood pressure, alcohol abuse and smoking.
About Male s*xual Health Problems
s*xual problems in men encompass various conditions that affect s*xual function, performance, or satisfaction, potentially impacting s*xual activity and relationships.
Common male s*xual health problems include,
- Erectile dysfunction (difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection)
- Premature ejaculation (ejaculating too quickly)
- Low libido (reduced s*xual desire)
- Penile curvature (abnormal bending of the penis)
These men problems can have physical, psychological, or lifestyle-related causes and effects. Addressing them often requires medical intervention, lifestyle changes, counselling, or a combination of all the approaches.
By understanding and addressing this s*xual problem for males, individuals can seek appropriate treatment and enhance their overall s*xual, physical and mental well-being.
Causes of s*xual Health Problems in Men
There are several common causes of s*xual problems in males. Some of these include:
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- Psychological factors like stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship problems.
- Physical health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, obesity and high blood pressure.
- Certain medications can also affect s*xual health.
- Unhealthy lifestyle habits like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and substance abuse.
- The decline in testosterone levels due to ageing.
- Trauma, surgeries, or injuries affecting the genital area.
- Hormonal imbalances (particularly involving testosterone).
- Problems within a relationship or lack of emotional intimacy.
Common s*xual Health Concerns in Men and Their Treatment Options
Here are some common s*xual health concerns that affect men and their treatment options:
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, refers to the inability to achieve and maintain an erection that is firm enough for s*xual intercourse. Experiencing occasional difficulties with erections may not necessarily be a cause for alarm. However, if erectile dysfunction becomes a persistent issue, it can lead to stress, impact self-confidence, and contribute to relationship problems.
Men’s erectile disorder could have various causes, both physical and psychological. Physical reasons consist of various underlying medical conditions that have an effect on blood flow, nerve function, or hormone levels, including diabetes, coronary heart disorder, excessive blood strain, obesity, hormonal imbalances, etc.
In addition, medicines, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, substance abuse, and previous surgeries or accidents within the pelvic place can also increase the chances of erectile dysfunction.
Psychological factors also can play a big role in erectile disorder. Anxiety, stress, depression, and relationship issues can all make contributions to causing difficulties in attaining or retaining an erection.
Nearly 52% of men experience some or the other form of erectile dysfunction at some point in time. If a person experiences any of the following, they may have ED:
- Unable to get an erection at any time.
- Able to get an erection, but it doesn’t last long enough for s*x.
- Sometimes able to get an erection, but not every time they want to have s*x.
If you are experiencing this s*xual trouble, consult a healthcare professional. They can help you to identify the root cause and provide appropriate treatment and counselling to deal with the issues.
Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Options
Here are some common treatment options for men’s erectile problems:
- Lifestyle Changes
You can try adopting a healthy lifestyle to improve your overall s*xual health. Some lifestyle changes that will be beneficial may include regular exercise, weight management, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and stress management.
- Oral Medications
You can also take oral medications if prescribed by your doctor to treat these problems. Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, i.e. sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra) are some medicines to treat erectile dysfunction. These medications will help to maintain an erection by increasing the blood flow to the penis.
- Counselling or Therapy
Psychological counselling, couples therapy, or s*x therapy can be beneficial for individuals with ED, especially if psychological factors are contributing to the condition. These therapies can address performance anxiety, relationship issues, or other underlying psychological concerns.
- Penile Injections or Suppositories
Medications can be directly injected into the penis or inserted as suppositories to induce an erection. These medications increase blood flow and can be effective when oral medications are not suitable or effective.
- Surgery
In more severe cases or when other treatments are unsuccessful, surgical options like penile implants may be considered. These implants provide the ability to have an erection on demand.
Low Libido
Low libido, also referred to as low s*x drive, pertains to a reduction in the frequency and/or intensity of s*xual desire that was previously experienced. It mostly occurs as a temporary condition but is known to also persist over an extended period.
Libido encompasses an individual’s overall s*xual drive or inclination to engage in s*xual activities, encompassing both partnered s*x and masturbation. It is a multifaceted aspect influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. Biologically, libido is regulated by s*x hormones (such as testosterone).
If reduced libido persists and causes distress, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended. They can identify the underlying cause and suggest appropriate treatments, such as addressing medical conditions, therapy, lifestyle changes, or medication adjustments.
Low Libido Treatment Options
Here are some treatment options for low libido in men:
- Address Underlying Health Issues
The best way to treat low libido in men is by addressing the root cause of the problem. This problem often surfaces due to underlying medical conditions, i.e. hormonal imbalances, diabetes, or obesity. You can take medications or make necessary lifestyle changes to see improvement.
- Counselling or Therapy
If psychological factors contribute to low libido, counselling or therapy can be significantly beneficial. This may involve different approaches like individual therapy, couples therapy, or s*x therapy to address underlying emotional or relationship issues.
- Medication Adjustments
Sometimes, even certain medications can lead to low libido in men. So, if medications are causing this problem, make sure you discuss the issue with a doctor. They may advise adjusting your medication to avoid any side effects.
Most men suffer from low libido due to decreased testosterone levels. If this is the main problem, TRT may be prescribed to boost hormone levels and improve libido. However, TRT is only recommended when testosterone deficiency is confirmed through appropriate testing and evaluation.
- Lifestyle Changes
Opting for a healthy lifestyle can help to improve your libido. It includes regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, managing stress, getting enough sleep, and reducing alcohol and substance use.
- Communication and Relationship Enhancement
Open communication with a partner about desires, needs, and concerns can help improve intimacy and s*xual desire. Relationship counselling or couples therapy can also be beneficial in addressing relationship issues that may contribute to low libido.
- Premature Ejaculation (PE)
Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common s*xual problem in men. It occurs when a man experiences ejaculation earlier than normal. A common symptom of this problem includes a lack of control over ejaculation, leading to frustration.
Premature ejaculation is of two types:
- Lifelong (Primary) PE
It refers to experiencing early ejaculation throughout one’s s*xual life, often starting from the first s*xual encounters.
- Acquired (Secondary) PE
It occurs when a person develops this problem after having normal ejaculation control previously.
The root cause of premature ejaculation is not fully understood. However, it may result from a combination of psychological, physical, and biological factors.
Psychological factors may include – performance anxiety, stress, relationship problems, etc. Biological factors, i.e. abnormal hormone levels or genetic predisposition, may also contribute to premature ejaculation. Similarly, physical factors can include lack of exercise and movement, injuries etc.
PE can occur due to the following:
- Low levels of serotonin in the brain, which can speed up the time it takes to ejaculate
- Feelings of depression
- Stress
- Anxiety about s*xual performance
- Lack of confidence
- Issues within relationships
- Ageing
If you are facing this problem, make sure you consult a healthcare professional.
Premature Ejaculation Treatment Options
Here are some effective treatment options for premature ejaculation:
- Behavioural Techniques
This problem can be treated by various behavioural techniques, i.e. start-stop method (where s*xual stimulation is paused to delay ejaculation) or the squeeze technique (which involves applying pressure to the base of the penis to prevent ejaculation). These techniques can help improve ejaculation control.
- Counselling or Therapy
Psychological counselling, s*x therapy, or couples therapy can address underlying psychological factors contributing to PE and provide guidance for developing coping strategies and improving s*xual satisfaction.
- Medications
Various medications can also help with premature ejaculation. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, or topical anaesthetics may be helpful. However, make sure you take these medicines under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
- Combination Therapy
A combination of behavioural techniques and medication may be recommended for individuals with severe PE or those who do not respond to other treatment options.
- Topical Numbing Creams or Sprays
Applying these products to the penis before s*xual activity can temporarily decrease sensitivity and prolong the time before ejaculation.
Delayed Ejaculation
Delayed ejaculation refers to the condition where a person is unable to ejaculate at their desired time, resulting in a significant delay or absence of ejaculation altogether. Certain individuals may find that achieving orgasm and ejaculating requires prolonged stimulation, despite having normal s*xual desire and erection.
This difficulty can be specific to s*xual intercourse with a partner or present consistently, including during masturbation. While delayed ejaculation may or may not lead to relationship issues or feelings of embarrassment, it is identified by the following indicators:
- Inability to ejaculate promptly, experiencing an unwanted delay of 30 to 60 minutes
- Failure to ejaculate in at least half of s*xual encounters
Delayed ejaculation can be a temporary occurrence or a lifelong challenge. It is not uncommon for some men to encounter it occasionally. However, it becomes a concern when it causes distress for either the individual experiencing it or their partner.
This problem can either be temporary or permanent, depending on the root cause. Here are some reasons why men may experience delayed ejaculation:
- Certain medications
- Alcohol and drug use
- Pelvic or genital injury or surgery
- Hormonal conditions
- Multiple sclerosis
- Nerve damage
- Stress or fatigue
- Ageing
It is best to visit a healthcare professional and get expert consultation if you are suffering from this problem. They can help with proper diagnosis and offer appropriate treatment options.
Delayed Ejaculation Treatment Options
Treating delayed ejaculation can involve the following options:
- Therapy or Counselling
Psychological factors such as anxiety, performance pressure, or relationship issues can contribute to delayed ejaculation. Therapy or counselling can help address these underlying concerns, reduce anxiety, and improve s*xual satisfaction.
- Medication Adjustments
Doctors may make a few adjustments to your medications to treat this problem. There are certain medications that may cause side effects and lead to delayed ejaculation. For example, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Adjusting the dosage or choosing an alternative medicine can help.
- Behavioural Techniques
Certain techniques can help improve s*xual response and orgasmic function. These may include varying levels of s*xual stimulation, using different positions or methods during s*xual activity, or incorporating s*x toys or vibrators.
- Couples Therapy
Involving a partner in therapy sessions can be beneficial, as it can address relationship dynamics, enhance communication, and explore ways to increase intimacy and pleasure.
Retrograde Ejaculation
Retrograde ejaculation happens when instead of exiting the penis, semen reverses its course and moves back into the bladder during ejaculation. Indications of retrograde ejaculation involve experiencing minimal or no ejaculation during orgasm, as well as observing cloudy urine after orgasm.
This problem can occur due to different reasons, such as:
- Certain medications, like some antidepressants or drugs for urinary problems
- Surgical procedures that may affect the nerves or blood vessels
- Surgeries for prostate enlargement, such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
- Nerve damage caused by diabetes
- Medical conditions, including multiple sclerosis
If retrograde ejaculation causes concerns or difficulties, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to explore potential treatment options.
Retrograde Ejaculation Treatment Options
Treating retrograde ejaculation can involve the following options:
- Medications
Certain medications can help improve bladder neck function and prevent semen from entering the bladder. These may include alpha-adrenergic agonists, such as pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, which help tighten the bladder neck muscles.
- Changing Medications
If retrograde ejaculation is caused by a medication, you’re currently taking. Your doctor may consider switching to an alternative medication that doesn’t have this side effect.
- Treatment of Underlying Conditions
Retrograde ejaculation can be caused by certain medical conditions like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or bladder neck surgery. Treating or managing these underlying conditions may help alleviate retrograde ejaculation symptoms.
- Surgical Intervention
In some cases, surgery may be considered to correct anatomical abnormalities or repair the bladder neck. This option is typically explored if other treatments haven’t been successful.
Tips to Prevent s*xual Health Problems in Men
Here are some tips to prevent s*xual health problems in men:
- Live a healthy lifestyle
- Manage existing health conditions
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid harmful substances
- Seek psychotherapy if needed
- Talk to a healthcare professional
By taking these preventive measures and seeking appropriate guidance when needed, individuals can reduce the risk of experiencing male problems and promote overall well-being.
Conclusion
s*xual dysfunction encompasses various disorders that impact s*xual function. Individuals experiencing persistent issues with erections, ejaculation, or s*x drive should consult a doctor or healthcare professional.
Underlying health conditions, psychological factors, or medication can contribute to s*xual dysfunction. The good news is that effective treatments are available, ranging from lifestyle changes and medicines to therapy and counselling. Seeking professional help and open communication are key steps towards addressing and managing these concerns.
If you want to explore further resources and solutions for male s*xual health, consider checking out Prime Purush, an all-inclusive platform dedicated to male s*xual problems and solutions.
FAQs
1. How to find a s*xual problem doctor near me?
You can easily find a s*xual problem doctor near you by using online directories. In addition, you can also contact your primary care physician and ask for a referral.
2. What are 3 s*xual health issues men should be aware of?
Common s*xual health issues in men include conditions like erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and infertility.
3. What is the most common treatment for s*xual dysfunction?
Treatment for s*xual dysfunction involves addressing underlying causes. Physical causes may be treated with medication or mechanical aids. Psychological causes can be addressed through counselling, therapy, behaviour modification, and education.