#HealthBytes: Common male sex issues, how to deal with them
A healthy and satisfying sex life is crucial for a couple's overall mental, physical and emotional well-being. Sex is supposed to be enjoyable, but in case it's not, something needs to be fixed. A sex problem or sexual dysfunction can be anything that prevents you from getting the desired satisfaction from sexual activity/intercourse. Here are common sex problems in men, and what to do.
Causes of sexual dysfunction in men
The cause for sexual dysfunction can be physical or psychological. Physical causes include low testosterone, medical conditions such as diabetes and vascular diseases, certain medications, drug abuse, smoking, and alcoholism. On the other hand, psychological reasons include stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues etc.
Erectile dysfunction (ED)
Erectile dysfunction (ED) or male impotence, is a medical condition in which a man is unable to develop and/or maintain firm penile erection, required for sexual activity. Potential causes for ED include natural aging, certain medications, vascular disease, diabetes, stress and depression. Generally, to prevent ED, following a healthy diet and lifestyle is suggested. But, if it doesn't go, you should see your doctor.
Premature ejaculation
Premature ejaculation (or early ejaculation) affects nearly 30% of men. As the name suggests, premature ejaculation is a condition in which a man rapidly ejaculates after sexual stimulation (usually within less than a minute), leaving the partners sexually dissatisfied. Causes of PE include stress, depression, anxiety, issues in relationship, and low self-esteem. If PE strikes your sex life, talk to your doctor for treatment.
Other ejaculatory disorders
Apart from Premature ejaculation, there exist other ejaculatory disorders as well: Inhibited ejaculation: When ejaculation takes too long to occur, it is called inhibited or delayed ejaculation. Retrograde ejaculation: When at the time of orgasm, the ejaculate is forced back into the bladder, instead of getting discharged through the urethra and out of the end of penis, it is known as retrograde ejaculation.
Low libido
It might happen that a man loses the natural desire or drive to have sex. Common factors linked with low libido are stress, anxiety, depression, certain medications, and some medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. If you witness a drop in your level of sexual desire over time, talk to your doctor about the underlying reason, and seek apt treatment.
